Inspections


Policy Change

Due to current demands for inspection services, the following changes were made to our inspection request policy.

  • Inspections must be requested before 7:30 a.m. the day you want the inspection performed.  Requests made after 7:30 a.m. will be scheduled for the next business day.
  • Specific times may be requested for inspections that require entry into an occupied dwelling.
  • Times (AM and PM) will no longer be accepted for routine inspections (rough-ins, framings, finals, etc.).  Work must be ready for inspection by 8:30 a.m. on the day of your inspection request.
  • Times will be accepted for inspections that involve the pouring of concrete (footings and slabs). Every effort will be made to perform the inspection within two hours of your requested time if staffing, schedule, and routing allow.

Methods to Make a Request

There are two methods to make an inspection request:

  • Recorded Inspection Request line is available 24 Hours a day at 757-220-6136, and select option 1.
  • Email dpatterson@williamsburgva.gov with your request

Required Information for Requests

Please provide the following information when making your requests:

  • Address of the project.
  • If the requested inspection is for a footing, slab, or occupied dwelling - indicate a time for your inspection.
  • Indicate if this is a reinspection.
  • Name of the person calling (not the company name) and Call-back number for the person requesting the inspection.
  • The permit number must be provided for any type of inspection, including  the request to other agencies or departments listed below.
  • Type of inspection ( framing, rough-in, footing, meter release, etc.) List attached.

Re-Inspection Fee

A re-inspection fee is charged under the following three conditions:

  • Access to the work (locked door, no one home, lack of ladder access, etc.) to be inspected can not be achieved.
  • If violations from a previous inspection are not corrected on the reinspection for that item.
  • If work is not ready and the inspection is not canceled before the inspector arrives.

These fees are not penalties and are accessed only to cover the cost of the additional inspection.  If a re-inspection fee has been assessed, it will be indicated on the ticket left at your job site.  If you owe a re-inspection fee, it must be paid before you request the next inspection on that permit.

Right-of-Way Inspections

Call Public Works at 757-220-6140 for right-of-way inspections.

Zoning & Architectural Review Board inspections

Call Planning at 757-220-6130 for zoning and architectural review board inspections.

Signs (Architectural & Codes)

Call Codes Compliance at 757-220-6136 for sign footing, mounting and related electrical inspections.  Call Planning at 757-220-6130 for architectural sign finals.

Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy will generally be available one working day after all inspections are performed, including  zonings final inspection.  If you know that you will be requesting a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, we ask that you contact us 48 hours or two working days in advance to evaluate conditions.

Inspection Type Listing

  • Building
    1. Footing Inspection
    2. 1 st Foundation / Projection
    3. Box / Joist Inspection
    4. Foundation Waterproofing
    5. Slab Inspection
    6. Sheathing
    7. Framing Inspection
    8. Fireplace Inspection
    9. Chimney / Throat Inspection
    10. Fire Rated Assembly
    11. Insulation Inspection
    12. Install Above Ground Tank
    13. Install Underground Tank
    14. Underground Tank Removal
    15. Final Inspection
  • Electrical
    1. Rough In
    2. Temporary Service Inspection
    3. Meter Release
    4. Footing / Site Lighting
    5. Trench Inspection
    6. Under Slab Inspection
    7. Final Inspection
  • Fire
    1. Alarm Rough In
    2. Alarm Final
    3. Hood Fire Suppression System
    4. Fire Line Flow / Acceptance
    5. Sprinkler Rough In
    6. Sprinkler Pump
    7. Sprinkler Hydrostatic Testing / Piping
    8. Sprinkler Final
  • Gas
    1. Connection Rough In / Pressure Test
    2. Connection Final / Pressure Test
  • Mechanical
    1. Rough In
    2. Fire / Smoke Damper
    3. Hydroponic Piping
    4. Circulating Pump Inspection
    5. Kitchen Hood Final
    6. Final Inspection
  • Plumbing
    1. Rough In
    2. Under Slab
    3. Trenching
    4. Water, Sewer, Storm Service
    5. Lawn Sprinkler / Backflow
    6. Fire Sprinkler Line Flush
    7. Fire Sprinkler Line Hydrostatic Test
    8. Final Inspection