▼

PDS - Building Inspection

Show All Answers

1. What do I need to schedule an inspection?

To schedule an inspection, you will need your permit number (e.g.,17 123456 RK) OR site address of the project AND the name of the inspection you want to schedule. (Located on your inspection record)

2. How do I schedule an Inspection?

Go to www.mybuildingpermit.com and do the following:
(1) Click on “Schedule Inspections”; 

(2) Select “Snohomish County” from the jurisdiction dropdown list,

(3) Enter your permit number (e.g. 16 105414 RK) and click SEARCH,

(4) Select the inspection by choosing the date (You may schedule your inspection for up to 3 business days in the future), 

(5) Enter any instructions or information for the inspector, 

(6) Enter site contact information, and 

(7) Submit request.

3. What if the online SEARCH cannot find the permit number?

If the permit number entered cannot be found, verify the permit number and re-enter. If you still cannot find your permit in the search, call our Customer Support Center at 425-388-3311.

4. Who is my inspector and what time will he be here to conduct my inspection?

You may go to www.mybuidlingpermit.com and click on "Schedule Inspections." Then click on "Today’s Inspections." Locate the scheduled inspection for your permit.
Next to your scheduled inspection is the inspector’s name and cell phone number. The inspector cannot give you an exact time; however, you may call to get an approximate time of arrival.

5. What inspections do I need before I can get my final inspection?

All conditions of your permit must be met before a final inspection can be completed. Refer to the conditions on your permit for details. Some conditions, if not completed, will prevent you from scheduling a final inspection. For example, on a Residential Building Permit, a final inspection cannot be scheduled if there are related open Land Development Activity (LDA), Driveway/Access/Culvert (D1), Trail (D4), Fire Systems (FSYS), and Flood Hazard (FH/FHZ) permits. You will receive an error message indicating which permits need to be closed before a final can be scheduled.  There are other conditions on related permits that may prevent you from scheduling certain types of inspections. One example is that certain inspections on a related Flood Hazard permit must be completed before certain building permit inspections can be done. Also, if you have unpaid fees, you will not be able to schedule an inspection on that permit.

6. What documentation is typically required at the job site?

1. The permit and inspection record 2. Full-sized Approved Plans and Engineering 3. Any additional Engineering and/or Geo-Tech Reports 4. Site Plan and/or Plat Map 5. Drainage, Grading and Landscape Plans 6. Special Conditions information 7. Prior correction notices

7. How do I get an Electrical Inspection in Unincorporated Snohomish County?

Snohomish County Planning and Development Services does not administer electrical permits. For design, installation or modification to electrical wiring in unincorporated Snohomish County, contact the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L & I). The website is listed here.

8. What is the deadline for requesting an inspection?

To obtain an inspection for the same day, you must request the inspection prior to 6:00 am.

9. How do I schedule a re-inspection?

If an inspector has been out to do an inspection and it was not approved for any reason, you will be required to schedule a re-inspection. There are no separate codes for re-inspections. To schedule a re-inspection, please follow the instruction for scheduling an inspection.

10. Am I penalized for re-inspections after correction notices are issued?

The code provides for a re-inspection fee of $140. This is generally assessed when a re-inspection has been requested and corrections have not been made.

11. When do I get my Certificate of Occupancy?

For Residential Permits:  The signed final inspection card is your Certificate of Occupancy.

For Commercial Permits:  After final inspection approval, the inspector will start the process for the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Generally, the inspector will deliver the issued Certificate of Occupancy to the site. The Fire Marshal’s Office issues Commercial Certificates of Occupancy. Contact 425-388-3557 for further information.

12. Do I need to be there when the inspector comes?

You do not have to be there when the inspector comes, but you must make provisions to allow for inspector entry (i.e., instructions regarding locked doors, key location, etc.). This information can be communicated through www.mybuildingpermit.com when you schedule your inspection. Also be sure to have all required documents, including plans, onsite for the inspector to review.

13. Who is responsible to schedule inspections?

In accordance with the provisions of the International Building Code (IBC), the person doing the work is responsible. However, you should check your permit and make sure final approval to occupy has been given, prior to moving in.

14. I had an inspection scheduled and the inspector didn’t show up?

If the building inspector ran out of time to complete all of his assigned inspections, inspections he was unable to get to are held over until the next business day. You may go to MyBuildingPermit.com and check the inspection status by clicking on "Scheduled Inspections" on the Today’s Inspections button. Then select "Snohomish County" as your jurisdiction. Locate your permit number and check the inspection results. If the result is "Hold Over" then the inspector was not able to get to your site that day.

15. I was notified that my permit will expire, what do I do?

If all work has been completed, you may go to MyBuildingPermit.com to schedule a final inspection.
If the work cannot be completed by the expiration date, the permit may be granted a one-time (1) only extension for the same period of time as originally issued. Please contact PDS's Customer Support Center at  Services at 425-388-3311 for more information including the renewal fee amount. You must apply for the extension prior to the permit expiring. After a permit expires, you may need to get a new permit to continue work.

16. How can I find out the results of my inspection?

You may find the results byYou may go to MyBuildingPermit.com and check the inspection status by clicking on "Scheduled Inspections" on the Today’s Inspections button. Then select "Snohomish County" as your jurisdiction. Locate your permit number and check the inspection results.  

In addition, on most inspection types, you should receive an email with the inspections results. If an inspection was approved, you will receive a brief approval email. If there are deficiencies, you will receive an email with an attachment explaining the deficiencies. Upon an approved final inspection, you will receive a copy of your final inspection card. Emails are sent to the email address provided when scheduling that inspection.

17. What does my inspection result mean?

Guide to Inspection Results

APPROVED: Work is approved; OK to proceed with additional work.

APPROVED WITH CORRECTIONS: Inspection is approved and builder may proceed, but correction will need to be checked again at the next required inspection or as noted. Do not cover or conceal items that need re-inspection.

NOT APPROVED/CORRECTIONS ISSUED: Inspection was not approved, corrections have been issued, and work must be checked again prior to additional construction. Do not cover or conceal. This inspection must be scheduled again when corrections have been completed.

PARTIALLY APPROVED: A portion of the inspection or building was approved, but that inspection cannot be signed off due to incomplete work.

NO INSPECTION DONE: The inspector arrived at the site; however, an issue existed that prohibited inspection (e.g., no access or no plans onsite).

HOLD OVER: Inspector was not able to complete the inspection and it will be automatically scheduled for the following business day.

CONTINUE WORK: Typically for site development projects, where inspections happen progressively until project completion.

STOP WORK: Activity causing violation at the site must stop until corrective measures are taken and permission to proceed is given by PDS.