Inspections

About BUILDINg inspections

Building inspections are conducted Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and alternate Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. excluding Federal holidays. It is the responsibility of the contractor or property owner to call for inspections at specific times during construction. Inspections help to ensure that each phase of a project is following the approved plan.

Scheduling an Inspection

Building inspection request QRYou can schedule an inspection through the online Citizen Portal or by calling the City’s inspection hotline at 714-854-7411. Alternatively, scan the QR code with a smartphone to schedule an inspection.

For ease of use, view our Inspection Codes (PDF). Please provide the following information:

  • Project address
  • Permit number
  • Contact name
  • Telephone number
  • Type of inspection
  • Preference for a morning or afternoon inspection

Please note, inspection requests received after 3:30 p.m. will be inspected on the next available business day. If further assistance is needed, please contact the Building Department at 714-961-7120.

Inspection Times

Inspectors strive to accommodate all requests, however cannot guarantee specific inspection times.  

Inspection Requirements

Please be aware, permission for the inspector to access the job site for each inspection must be provided by an adult over the age of 18 by the owner or contractor at the site. The job card and set of approved plans must be present in order to perform an inspection. If the project site cannot be accessed or if you do not have the plans and/or job card, please contact the Building Division at 714 -961-7120 to reschedule.

If your inspection requires the use of a ladder (such as a roof or attic), the ladder shall be provided by the owner or contractor as City inspectors do not carry ladders on their vehicle.

Please note: Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors will be checked upon final inspection. To learn more about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, please call the Building Department at 714-961-7120.

Confirming Your Inspection

You may confirm whether you are on today’s inspection run list by contacting the Building Department at 714-961-7120.

DEPUTY INSPECTORS (Special Inspectors)

Some projects may require a deputy inspector to evaluate certain types of inspections. These inspections may be outlined in a set of plans, or may be required by the California Building Codes. These inspections may include epoxy, shotcrete, onsite welding. and more. For further information see California Building Code, Volume II, Chapter 17 or check with your licensed architect or engineer.

To register as a Deputy Inspector, please email a copy of your valid Driver's License/Government-issued I.D., and your ICC pocket license (or ICC number) to electronicprocessing@yorbalindaca.gov. Prospective deputy inspectors may also register in person.

Virtual Inspections

For some interior inspections for occupied residences where the health and safety of the occupants is a concern, various virtual inspection methods are available. Please work directly with your assigned Building Inspector to set up a virtual inspection via mobile apps such as Microsoft Teams, Facetime, video footage of the areas of inspection, or a similar approach. Types of inspections that are eligible for virtual inspection include:

  • Drywall Nailing or Screwing
  • Duct Work
  • Interior Lath
  • Insulation
  • Minor Framing or Shear*
  • Minor Interior Footings*
  • Shower Pans
  • Simple HVAC Change Outs
  • Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Water Heaters
  • Water Re-pipes
  • Window Replacements

*Minor/small projects consist of interior remodels with spread footings, post-to-beam connections, interior shear walls, etc. which can easily be visually verified through a smartphone or tablet device. Projects that are considered more complex in nature will be evaluated by the Senior Building Inspector and the Building Official for virtual inspection eligibility.

Please Note: If during a virtual inspection there are major deficiencies in workmanship or discrepancies from the approved plans, the inspector shall have the right to cancel the inspection and reschedule an onsite inspection at a later date.

If the type of inspection you are requesting is not on the above list and you would like to determine if it can become eligible, please contact the Building Department at 714-961-7120.


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