Greensboro, NC Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Section 6-61(a) requires immediate notice to the building inspector at the start of construction, alteration, repair or removal work under a permit, and at least 24 hours' notice before demolition begins. Section 6-61(b) then lists the seven inspection stages a builder must call for in order. The location and footing inspection happens after trenches are dug, grade stakes set and reinforcing steel placed, but before any concrete is poured; if the property line is in question, the builder must supply a licensed surveyor's survey. The under-slab inspection follows, covering anything that will be hidden under a concrete slab.

Next comes the foundation and crawl space inspection, checking supports, leveling, clearances and drainage. The rough-in inspection covers framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire protection systems before walls, ceilings or insulation cover them. The building framing inspection follows, with pipes, chimneys, vents, flashing and structural lintels left visible for the inspector. The insulation inspection comes after framing and rough-in pass and after the roof covering goes on, but before wall or ceiling covering. The final inspection closes out each trade's work. Section 6-61 states directly that the final plumbing, electrical, mechanical and fire inspections must be approved before the final building inspection can be made.

Section 6-62 gives the building inspector power to enter public or private property at any reasonable hour to enforce the code, and Section 6-63 requires the inspector to issue a certificate of compliance once completed work conforms to state law and city ordinances.