Commercial Building Inspection Requirements
REQUIRED INSPECTIONS
Footing InspectionsInspections are required for setbacks, footing depths and widths, and steel rebar.
Slab and footings shall meet engineer standards and the Standard Building Code. Slabs must also be inspected.
Foundation InspectionsMade after the grading of the crawl space (if any), draining of the crawl space and placement of a 4-inch drain line at the lowest point.
Construction of piers and spacing of anchor bolts will also be inspected. (Not required for slabs) Brick inspections are required before brick work is started.
FramingMade when windows, shingles, sheathing, etc. has been installed in the building so no water can enter.
Rough-ins are to be made prior to this inspection (just prior to sheetrock).
Request a brick inspection before any brick is laid. Ceiling Inspection: Made before drop-in ceiling is installed.
30 day TemporaryMade when all other 30-day temporaries have been passed. Building and electrical rooms should have working locks. BUILDING IS NOT TO BE OCCUPIED UNTIL FINAL INSPECTIONS ARE COMPLETED
FinalTo be made when all other final inspections have been passed and structure is ready for a Certificate of Occupancy.
ELECTRICAL
SlabTo be made if any electrical conduit or electrical wires have been installed in the slab.
Underground ConduitTo be made if any electrical conduit or electrical wires are to be run underground. Inspection must be made before that portion is concealed.
Rough-InTo be made when wires have been pulled and stapled-Just prior to sheetrock, however, (NO insulation is to be installed prior to this inspection.)
30 day TemporaryTo be made when the building and electrical rooms can be locked. Building must be secured and the electrical panel and ground on the outside must be completed. The electrical work inside the building must be safe prior to a temporary is passed.
FinalTo be made when all fixtures, plugs, and appliances are installed. All electrical work must be completed at this time. (Including the electrical for the HVAC System)
PLUMBING
SlabTo be made before gravel and poly are installed over pipes and water lines.
Sewer/Water LinesTo be made before sewer lines and water lines are covered.
Rough-InTo be made when all plumbing pipes are stubbed-out and pressure tested prior to sheetrock being hung.
30 Day TemporaryTo 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.
GAS/MECHANICAL
SlabTo 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
To be made when gas or refrigeration lines are to be concealed inside the structure. All duct work to be concealed must be inspected prior to sheetrock.
30 Day TemporaryTo be made when the rough-in inspections have been passed and the heat and air systems are made safe. All temporary finals shall be requested by the HVAC and gas permit holders.
Final
To be made when all gas appliances are installed and completed. Also needs all mechanical work completed. The work area around the unit is to be finished to code specifications.
INSPECTION CODES
Below is a list of codes adopted by the Huntsville Inspection Department and amendments to the technical codes.
2018 International Building Code
2018 International Mechanical Code
2018 International Plumbing Code
2017 NFPA 70 National Electric Code
2018 International Fuel Gas Code
2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
2018 International Existing Building Code
2015 International Energy Conservation Code ( Alabama Energy Code)
2018 International Residential Code
Code adopted by the City of Huntsville Fire and Rescue Department2021 International Fire Code including Appendix C, D (Excluding section D107), E.
When requesting Inspections, please have the following information ready:
- The type of inspection being requested
- The permit number
- The address where the permit is held
- The name of the contractor, sub-contractor, or owner
NOTE: The “ENGINEERING HOLD” from the City of Huntsville Public Works Department and the “SUB-CONTRACTORS LIST HOLD” FROM THE inspection Division must be released before a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. This list is to help with the inspection process but may not be all-inclusive. Check about inspections for your job when you obtain your permit.
*30-DAY TEMPORARYwill 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 a temporary is granted. Also, the deposit MUST be in the General Contractors name at Huntsville Utilities before a 30-day temporary 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.