Pinole's Inspections

Inspections

Improvements to the City's Inspection System

Posted Date: November 8, 2023

The City of Pinole is upgrading its permitting and licensing system to improve efficiency and flexibility. This software solution has been in the works for almost two years. Starting on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, the outdated phone line for inspection requests will be replaced by a new text-message based systemCustomers will be able to schedule inspections by texting "SCHEDULE" to 866-473-3524 and following the prompts. The system also allows customers to cancel, reschedule and obtain inspection results. If assistance is needed, the Community Development Department can be reached at 510-724-8912.

The next phase of the project will be introduced in launch a comprehensive and centralized web-based system that enables citizens, business owners, contractors, architects, and engineers to view project, permit and license status, submit applications, and request inspections. This phase is expected to launch in early 2024. As with any major project, unexpected challenges may arise during the transition. City staff will work diligently to minimize impacts, and customer patience is appreciated! 
 

View full instructions for text message inspection system (for use on 11/21/23 and beyond)
 Man Texting on Phone

Contact Information

  • Chief Building Official/Inspector 
  • 2131 Pear Street 
  • Phone: 5107249016 
  • Email:
  • Department Head's Name: Keith Marks
Construction Permits Inspection Program

A variety of inspections are required for all issued Construction Permits, in order to verify work done complies with applicable codes and the scope of work matches the issued Permit.

Program Requirements and Process
When is an Inspection Required?

All permits issued require an inspection during and/or at completion of the work. Scheduling inspections is the responsibility of the applicant / contractor. Depending on the type of project, the following inspections are required: 

  • Foundation - after trenches are excavated, forms erected and steel is in place. 
  • Underfloor - after the installation of underfloor framing, heating ducts and plumbing. 
  • Underfloor Insulation - after the floor insulation is installed, but prior to installation of the subfloor. 
  • Roof Nail - after installation and nailing of the roof sheathing. 
  • Rough Frame - after the roof, all framing, fire blocking, siding, lath and bracing are in place and all pipes, chimneys, vents, rough electrical and plumbing are installed. 
  • Insulation - after the wall and ceiling insulation is installed. 
  • Drywall Nail - after the drywall is installed and prior to tape or texture. 
  • Final - after finish grading and the building is completed and ready for occupancy. 

Not all of the inspections listed above will apply to every job. If uncertain which inspections pertain, please check with the Building Inspection Division. 

How Do I Schedule, Reschedule or Cancel an Inspection?

Schedule, reschedule or cancel an inspection by text message.  If assistance is needed, the Community Development Department can be reached at 510-724-8912.  Note: the City expects to launch online tools to schedule inspections in early 2024.

  • Text the following to 866-473-3524:
    •  "SCHEDULE" to schedule an inspection
    • "CANCEL" to cancel an inspection
    • "RESCHEDULE" to reschedule an inspection
  • You'll need your Building Permit Number.
  • You'll need the associated Inspection Code of the inspection you are calling to schedule. Full list of codes are provided in the instruction document.
  • Inspection requests require 24-hour notice. 
When are Inspections Available?
  • Morning inspections are performed between 8:00 am - 12:00 pm  Monday through Thursday only. 
  • Afternoon inspections are performed between 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm  Monday through Thursday only.
  • No appointment service for construction projects on Fridays.  

To inquire about a more specific time of arrival for inspection, phone 510-724-8912 between 8:00 am and 8:30 am. 

Important Inspection Requirements

The approved plans, permits and the inspection card must be on the job site and available to the inspector at the time of inspection. 

How do I Receive Inspection Results?

Inspection results are currently available by text messageIf assistance is needed, the Community Development Department can be reached at 510-724-8912. Note: the City expects to launch online tools to schedule inspections in early 2024.

  • Text "RESULTS"  to 866-473-3524
  • You'll need your Building Permit Number.
  • You'll need the associated Inspection Code of the inspection you are calling to obtain results. Full list of codes are provided in the instruction document.
Important Information for Special Inspections

Depending on the scope of work, some project may require special inspection and/or testing per Chapter 17 of the California Building Code (CBC). 

