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Engineering Inspection Codes

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On this page below are tables listing the inspection codes for the following Engineering permit types:

Inspections are required to be performed at significant milestones of construction activity to verify compliance with approved plans, specifications, applicable codes, and standards. However, inspection types and amounts will vary depending on the authorized scope of work under the specific permit issued. 

Inspections may be requested for the next business day and up to two weeks in advance. Inspection requests are requests and not a guarantee that staff will perform the inspection on the requested date. The confirmation code customers receive upon completing an inspection request is a confirmation that Permit Sonoma has received the request. We try to honor inspection requests for the date requested but due to seasonal demand, remote locations, and staff availability, some inspections may need to be rescheduled to another day. Staff will contact the requestor, as soon as possible after Permit Sonoma receives the request, to coordinate a date and time (or window of time) regarding when staff will perform the requested inspection. 

Prior to starting construction work, we strongly recommend having a Pre-Construction Consultation with inspection staff to review the scope of authorized work and to determine which inspections may be required for each issued permit. Pre-Construction Consultations are also an opportunity to assemble the design and construction professionals along with county inspectors to review a project before construction begins to discuss any nuances related to the approved scope of work. 

Failure to request required inspections may result in issuance of correction notices to verify compliance with approved plans, specifications, applicable codes, and standards. Consequences may include requiring the permittee(s) uncover and/or redo work so inspection staff can properly observe construction work and/or ensure testing procedures are done pursuant to applicable standards. 

Encroachment Permit Inspections

Code Inspection Type Notes
238 Encroachment Resume Activity Required before work resumes on an encroachment permit after a pause or suspension, to confirm site conditions and compliance before continuing. 
239 Encroachment Traffic Control Inspection of traffic control measures (cones, signs, barricades, flaggers) to ensure public and worker safety and compliance with approved traffic control plans. 
240 Encroachment Start Work Notice Initial inspection at the start of work to verify permit conditions, approved plans, and site readiness before construction begins. 
241 Encroachment Trenching Inspection of open trenches to verify depth, alignment, and safety prior to placing utilities or other improvements.
242 Encroachment Pipe/Bedding Inspection of pipe installation and bedding material before backfilling and verify pipe slope.
243 Encroachment Backfill/Compaction Inspection of backfill material and compaction to confirm proper placement and density before surface restoration.
244 Encroachment Pre-Paving Inspection prior to paving to confirm base preparation, grading, and surface conditions meet standards. 
245 Encroachment Paving Inspection during or immediately after asphalt paving to verify thickness, materials, workmanship, and compliance with standards.
246 Encroachment Concrete/Flatwork Inspection of concrete forms and rebar for improvements such as sidewalks, curb and gutter, driveways, before and/or during placement.
247 Lighting and Signals Ensure installation meets standards and requirements. Permit Sonoma staff coordinate with Sonoma Public Infrastructure. 
248 Signing and Striping Ensure installation meets standards and requirements. Permit Sonoma staff coordinate with Sonoma Public Infrastructure. 
249 Encroachment Final Final inspection of all encroachment work to confirm completion in accordance with approved plans and permit requirements.
250 Public Improvements Warranty Inspection conducted during the warranty period to evaluate the condition of public improvements and address any defects.
650 Post-Construction Storm Water BMP / SUSMP Inspection  Inspection to confirm that LID post construction storm water mitigation features have been constructed per plan with appropriate vegetated cover & no standing water beyond 72 hours after rainfall. 
651 Storm Water Pre-Construction Pre-construction meeting before drainage work begins. Confirms approved plans, and site readiness before construction. 
652 Storm Water BMPs Verification Inspection to confirm Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater quality and erosion control are properly installed and maintained. 
659 Storm Water Final Final inspection of all storm water work to confirm completion in accordance with approved plans and permit requirements. 
699 Permit Final Overall final inspection to close out the permit, confirming all required site and paperwork has been completed and approved. 

Grading Permit Inspections

The Engineering Division is responsible for the inspection of most grading permit aspects.

Exception: Inspection of grading directly beneath a building structure (building pad, foundation, excavations, etc.) remains the responsibility of the Building Division.

