San Rafael, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Owner duty
- Keep work visible and accessible until inspected
- Stages
- 14 required inspections under § 12.110.030.1-.14
- Final inspection
- After all permitted work is complete
- Flood zones
- FEMA elevation cert required before final
- Business license
- New inspection on ownership/use change
- Enforcement
- Uninspected/concealed work is a Title 12 violation
Summary
San Rafael's building official inspects permitted construction at fourteen defined stages, from footing and foundation through final inspection, under Chapter 12.110. Owners must keep permitted work accessible until each stage is approved, and flood-zone projects need a FEMA elevation certification before the final sign-off.
The building official, upon notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections 12.110.030.1 through 12.110.030.14. ... Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any required forms shall be in place prior to inspection. ... The final inspection shall be made after all work required by the building permit is completed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
110 sets the inspection sequence for any permitted construction. 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. 020). 1). 14 applies whenever a building changes ownership, tenant, or use requiring a new business license, checking fire, health and safety compliance. 060). 15.
Violations & Fines
Concealing or covering work before it passes the required inspection is enforceable the same as any other Title 12 violation: Section 12.114.010 makes it unlawful to construct, alter or occupy work in conflict with the code, and Section 12.114.040 subjects the responsible party to the penalties prescribed by law, with each day a violation continues chargeable as a separate offense under Section 12.114.030. The building official can also issue a stop work order under Chapter 12.115.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for scheduling building inspections in San Rafael?
What inspections does a typical San Rafael remodel go through?
What happens at the final San Rafael building inspection?
Does changing tenants in a San Rafael commercial building trigger an inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California building safety overview
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