Pinole's Inspections

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. 

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. 

• 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. 

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

Inspection results are currently available 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 "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.

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.   

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. 

• Pay all applicable inspection fees
  • By phone: (510) 724-8912
  • Online through Stripe (note additional processing fee is automatically added for online payments) 
    • Pay inspection fee (per unit) for a Single Family , Duplex or Triplex
    • Pay inspection fee (per unit) for Multi-family or Hotel
•  Apply for a Certificate of Compliance online: Residential Health and Safety Rental Inspection Application Form 
  
• Book an appointment for an inspection online, through our self-service booking page. Inspections are currently offered on Fridays from 8am-3pm.

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 page. Inspections 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

• 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 

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]

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.
• A 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.

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”?

• Licensed general contractors (http://www.cslb.ca.gov/)
• Licensed (branch 3) structural pest control operators
• Licensed architects
• Licensed civil engineers and licensed structural engineers
• All must have current and clear licensure in the State of California.

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.