Issaquah, WA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Section 110.4 of the Construction Administrative Code (IMC 16.04.010) sets the sequence. Footing and foundation inspections come after poles or piers are set or trenches or basement areas are excavated and all hold-down anchor bolts, straps, forms and reinforcing steel are in place. Concrete slab and under-floor inspections occur before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed. In flood hazard areas an elevation certificate for the lowest floor is submitted to the Building Official before further vertical construction (110.4.3), and exterior wall sheathing and roof sheathing are inspected after framing but before covering, with no roof coverings installed until approval.

Rough-in plumbing, mechanical, gas piping and electrical are inspected after the roof, framing, fire-blocking and bracing are complete, before fixtures are set and before the framing inspection; no connections to primary utilities may be made until the rough-in is inspected and approved. Replacement heating equipment serving an occupied portion of a structure can operate if an inspection request is filed within 48 hours after the replacement work is completed. Framing inspections follow once the building is substantially dried in. Further stages cover lath and gypsum board, weather-exposed balcony waterproofing, fire-resistance-rated construction and energy efficiency, and multiunit residential buildings need a Chapter 64.55 RCW building enclosure letter before a final certificate of occupancy.

The permit holder or authorized agent must notify the Building Official when work is ready (110.6) and keep the work visible and accessible until approved (110.1). The City is not liable for the cost of removing or replacing materials to allow inspection. Section 110.7 requires approval before work goes past each inspection point, and noncompliant portions must be corrected and not covered until authorized. Section 110.4.15 requires a final inspection after all permitted work is complete. After-hours inspections are listed at $100 per hour with a 4 hour minimum per inspector plus equipment rate.