Imperial County, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Imperial County Code Sec. 91002.03
- Adopted code
- 2022 CA Building Code by reference
- Unpermitted work penalty
- Permit fee doubled
- Appeal body
- 7-member Board of Appeals
- Appeal window
- 10 days to Board of Supervisors
Summary
Imperial County's Building Official inspects every permitted building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical job before signing off, and a certificate of occupancy only issues once the work passes.
C.Administer and fully enforce the provisions of this Division in a manner consistent with accepted public protection practice and inspect all work authorized by any permit to assure full compliance with the provisions of this Division or amendments thereto, approving or disapproving said work in whole or in part as conditions require.D.Issue a "Certificate of Occupancy" for work approved by the authorized Division staff, as required.E.Disapprove and reject all work done or being done or material(s) used or being used which do not in all respects fully comply with the provisions of this Division and amendments thereto.F.Order changes in workmanship and/or materials essential to obtain compliance with all provisions of this Division.G.Investigate any construction or work regulated by this Division and issue such appropriate notices and orders as provided in Section 91002.05 and elsewhere in this Division.H.Keep a complete record of all the essential transactions of this office.I.Transfer all fees collected by the Division to the proper authority provided by law to receive such funds.J.Issue orders and citations necessary to fully enforce the provisions of this Division, and assist in the prosecution thereof if necessary. (Ord. No. 1565, §§ 7, 8, 12-15-20)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Under Section 91002.03, the Building Official administers and fully enforces Title 9 by inspecting all work done under a permit, approving or disapproving it in whole or in part, and issuing a certificate of occupancy only for work the division has approved. The county adopts the 2022 California Building Code by reference (Section 91003.00), so the technical inspection sequence follows that code. Disputes over an inspector's call go to the seven-member Board of Appeals (Section 91002.18) within ten days, then to the Board of Supervisors.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit doubles the fee under Section 91002.02(B), and covering work before it's inspected and approved is a Division 2 violation the Building Official can cite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who inspects building work in unincorporated Imperial County?
What code governs the inspection stages?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.