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

Code Sec. 3-55(a)(1) lists five required building-permit inspection stages: a site inspection made upon application, a foundation inspection after trenches and forms are ready but before concrete is poured, a framing inspection after all structural framing and rough-in plumbing, electrical, and heating are installed but before anything is enclosed, a fireproofing inspection, and a final inspection after doors are hung and fixtures set but before occupancy. Plumbing, electrical, and heating/air-conditioning permits follow parallel rough-in and final stages (Sec. 3-55(1)(2)-(4)). Permit holders or their agents must request each inspection from the Department of Inspections on department forms, and the department must inspect within twenty-four hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) of the requested date or the work may lawfully proceed without it (Sec.

3-55(b)). Approval or rejection is issued as a notice posted on the building or given to the permit holder, and failing to request an inspection at each stage is itself a violation. A certificate of occupancy is required before any new, altered, or enlarged building may be occupied, and the department must issue it within twenty-four hours of final approval or it is deemed granted (Sec. 3-55(c)). Inspectors may enter premises for inspection between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, on presentation of credentials (Sec.

3-57(b)), and may issue written stop orders for hazardous or noncompliant work (Sec. 3-57(c)). Reinspections beyond the one included with the permit fee cost $40.00 each under Appendix F.