  • Before a permit can be issued: The owner, engineer, architect of record or owner’s agent must submit a Special Inspection and Testing Agreement including the structural tests and inspections schedule to the Division for review and approval.  
  • Before occupancy  permit  can be  issued:  The inspection agency shall submit a statement that all items requiring  testing and inspection were fulfilled and reported. Those items not tested and/or inspected shall be noted in this statement. A copy of the statement to be maintained at the job site for Building Inspector’s review prior to final inspections.   
Residential Health and Safety Rental Inspection Program
Chapter 8.30 of the Pinole Municipal Code requires that rental units in the City be inspected to meet habitability and safety standards. The intent is to ensure that rental stock is maintained and compliant with City Codes.
Program Requirements and Process
Applicability
Every owner carrying on the business of operating rental units in the City is subject to the Residential Health and Safety Rental Inspection Program. A valid Certificate of Compliance and Business License must be issued prior to renting unit. The  Rental Inspection Ordinance, Ord. No. 2006-01, was originally adopted by Pinole City Council on April 4, 2006, and modified by Ord. No. 2007-06 on October 16, 2007, and is incorporated into Chapter 8.30 of Title 8, "Health & Safety," of the Pinole Municipal Code.   
Process

Step 1: Certificate of Compliance- All owners of rental units must file an application with the building official and obtain a valid Certificate of Compliance for each rental unit prior to applying for a business license. To be considered for approval, applications for certificates of compliance must be filed and current applicable fees paid. 

Step 2: Initial Inspection- When a complete application and all applicable fees are pay, units will be inspected by the Building Division. If no correction items are identified, a Certificate of Compliance will be issued.  Book an appointment for an inspection online, through our self-service booking pageInspections are currently offered on Fridays from 8am-3pm. View the Rental Inspection Checklist for information on what to expect during your inspection.

Step 3: Correction Items- If correction items are identified the owner will be required to secure any and all required permits (e.g., building permits) to correct deficiencies.  

Step 4: Units with Balconies- For units with a balcony, or balcony structure, an additional and separate process is required, see Balcony Inspection Program requirements. 

Step 5: Business License- A Business License must be obtained for each property used for rental purposes. A valid Certificate of Compliance is required prior to making application for a Business License. See Rental Property Business License Information

Fees
  • Base Fee (Covers Initial Inspection and First Re-inspection)  
    • Single Family Unit, Duplex Unit, or Triplex Unit: $387 per unit. Note when paying online using Stripe, additional processing fee is included in total fee amount.  
    • Multi-Family Unit Including Hotel/Motel Unit: $242 per unit. Note when paying online using Stripe, additional processing fee is included in total fee amount.  
  • Re-Inspection Fees  (only applicable if required)  
    • 2nd Re-inspection: 20% of initial fee 
    • 3rd Re-inspection: 30% of initial fee 
    • 4th Re-inspection: 40% of initial fee

Refer to the Master Fee Schedule for current fees associate with the Program 

Inspection Cancellation Policy
Inspection cancellations must be made at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance. All cancellations made with less than forty-eight (48) hours advance notice shall be subject to a cancellation fee of $102.25 per inspection (as of September 2022) per canceled unit.
Business License
If you are the owner of a rental property in the City of Pinole, a business license must also be obtained for each property used for rental purposes. View Rental Property Business License Information

Triennial Housing Inspections Required for Rental Properties
Every owner of a rental unit located within the City shall permit the City's periodic inspection of the apartment, house and hotel, and the property on which such unit is located, following notice from the city. Each unit shall be inspected once every three (3) years to ensure compliance with all applicable City ordinances or other laws relating to housing, including the substandard housing provisions of the Housing Code contained in Chapter 15.22 of the Pinole Municipal Code.  
Exemptions

The following unit types are exempt from the Program: 

  • Owner or manager-occupied rental units. 
  • Units that are owned, operated or managed by a government agency other than the City or which are exempt from municipal regulation pursuant to state or federal law or regulations, but only so long as such government ownership, operation or management or exemption from municipal regulation continues in effect. 
  •  Units unavailable for rent.
  • Residential facility that serves six (6) or fewer persons as defined in the California Health and Safety Code Section 1566.3. 

