Rowan County, NC Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Under Sec. 7-80(a), the codes enforcement department inspects all buildings and structures for which a permit of any kind has been issued as often as necessary to confirm compliance with the chapter and the appropriate regulatory codes. Sec. 7-80(c) requires every permit holder, or their agent, to notify the department and the appropriate inspector at four defined stages so approval can be given before work continues: a foundation inspection after trenches are excavated and reinforcement and forms are placed but before concrete is poured (with drilled footings and piles inspected as installed); a framing inspection after structural framing and the rough-in of plumbing, electrical, and heating are complete, and fire blocking, chimneys, bracing, and vents are installed, but before the structure is enclosed; a fireproofing inspection after lathing but before plastering; and a final inspection after doors are hung and fixtures set, before the building is occupied.

Sec. 7-81 adds that requests for inspection go to the codes enforcement office, work must be ready and accessible when the request is made, and anything concealed before inspection must be uncovered again at the inspector's request. Failing to call for an inspection, or proceeding past a stage without approval, is a violation of Chapter 7 under Sec. 7-81(c). The department itself, per Sec. 7-76, is made up of a codes enforcement supervisor, plumbing inspector, heating-air conditioning inspector, and electrical inspector appointed by the Board of Commissioners.