What is an inspection hold?

A requirement which must be met before a particular inspection can happen. A hold can be placed by: 

• Fire department 
• Building & Safety Division 
• Department of Public Works 
• Planning Division 
• School district 
• Sanitation or water district 

A checkpoint to confirm information about the project, the work, or the builder. The hold might require proof of payment for a fee from the past. The hold might require certification of proposed materials. Most projects have either a foundation or close-in hold. 

A hold that must be cleared before you can schedule a foundation inspection. This is an opportunity to verify information at the very beginning of a building process.

A hold that must be cleared before you can schedule a close-in inspection. This step is also called a 4-R inspection because it includes rough framing, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections. This is an opportunity to verify information at the midpoint of a building process.  

Many holds are described on the permit. Here are some project features that can trigger a hold requirement: 

• type of work being done 
• the location of the project 
• the size of the project 
• demolition required 
• property within a special historic district 
• property within a flood, fire, or landslide zone 
• property within a protected coastal zone 

Some holds are added during construction. These are based on something discovered during an inspection. 

Findings that can add a hold to your project: 

• unfinished work 
• safety concerns 
• code violations 
• missing documentation 
• unpaid fees 
• construction different than the approved plans

• Secure all of the required permits and approvals before you start

• Do not deviate from the approved construction plans

   

Holds and inspections are different. 

A hold can be removed by many different actions. Sometimes a letter from a school district can remove a hold. