San Rafael, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Chapter 12.110 sets the inspection sequence for any permitted construction. Section 12.110.010 requires all permitted work to "remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes until approved," and puts that duty on the owner or authorized agent; the city is not liable for the cost of removing or replacing material to allow an inspection. Before a permit even issues, the building official may conduct a preliminary inspection of the site (Section 12.110.020). Section 12.110.030 lists the required inspection stages: footing and foundation, made after excavation and any required reinforcing steel is placed and before concrete pour; concrete slab and under-floor, after in-slab reinforcing and building service equipment are in place but before concrete or subfloor; a building-elevation certification for flood hazard areas; exterior shear wall, before siding; frame inspection, after the roof, framing, and rough electrical, plumbing and HVAC are in, with moisture content of framing verified under the California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 4, Division 4.5; insulation; lath and gypsum board; weather-exposed balcony waterproofing; fire-resistant penetrations; energy-efficiency compliance for insulation and HVAC values; any other inspection the building official deems necessary; special inspections under Chapter 17; and the final inspection, made "after all work required by the building permit is completed," which in a flood hazard area also requires FEMA elevation documentation before it can be signed off (Section 12.110.030.13.1).

A business license inspection under Section 12.110.030.14 applies whenever a building changes ownership, tenant, or use requiring a new business license, checking fire, health and safety compliance. The permit holder must request each inspection and provide site access (Section 12.110.050); work cannot proceed past an uncorrected, unapproved stage (Section 12.110.060). If a scheduled inspection finds the work not ready, the building official can require the applicant to pay in advance for the added inspection under Section 12.110.030.15.