Chico, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- CMC § 16.14.020
- Inspection stages
- 5: foundation, slab, frame, lath, final
- Request notice
- 24 hours before inspection, § 16.14.070
- Steel/framing rule
- Inspected before covered or concealed
Summary
Chico requires five building-official inspections during construction: foundation, slab/underfloor, frame, lath/wallboard, and final, before work may proceed past each stage.
A. Inspection by Building Official. The building official shall make the following inspections of all work on a building or structure for which a basic building permit is required... 1. Foundation Inspection... 3. Frame Inspection. A frame inspection shall be made after the roof, all framing, fireblocking, and bracing are in place; all pipes, chimneys, and vents are complete... 5. Final Inspection. A final inspection shall be made after finish grading on the building is completed and ready for occupancy.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Under Chico Municipal Code § 16.14.020, the building official inspects permitted work at fixed stages and must approve each before covered work continues: a foundation inspection after trenches are excavated and forms erected; a slab/underfloor inspection before concrete or floor sheeting is placed; a frame inspection once roof framing, fireblocking, bracing, and rough electrical/plumbing/HVAC are in place; a lath or wallboard inspection before plaster or taping; and a final inspection after finish grading, when the building is ready for occupancy. Reinforcing steel or structural framework must be inspected before it is covered. Fire and life-safety inspections run separately under the fire chief for most non-single-family occupancies.
Violations & Fines
Covering or concealing work before the required stage inspection is approved violates § 16.14.010; the building official may order the work exposed for inspection, and further construction is barred until it passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five required building inspections in Chico?
How much notice does a Chico permit holder give before an inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California building safety overview
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