Show All Answers

1. What time will the building inspector be at my job site?

Each day, the inspectors determine the order of their inspection workload in a manner that is operationally most efficient.  If you are interested in knowing an approximate time that your inspection will occur, you may contact the Building Division Counter at 714-961-7120, and a permit technician can look up your inspection and let you know where in the order it falls within the queue.  While this does not provide a precise time of day, you may be able to ascertain whether the inspection is more likely to occur during the morning or in the afternoon.

2. Can I look up my building inspection on-line and see if the inspection has passed or failed?

Yes.  At the end of each day, building inspectors enter the results of their field inspections into the City’s permit data management system.  Please allow for sufficient time for the building inspectors to complete the entire day’s inspection workload, and enter the inspection results into the system.  To view inspections results once processed, please visit the Citizen Portal.

3. Why do you need to come into my home for a smoke detector/ carbon monoxide detector inspection?

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms have very specific requirements related to electrical power, proper placement, and interconnection.  In some instances, a battery-operated smoke alarm may be acceptable.  In other instances, smoke alarms must derive primary power from the building wiring.  Also, certain types of smoke alarms are required to be installed further away from permanently installed cooking appliances.  Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are important features which are intended to save lives.  Proper inspection often requires visual confirmation of certain installation conditions.

4. Can you give me a list of all the inspections I will need?

Projects can vary in complexity from the construction of an entirely new building to a simple interior kitchen remodel.  Similarly, the types of inspections that a project may require can also vary significantly. The required inspections are listed on the project job card. However, if you are unsure whether an inspection is necessary, you may always contact the staff at the Building Division which includes our Inspectors. 

5. Do I need to be at the job site when the building inspector arrives?

An adult in responsible charge of the property and the construction project must be present when the building inspector arrives.  This individual must be authorized to serve as the property owner’s agent and must be able to authorize the inspector’s entry onto the property for inspection purposes.  Furthermore, this individual must have authority to expose any portions of the construction work which may be necessary for the inspector to evaluate the work performed.  If construction deficiencies are observed during the inspection, this individual shall be responsible for conveying such information to the property owner or other authorized agent.

6. How do I change the contractor listed on my permit?

To change the contractor on any valid permit, a new permit must be issued to replace the original permit and reflect the new contractor’s information.  In order to authorize the change, a letter is required from the property owner which releases the original contractor from the responsibility of all remaining (unfinished) work and authorizes the new contractor to complete all remaining work.  The new contractor must have a valid contractor’s license and appropriate workers compensation insurance.  A nominal fee is charged to issue the new permit.

7. Can I schedule my building inspection for a specific time of the day?

Each day, the inspectors determine the order of their inspection workload in a manner that is operationally most efficient.  When you schedule your inspection, you may also inform the inspector that a particular time of day (i.e.. morning or afternoon) is preferred.  There are no guarantees that the inspector will be able to accommodate the request, but often such requests can be accommodated.  If the inspector is able to accommodate a specific inspection scheduling request, without detrimentally affecting the rest of the day’s inspection route, you will receive a confirmation.

8. How long will the building inspection take?

Every building inspection takes a different amount of time.  Most of the factors that affect how long an inspection will take are entirely under the control of the contractor.  Projects that are constructed in a very professional manner, utilizing high-quality approved construction components, and adhere to approved plans are generally very quick to inspect.  In contrast, projects that deviate from plans, or utilize questionable materials or construction techniques may result in numerous inspection corrections.  In general, most inspections can be completed in under an hour.  For extremely large projects, some inspections can take an entire day.  If you would like more information regarding a particular inspection, you should speak to your inspector several days before scheduling the event.

9. Will the building inspector call the contractor to inform him that an inspection has failed?

No.  If an inspection fails, the building inspector will leave a written correction notice with the person who is in responsible charge at the job site.  This may be the contractor, the property owner, or an authorized representative of the owner.  It is that person’s responsibility to share the written correction notice with any individuals who may need to know the results of the inspection.  After reviewing the written correction notice, anyone who needs further clarification in order to properly resolve the noted deficiencies is encouraged to speak with the inspector, whose contact information will be included on the written correction notice.

10. Who is qualified to serve as a deputy inspector?

Section 1705 of the Building Code requires special inspections to be performed by a deputy inspector for some types of work.  Only qualified individuals are recognized by the City of Yorba Linda for performing these types of special inspections.  The requirements to serve as a deputy inspector in the City of Yorba Linda can be found here.

11. Do I need the “Approved” plans at the jobsite when the building inspector arrives?

Yes.  It is your responsibility to ensure that the “Approved” set of construction plans is available on the job site whenever an inspection is scheduled.  Your inspector must have the approved plans in order for the work to be inspected and approved.  Without the approved plans, your inspector may not be able to perform his job, and the inspection may need to be rescheduled for an alternate date/time when the approved plans will be available.

12. Is the city open or closed this Friday?

The City of Yorba Linda is closed on alternate Fridays.  A full calendar of events, including which Fridays the City is closed is available on the City’s calendar.