Code Inspection Type Notes
200 Site Grading, Pre-Construction Pre-construction meeting before drainage work begins. Confirms approved plans, and site readiness before construction. 
201 Grading Start Work Notice Inspection at the start of work to verify permit conditions, approved plans, and site readiness before construction begins.
202 Resume Activity Required before work resumes on a grading permit after a pause or suspension, to confirm site conditions and compliance before continuing. 
203 Site Grading, Rough Inspection of grading work. Confirms rough elevations, drainage patterns, and earthwork are in place according to approved plans before finished grading.
204 Sub Drain Inspection of subsurface drainage systems. 
205 Sub Grade Inspection of prepared subgrade prior to placing base material, asphalt, or concrete. 
206 Site Improvements, Pre-Paving Inspection of site improvements (curbs, gutters, sidewalks, driveway approaches, etc.) before paving. Confirms layout, base preparation, and forms are correct. 
207 Concrete Flatwork Inspection of concrete forms and rebar for improvements such as sidewalks, curb and gutter, driveways, before and/or during placement. 
209 Pre-Paving Inspection prior to paving to confirm base preparation, grading, and surface conditions meet standards. 
210 Paving Inspection during or immediately after asphalt paving to verify thickness, materials, workmanship, and compliance with standards.
213 Keying & Benching Inspection to verify elevation, depths, bench width & sub-drainage of keyed and benched slopes. 
214 Slope Stability / Retaining Wall Inspection of slope stabilization. 
216 Special Inspection Inspection for undefined need that does not conform to existing inspection codes. 
217 Consultation Informational site visit/ discussion requested to review proposed work, discuss requirements, and answer questions before or during construction. 
218 Site Grading Pre-Final Inspection prior to final approval. Confirms grading work and site conditions are nearly complete. 
219 Site Grading, Final Final inspection of all grading work to confirm completion in accordance with approved plans and permit requirements. 
220 Subdivision Warranty 1-year post-construction warranty inspection of subdivision improvements to ensure satisfactory condition. 
640 Drainage Pipe Trench  Inspection of open trenches to verify depth, alignment, shoring, and safety prior to placing utilities or other improvements. 
641 Drainage Pipe/Bedding Inspection of pipe installation and bedding material before backfilling and verify pipe slope. 
642 Pipe Backfill/Compaction Inspection of backfill material and compaction to confirm proper placement and density before surface restoration. 
643 Drainage Pipe / Structures  Inspection of other drainage features such as inlets, manholes & cleanouts. 
644 Drainage Inlet / Outlet Erosions Protection Inspection of drainage inlets & outfalls to verify sufficient mitigation of erosion risk. 
645 Drainage Swale(s) Inspection of drainage swales to verify positive drainage & construction per plan specifications. 
650 Post-Construction Storm Water BMP / SUSMP Inspection Inspection to confirm that LID post construction storm water mitigation features have been constructed per plan with appropriate vegetated cover & no standing water beyond 72 hours after rainfall. 
651 Storm Water Pre-Construction Pre-construction meeting before drainage work begins. Confirms approved plans, and site readiness before construction. 
652 Storm Water BMPs Verification Inspection to confirm Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater quality and erosion control are properly installed and maintained. 
659 Storm Water Final Final inspection of all storm water work to confirm completion in accordance with approved plans and permit requirements. 
699 Permit Final Overall final inspection to close out the permit, confirming all required site and paperwork has been completed and approved. 