Please submit your Rental Inspection Exemption Form to [email protected]

Contact Information
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Building Official Keith Marks at (510) 724-9016 or by e-mail at  KMarks@pinole.gov 
Balcony Inspection Program
All balconies located on real property in the City of Pinole including but not limited to residential, multiple residential, commercial and industrial properties shall be inspected at the property owner's expense when a triggering event occurs.
Program Requirements and Process
Balcony Inspection Applicability
All balconies located on real property in the City of Pinole including but not limited to residential, multiple residential, commercial and industrial properties shall be inspected at the property owner's expense when a triggering event occurs.
Balcony Inspection Triggering Events

The following are triggering events that require all balconies located on real property in the City of Pinole including but not limited to residential, multiple residential, commercial and industrial properties to be inspected as required in PMC Chapter 8.36 and at the property owner’s expense:

  • The application for a certificate of occupancy for a new building.
  • transfer of property ownership.
  • In a probate or other testamentary proceeding or in the event of a transfer pursuant to the terms of joint tenancy termination, tenants in common termination, or other similar instrument, within one hundred eighty (180) days after the sale, transfer or conveyance of the house, building or property.
Balcony Inspection Procedures
Step 1: Upon a triggering event, the property owner shall, at their own expense, cause all applicable balconies to be inspection pursuant to PMC Chapter 8.36.

The inspection shall be conducted by a licensed general contractor, structural pest control licensee, licensed architect, or licensed engineer engineer qualified to inspect and identify deficiencies in the structural integrity of balconies. The licensed professional must have both a City of Pinole business license and a license in the applicable trade from State of California. 

An inspection shall be valid for a period of six (6) months from the date of the inspection. If a property owner fails to obtain a certificate of compliance within six (6) months after obtaining an inspection, the Community Development Department may, in its discretion, require the property owner verify the condition of the inspected balcony is unchanged before issuing a certificate of compliance.

Step 2: Submit (1) a Compliance Affidavit Form and (2) a comprehensive, detailed report of the balcony inspection including photographs to KMarks@ci.pinole.ca.us.

Step 3: The City shall review the final submitted inspection for compliance with PMC Chapter 8.36. Please allow for 2 weeks of staff review time for this step.

Step 4: If the Building Official determines that a balcony is in a defective condition, the City shall provide a written notice of violation. The property owner shall then make appropriate application for any required repairs, and proceed with the permit/inspection process. Upon completion of repairs to or replacement of the balcony, the property owner shall verify to the City that the repairs or replacement have been properly completed. 

Step 5: 
When all conditions are met to the satisfaction of the City, the building balcony shall be certified as complying with the provisions of the Pinole Municipal Code. The City shall thereupon issue a certificate of compliance to the property owner, noting that the balcony has been inspected and meets the requirements of the City. A copy of the certificate of compliance will be kept by the City as record for the inspected property.

Once a certificate of compliance is issued, the building balcony for which the certificate of compliance is issued shall not require testing for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance of the certificate of compliance subject to PMC Section 8.36.030. The certificate of compliance shall not imply a warranty or guarantee of any kind. 
Balcony Inspection FAQs

When did this become a requirement?

June 20, 2017 City Council adopted the Balcony Inspection for Real Property Sales
ordinance which is codified in Pinole Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 for detailed information.

How often are inspections required?

Once a certificate of compliance is issued, the building balcony for which the certificate
of compliance is issued shall not require testing for a period of five (5) years from the
date of issuance of the certificated of compliance.

What is a "balcony"?

A balcony is a horizontal platform extending from the exterior wall of a building, accessible from the building’s interior, and not directly accessible from the ground. A balcony is typically not covered by a roof or building overhang or enclosed on more than two (2) sides by walls. However, railings shall not be considered enclosures. The definition of balcony does not include “decks”.

What is a "certificate of compliance"?

A certificate of compliance is a written certificate issued to a property owner by the Community Development Director or his/her designee certifying that an inspection of the property owner’s balcony occurred and the balcony was deemed structurally sound and complies with all standards established by the city. 

What is the fee to receive the Certificate of Compliance?

The Certificate of Compliance fee is $180.00

Who are considered “licensed professionals”?

 

Does the balcony inspection program hold up the closing of escrow?
No, but the written Certificate of Compliance must be issued within ninety (90) days of
close of escrow.

Do I need a permit to repair my balcony?
This depends on the nature of the repairs.

Permits are not required for ordinary repairs to structures performed for the purpose of maintenance. The repair work is limited to work on the affected item and does not include reframing, replacement or any other alteration or new work.

Permits are required for any code regulated activities, including but not limited to the following: cutting, notching or replacement of any structural framing elements or structural supports; replacement of membranes; replacement of exterior finishes; guardrail replacement; installation of ventilation openings; and similar activities.

Contact Information
Additional information may be obtained by contacting the Building Official Keith Marks at (510) 724-9016 or by e-mail at  [email protected]