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Imperial County, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 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.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Imperial County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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)

View official code

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?
The Imperial County Building Official, part of Planning and Development Services, inspects all permitted building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical work under Section 91002.03 before approving occupancy.
What code governs the inspection stages?
The county adopts the 2022 California Building Code by reference at Section 91003.00, so standard foundation, framing and final inspection stages follow that code's requirements.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Imperial County

All Imperial County rules

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