Pitt County, NC Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Section 19 of the Building Codes Enforcement Ordinance lists the required inspections: a footing inspection after trenches, grade stakes, reinforcing steel and forms are in place but before concrete is poured; a pre-underslab inspection after electrical, plumbing and HVAC facilities, crushed stone, vapor barrier and reinforcing steel are installed but before concrete; a foundation and pre-sub-floor inspection after foundation supports and floor joists are installed; a frame inspection and rough-in after the roof, framing, fire-blocking and bracing are up and all pipes, electrical panel and wire, receptacle and fixture boxes, and HVAC vents are in place but before they are covered; an insulation inspection after rough-ins are complete and insulation installed but before finishes are applied; and a final inspection after the building is complete and ready for occupancy.

It is the permit holder's or agent's responsibility to give timely notice and schedule each inspection. Section 20 bars work from proceeding beyond any inspection point until the Inspections Department gives written approval by signing the relevant section of the building card posted on the job site, and separately requires notice before reinforcing steel or structural framework is covered, and before plaster is applied over lathing installed for fire protection. Section 18 gives authorized Inspections Department personnel the right to enter any premises within their jurisdiction for inspection, to the extent state law allows, upon presenting proper credentials, and Section 21 lets the department require independent tests or test reports at the owner's expense where necessary to verify code compliance.

Section 23 bars occupancy of a new building, or a change in occupancy or use, until the department issues a certificate of occupancy, though a temporary certificate may be issued for specific portions found safe before the whole project is complete.