Sanitary Sewer Construction Permit Inspections

Code Inspection Type Notes
429 Sewer Pre-Construction Initial inspection before sewer work begins. Confirms approved plans, and site readiness before construction begins. 
430 Sewer Start Work Notice Initial inspection at the start of work to verify permit conditions, approved plans, and site readiness before construction begins. 
431 Resume Activity Required before work resumes on a sewer permit after a pause or suspension, to confirm site conditions and compliance before continuing. 
432 Sewer Trench Inspection of the open trench before install of pipe bedding and pipe is placed. Ensures proper depth, slope (grade), bedding material, and alignment meet requirements. 
433 Sewer Pipe/Bedding Inspection of pipe installation and bedding material before backfilling and verify pipe slope. 
434 Sewer Backfill/Compaction Inspection of backfill material and compaction to confirm proper placement and density before testing and surface restoration. 
435 Sewer Manhole Testing Testing of a sewer manhole to confirm it is watertight and properly constructed. Typically includes air or water pressure testing before backfilling. 
436 Sewer Pipe Testing Testing of newly installed sewer pipe to verify it is properly sealed and leak-free. Typically includes air or water pressure testing before backfilling. 
437 Sewer Cleanout Box/Collar Inspection of the sewer cleanout and its protective box or concrete collar. Ensures it is properly installed. 
438 Sewer Manhole Inspection of a sewer manhole installation. 
440 Grease Interceptor Inspection of a grease interceptor (grease trap) installation. 
441 Sewer Pump System Inspection of a sewage pump system per plans (such as a grinder pump or lift station). 
442 Sewer Pre-Paving Inspection prior to paving to confirm base preparation, grading, and surface conditions meet standards. 
443 Sewer Paving Inspection during or immediately after asphalt paving to verify thickness, materials, workmanship, and compliance with standards. 
447 Sewer Disconnect Inspection to verify that a building’s sewer line has been properly disconnected and properly capped/sealed, typically for demolition or service removal. 
449 Sewer Final Final inspection of all sewer work to confirm completion in accordance with approved plans and permit requirements. 
699 Permit Final Overall final inspection to close out the permit, confirming all required site and paperwork has been completed and approved. 

Storm Water Permit Inspections

Code Inspection Type Notes
200 Site Grading, Pre-Construction

Pre-construction

meeting before drainage work begins. Confirms approved plans, and site readiness before construction. 

217 Consultation Informational site visit/ discussion requested to review proposed work, discuss requirements, and answer questions before or during construction. 
639 Drainage Start Work Notice Initial inspection at the start of work to verify permit conditions, approved plans, and site readiness before construction begins. 
640 Drainage Pipe Trench Inspection of open trenches to verify depth, alignment, shoring, and safety prior to placing utilities or other improvements. 
641 Drainage Pipe/Bedding Inspection of pipe installation and bedding material before backfilling and verify pipe slope. 
642 Drainage Pipe Backfill/Compaction Inspection of backfill material and compaction to confirm proper placement and density before surface restoration. 
643 Drainage Pipe / Structures  Inspection of other drainage features such as inlets, manholes & cleanouts. 
644 Drainage Inlet/Outlet Erosions Protection Inspection of drainage inlets & outfalls to verify sufficient mitigation of erosion risk. 
645 Drainage Swale(s) Final inspection of all drainage work to confirm completion in accordance with approved plans and permit requirements. 
649 Drainage Final Inspection of drainage swales to verify positive drainage & construction per plan specifications. 
650 Post-Construction Storm Water BMP / SUSMP Inspection  Inspection to confirm that LID post construction storm water mitigation features have been constructed per plan with appropriate vegetated cover & no standing water beyond 72 hours after rainfall. 
651 Storm Water Pre-Construction Pre-construction meeting before drainage work begins. Confirms approved plans, and site readiness before construction. 
652 Storm Water BMPs Verification Inspection to confirm Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater quality and erosion control are properly installed and maintained.
659 Storm Water Final Final inspection of all storm water work to confirm completion in accordance with approved plans and permit requirements. 
699 Permit Final Overall final inspection to close out the permit, confirming all required site and paperwork has been completed and approved. 

Water System Permit Inspections

Code Inspection Type Notes
217 Consultation Informational site visit/ discussion requested to review proposed work, discuss requirements, and answer questions before or during construction. 
451 Water System Pipe Installation Inspection of pipe installation and bedding material before backfilling, prior to hydrostatic test. 
454 Water System Hydrostatic Test Inspection to request for a hydrostatic test. Permit Sonoma Engineering staff coordinate with Permit Sonoma Fire staff. 
456 Water System Backfill/Compaction Inspection of backfill material and compaction to confirm proper placement and density before surface restoration. 
457 Water System Resume Activity Required before work resumes on a water systems permit after a pause or suspension, to confirm site conditions and compliance before continuing. 
459 Water System Permit Final Final inspection of all water system permit work to confirm completion in accordance with approved plans and permit requirements.