Martinez, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Under California Building Code Section 110 as adopted by Martinez Municipal Code Title 15, every permitted project is subject to a sequence of mandatory inspections before work may proceed to the next phase. Typical residential inspection points include: setback/form inspection before concrete placement, foundation reinforcement before pour, underground plumbing before backfill, rough framing after mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in is complete, insulation before drywall, drywall nailing, and final inspection at completion. Inspections are requested online through the Martinez permit portal or by phone to the Building Division, and must be called in by 3:00 PM the business day before the desired inspection. Inspectors post green tags (approved), yellow tags (correction notice), or red tags (stop work) on the jobsite. Any work that has been covered, concealed, or backfilled without the required inspection must be uncovered for inspection at the permit holder's expense, per CBC Section 110.4. A certificate of occupancy is required before a new dwelling, commercial space, or tenant improvement may be lawfully occupied. Reinspection fees apply when work is not ready, access is denied, or corrections have not been completed by the follow-up visit. Title 24 Part 6 energy verifications may require a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) rater inspection in addition to city inspection, particularly for duct testing and refrigerant charge verification. Special inspections by a deputy inspector (structural steel, epoxy anchors, high-strength bolting, shotcrete) are required for certain commercial and large residential projects under CBC Chapter 17.