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El Paso, TX Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Core inspection authority
Building official, § 18.02.107.1
Existing-building inspections
Tied to alter/repair permits
Non-business-hour inspection minimum
2 hours charged
Weekend/holiday inspections
Require prior approval
Failed-inspection charge
Established re-inspection fee
Citation
El Paso City Code § 18.02.107.1

Summary

El Paso's building official inspects permitted work as it progresses and can require corrections before releasing it for the next stage, under City Code § 18.02.107.1. Inspections outside regular business hours or by appointment cost an established fee with a two-hour minimum under § 18.02.107.10, and a failed inspection triggers a separate re-inspection fee under § 18.02.106.27.

18.02.107.1 - Inspections. The building official, upon notification from the permit holder or his agent shall make the following inspections and such other inspections as necessary, and shall either release that portion of the construction or shall notify the permit holder or his agent of any violations which must be corrected in order to comply with the technical codes. 18.02.107.10 - ...Inspections requested for weekends, city-observed holidays, or other times outside regular business hours of the department shall be subject to prior approval of the building official. A minimum of two hours shall be charged for non-business hour inspection requests and inspections by appointment, which shall be paid before the inspection will be scheduled.

Full Breakdown

2 lets the official examine any building, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system tied to a permit application to enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, install or change occupancy, and requires the official to inspect "from time to time, during and upon completion of the work" and keep a record of every examination and any code violations found. 02 Building and Construction Administrative Code, were adopted by Ord. No. 019528 on August 1, 2023.

Violations & Fines

A property that fails an inspection owes the established re-inspection fee under § 18.02.106.27 before the next inspection is scheduled, and the building official can withhold release of that stage of construction under § 18.02.107.1 until the documented violations are corrected, delaying the certificate of occupancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who inspects permitted construction work in El Paso?
The building official, under § 18.02.107.1, inspects work upon notice from the permit holder and either releases that stage of construction or notifies the permit holder of violations that must be corrected before work can continue.
Can I schedule an inspection on a Saturday?
Only with prior approval. Section 18.02.107.10 subjects weekend, city-holiday, and after-hours inspection requests to the building official's approval and charges a minimum two-hour fee that must be paid before the visit is scheduled.
What happens if my project fails its inspection?
Section 18.02.106.27 charges an established re-inspection fee whenever work fails to comply with the Code, the technical codes, or the Fire Prevention Code, or wasn't ready when the inspector arrived, and that fee must be paid before the next visit.
Does El Paso inspect existing buildings, not just new construction?
Yes. Section 18.02.107.2 lets the building official examine an existing building's systems whenever a permit application seeks to alter, repair, move, demolish or change its occupancy, with a record kept of every inspection and violation found.

Sources & Official References

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