Once you obtain the building permit and commence construction, inspections are required.  To determine what inspections are required, contact the Building Permits and Inspections Department at (956) 681-1300 or reference the Guide to Building Inspections and the list below. 

Most Common Inspections

1. Electrical temporary pole:
   --Request any time after building permit has been applied for.
2. Plumbing rough-in underground:
   --Verify setbacks,
   --property lines must be strung up for inspection.
   --5 PSI air test allowed during wet weather only.
3. Foundation/Steel
   --Check for vapor barrier, steel grading, spacing, and supports.
   --Verification of elevation transit device provided by contract.
4. Framing
   --For residential permits, the inspector conducts the rough-in of all trades, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc. and general framing including windstorm  (bracing, hurricane ties, etc.) and energy code  (leakage, glazing, u-factors, a/c duct, r-values, etc.)
   --For commercial and residential remodels, trade inspections may be requested independently.
5. Insulation
   --Check insulation coverage, and verify that r-values meet with the energy compliance report. 
6. Ceiling
   --For commercial permits, check all trades (plumbing, electrical, and mechanical). Trade inspections may be requested independently, or all together.
7. Infiltration
   --To check for seal of all perimeter walls, and ceiling gypsum/drywall penetrations (plumbing, electrical, etc.) as defined in the energy code.
8. Sewer line connection
   --May be requested at any point after/during plumbing rough-in inspection.
9. Final
   --All applicable departments inspect for compliance with codes and conditions.
   * Electrical working clearance
   --Requires an electrical working clearance permit, and is for equipment testing, and construction completion, not for occupancy.  For commercial projects, a deposit will be required based on the percent of construction remaining.
   * Temporary occupancy (T/O)
   --The T/O only applies to commercial permits, and requires approval by all applicable departments. A deposit may be required; the deposit is determined by items pending to complete the project.

To Request an Inspection

For commercial or residential remodel permits, inspections may be requested by the applicant or representative by calling (956) 681-1328 or visiting Online Permit Portal  after the building permit has been issued. 

For new residential permits, inspections may be requested  by the applicant or owner by calling (956) 681-1328 or visiting Online Permit Portal after the building permit has been issued. 

The requestor will need to provide the permit number, address, type of inspection and contact information. 

If you request an inspection prior to 7:00 A.M., the inspection will be conducted that morning.  If the request is made before 12:00 P.M., the inspection will be conducted that afternoon. 

If an inspection fails, the building inspector will notify the applicant. A $48.00 reinspection fee will be required to be paid prior to scheduling a re-inspection.  The $48.00 reinspection fee will be assessed for each department that fails an inspection. During the final inspection, all departments involved in the plan review will inspect the site for compliance with all codes, ordinances and permit conditions.

Next step: Certificate of Occupancy