Schedule an Inspection

Inspections for a certificate of occupancy can be scheduled through our online inspection and permitting system. The taxpayer I.D. and pass code will be required to enable this system. Users can look up inspections on a permit, track whether the inspection passed or failed, and review any comments made by the inspector.

The inspection request is e-mailed directly to the inspector and a verification of the request will be immediately sent back to you via e-mail.

Online Inspection and Permitting System

REQUIRED FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS

Footing Inspections: Inspections are required for setbacks, footing depth and widths, and steel rebar. Footings are to be 12” deep into the undisturbed soil and 20” wide. Two #5 (5/8”) rebar or three #4 (1/2”) placed within 3” of the bottom. All corners are to be bent and laps in rebar are to be a minimum of 30 times the diameter. If footings are designed by an engineer, then the most stringent application is required.

Monolithic Slabs: Perimeter footings to be minimum 20” tall with a minimum of 12” of the 20” into undisturbed soil and a minimum of 12” wide at the bottom. Must have one #5 (5/8”) rebar or two #4 (1/2”) placed in the middle 1/3 of the depth. The slab shall be a minimum of 4” thick and grade beams at the load bearing walls as noted on plans to be a minimum of 8” thick and a continuous layer of minimum 6 mil. poly. This inspection is to take place after plumbing and electrical inspections if applicable. If the slab is designed by an engineer, then the most stringent application is required.

Foundation Inspection: Made after grading of crawlspace area, placement of piers, anchor bolts, 4” drain and installation of floor system prior to installing subflooring. Concrete masonry unit piers exceeding four times the least width in height, shall be filled with concrete or type M or type S mortar.

Pre-insulation Inspection: This inspection is to be made when shingles, sheathing, windows and doors are installed. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and gas inspections need to be made “if applicable”, prior to this inspection. Brick ties should be installed over a moisture impermeable house wrap. When this inspection has passed, brick and insulation may be installed.

Framing Inspection: This inspection is to be made after any framing corrections have taken place and after the building has been insulated. If framing corrections have been made, the framing inspection will be passed and drywall may be installed.

Temp 30: To obtain power to the structure, an affidavit must be signed by the contractor, permanent building number posted, and building can be locked. Building cannot be occupied until receipt of the Certificate of Occupancy.

Above Ceiling Inspection: This inspection, (typically applicable to commercial projects), is to be done after all trade inspections and is to view ceiling supports, fire caulking of rated walls and penetrations. If the acoustical ceiling is not to be used this inspection is still mandatory for fire caulk inspection prior to painting walls.

Final Inspection: When the building has been completed and mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and gas inspections “if applicable” have been completed, you may request the building final inspection.

ELECTRICAL

Slab Inspection: If any electrical lines are installed in the slab or concealed in concrete walls.

Underground: All conduits and direct burial cable placed in the ground must be inspected prior to covering.

Rough-in Inspection: When wires are pulled and stapled prior to installation of sheetrock, “No insulation is to be installed prior to rough-in inspection.” All areas of renovations where sheetrock has been removed will also require a rough-in inspection.

Temp 30: The following are required: permanent house numbers, the building is lockable, the meter base and main panel are installed, and a receptacle with GFCI protection.

Final Inspection: When all fixtures, plugs and appliances are installed. All electrical work should be completed at this time.

Electrical Final for HVAC (If separate): Air conditioning final to be made when all electrical lines and disconnects are completed to heat and air units.

GAS/MECHANICAL

Slab: To be made if gas lines or mechanical work is run under or through the slab. Inspection is to be made before the work is covered.

Rough-In Inspection/Wall Rough: When all gas lines and refrigeration lines that are to be concealed are run inside structure prior to insulation and drywall. All ductwork must be inspected prior to installation of drywall. Effective July 1, 2013: All ducts not in a conditioned space shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6. All supply ductwork in attics shall be insulated to a minimum of R-8. Main condensation drain lines in unconditioned attic space must be insulated.

Above Ceiling Inspection: This inspection, (typically applicable to commercial projects), is to be done after grid is installed and before ceiling tiles are placed. Inspection will verify equipment installation, service clearances, fire dampers, duct work and registers.

Final Inspection: When all gas appliances are installed and completed and all mechanical work finished. Service clearance area around all indoor and outdoor units must be provided based on code and manufacturer requirements.

PLUMBING

Slab: To be made before gravel and poly are installed over pipes and water lines.

Sewer/Water Lines: To be made before sewer lines and water lines are covered.

Rough-in: To be made when all plumbing pipes are stubbed-out and pressure tested prior to sheetrock being hung. (No insulation is to be installed prior to this inspection.)

30 Day Temporary: To be made when the sewer and rough-ins have been passed. (This inspection must be requested by the plumber.)

Final: To be made when fixtures are set and plumbing is completed and in working order.

When requesting Inspections, please have the following information ready:
1. The type of inspection being requested
2. The permit number
3. The address where the permit is held
4. The name of the contractor, sub-contractor, or owner

ENGINEERING & INSPECTION HOLDS

NOTE: The “ENGINEERING HOLD” from the City of Huntsville Engineering Department (256-427-5300), and the “SUB-CONTRACTORS LIST HOLD” from the Inspection Division (256-427-5332), must be released before a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. This list is to ensure all trades associated with your project are licensed and insured with the City of Huntsville.

Click HERE to inquire about an Inspection Hold

Click HERE to inquire about an Engineering Hold 

30-DAY TEMPORARY POWER will be issued for the testing of equipment ONLY. This will be limited to 30 days unless an extension is required and requested in writing to the Inspection Division. The building is NOT to be occupied by the tenant until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. The General Contractor must sign an affidavit at the Inspection Division before temporary power is granted. Also, the deposit MUST be in the General Contractors name at Huntsville Utilities before a 30-day temporary power is granted and cannot be removed until a certificate of occupancy is issued and the power is in the name of the permanent occupant at Huntsville Utilities.

QUESTIONS?

Call the Inspection Department at 256-427-5331.