Whittier, CA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

The City of Whittier adopts the California Building Code's administrative provisions locally under Chapter 15.01, and Section 109.3 sets the required inspection sequence for any permitted construction. Section 109.1 makes all permitted work subject to inspection by the Building Official and requires the permit applicant to keep the work "accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved," with the city bearing no liability for the cost of removing or replacing material installed to allow that access. Section 109.2 lets the Building Official conduct a preliminary inspection of the site before a permit is even issued.

Section 109.3 lists ten mandatory checkpoints: footing and foundation inspection (109.3.1, made after excavation and reinforcing steel placement, with forms in place for concrete foundations); concrete slab and under-floor inspection (109.3.2, before concrete placement or floor sheathing); lowest floor elevation certification in flood hazard areas (109.3.3); frame inspection (109.3.4, after roof deck, framing, fireblocking, bracing, and rough electrical, plumbing and mechanical work are complete); lath and gypsum board inspection (109.3.5, before plastering or taping); fire-resistant penetration inspection (109.3.6); energy efficiency inspection (109.3.7, covering insulation R/U-values, fenestration, duct systems, and HVAC/water-heating efficiency under the California Energy and Green Building Standards Codes); other inspections the Building Official deems necessary (109.3.8); special inspections under CBC Section 1704 (109.3.9); and the final inspection (109.3.10), made only after all work required by the permit is completed. Approval of any inspection does not authorize a violation of the code or excuse compliance with other city ordinances.