Modesto, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspection sequence
- Foundation, slab, frame, energy, final
- Governing sections
- Modesto Code §§ 9-1.801 to 9-1.815
- Reinspection fee trigger
- Unready work, no access, plan deviation
- First rejection
- No fee for first noncompliant inspection
- Administering office
- Building Safety Division
Summary
Modesto's Building Official runs a fixed sequence of inspections, footing and foundation, concrete slab, frame and masonry, energy efficiency, and final, before work can be covered or occupied. Owners must keep work visible for each inspection or pay a reinspection fee when work is called before it is ready.
9-1.801 - General. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Building Official and such construction or work shall remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes until approved... 9-1.815 - Reinspections. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when required corrections have not been made. This provision is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time an inspection is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this Code...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
815, sets Modesto's inspection sequence. 801 makes all permitted construction subject to inspection and requires the owner or agent to keep the work visible and accessible until approved; the city is not liable for costs of removing material to allow inspection. 813 can be scheduled, and reinforced steel or structural framework cannot be covered without prior approval. 814). 815 authorizes reinspection fees, set by City Council resolution, when approved plans are unavailable to the inspector, access is not provided on the scheduled date, or work deviates from approved plans; the first rejected inspection for noncompliance does not itself trigger a fee, but repeat unready calls do, and no further inspection proceeds until an assessed reinspection fee is paid.
Violations & Fines
Covering foundation, framing, or other required-inspection work before it is approved, or failing to provide access on a scheduled inspection date, exposes the permit holder to reinspection fees under Section 9-1.815 and can require exposing the concealed work again at the owner's expense. Occupying or using a structure before final inspection and approval under Section 9-1.814 violates the Building Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspections does a Modesto building permit require?
Can I cover foundation work before it is inspected?
Does Modesto charge for a failed inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California building safety overview
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