Kirkland, WA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Chapter 21.06 KMC, the city's construction administrative code, sets the mandatory inspection sequence for any project permitted under the adopted technical codes. KMC 21.06.420 requires that all permitted work remain accessible and exposed for inspection until the building official approves it, and makes clear that a passed inspection never authorizes a code violation. KMC 21.06.435 directs the building official, once notified, to make the specific inspections listed in Sections 21.06.440 through 21.06.515: footing and foundation inspection, after excavation, forms, hold-downs and rebar are in place, per 21.06.440; concrete slab and under-floor inspection, before concrete is poured, per 21.06.445; exterior wall sheathing and roof sheathing inspections, after framing but before covering, per 21.06.455 and .460; an IMC/UPC/gas/NEC rough-in inspection, per 21.06.465; a frame inspection, made after roof deck, framing, fire blocking, bracing, rough electrical, plumbing and fire suppression piping are complete and the building is substantially dry, per 21.06.470; an energy code inspection covering insulation, envelope, plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, per 21.06.490; and a final inspection after all permitted work is complete, per 21.06.515.

Electrical work carries its own inspection track under 21.06.495, covering underground, rough-in and final stages. Before any permit issues, the building official can also conduct a preliminary inspection of the site under 21.06.425. If a scheduled inspection finds work incomplete, prior corrections not made, plans missing from the site, or the building inaccessible, KMC 21.06.500 authorizes the city to assess a reinspection fee and withhold further inspections until it's paid. Permit holders must request each inspection and keep the site accessible under 21.06.525.