Tustin, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspection stages
- 12 numbered stages, §110.3.1-.12
- Energy code check
- Title 24, Part 6 standards
- Enforcing official
- Tustin Building Official
- Special inspectors
- Must be City-listed, Ch. 17
Summary
In the City of Tustin, the Building Official runs required inspections in a fixed sequence under City Code § 8102(m), which amends California Building Code § 110.3: grading and excavation, footing and foundation, concrete slab, framing, lath and gypsum board, energy efficiency, weather-exposed balcony waterproofing, and a final inspection. Covering an earlier stage before it is approved risks a stop-work order.
110.3 Required inspections. ... The Building Official, upon notification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.12. Structural tests, special inspections and structural observation shall also comply with the provisions of Chapter 17 of the 2025 California Building Code. ... 110.3. ... 2 Footing and foundation inspection. Footing and foundation inspections shall be made after excavations for footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel and other inserts are in place. ... 110.3.8 Energy efficiency inspections. Inspections shall be made to determine compliance with the CA Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) and shall include, but not be limited to, inspections for: envelope insulation R-and U- values, fenestration U- value (Heat-Loss Value), duct system R-value (Resistance-Value), and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and water-heating equipment efficiency. ... 110.3. ... 12 Final inspections. The final inspection shall be made after all work required by the building permit is completed.
Full Breakdown
The Tustin City Code amends California Building Code Section 110.3 at City Code § 8102(m), directing the Building Official to make twelve numbered inspections, Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.12, at fixed points in construction, plus any structural tests, special inspections or structural observation Chapter 17 requires. Grading, excavation and filling are inspected during earthwork under Section 1705 and Chapter 18. Footing and foundation inspection happens after excavation is complete and reinforcing steel and other inserts are in place. The concrete slab and under-floor inspection covers reinforcing steel and rough building service equipment before any concrete is poured or subfloor installed.
Framing inspection follows once the roof deck, framing, fireblocking and bracing are up and rough electrical, plumbing and heating lines are approved. Lath and gypsum board inspection happens before plaster is applied or joints are taped, with an exception for gypsum board outside a fire-resistance-rated assembly. Energy efficiency inspections check compliance with the CA Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6, covering envelope insulation R- and U-values, fenestration U-value, duct system R-value, and HVAC and water-heating equipment efficiency. A separate inspection covers waterproofing on weather-exposed balconies before the moisture barrier is concealed.
The Building Official can order other inspections under Section 110.3.10, and special inspectors must be listed by the City of Tustin under Section 110.3.11. The final inspection under Section 110.3.12 closes the permit once all required work is done.
Violations & Fines
Concealing framing, slab reinforcing or balcony waterproofing before the Building Official signs off, or continuing work past a required hold point without approval, is enforced as a Building Code violation under the Tustin City Code's general penalty provisions: an infraction or misdemeanor, with each day the condition continues charged as a separate offense. The Building Official can also order a re-inspection and require corrective work before the permit closes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspections does Tustin require during construction?
Can I pour concrete before the foundation inspection?
What happens if I skip a required inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tustin
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