Novato, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Inspection rules sit in Section 110 of the administrative provisions adopted by Novato Municipal Code § 4-1.3. Work covered by a permit stays open to inspection by the building official or a designee, and the permit applicant must keep it visible and accessible until approved. Neither the building official nor the City is liable for the expense of removing or replacing material to allow inspection. Reinforcing steel and structural framework cannot be covered or concealed without approval.

The staged inspections follow construction order. Footing and foundation inspection comes after excavations are complete and required reinforcing steel is in place. Slab and under-floor inspection comes before concrete is placed or subfloor sheathing is installed. Rough plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical inspection comes before covering, before fixtures or appliances are set, and before the framing inspection. In flood hazard areas, once the lowest floor is placed and before further vertical construction, a flood elevation certificate prepared and sealed by a registered design professional must be submitted. Frame inspection follows the roof deck or sheathing, framing, fire-blocking and bracing. Masonry is inspected before grouting cells, and lath and gypsum board before plaster or before joints and fasteners are taped and finished.

Fire-resistance-rated assemblies, smoke barriers and penetrations stay exposed until inspected. Energy inspections cover envelope insulation, fenestration, duct systems, lighting controls, heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment and water heating. CALGreen inspections are made by a special inspector hired and paid for by the permit holder and approved by the building official, who can instead conduct them directly. The official can also accept a licensed contractor's signed self-certification for designated inspections or waive inspections for minor work.

The permit holder or agent must notify the building official when work is ready. The official can withhold an inspection if the work appears to differ from the approved plans without an approved amendment. Under Section 110.6, work cannot go past an inspection point without approval. The final inspection comes after the permitted work is complete.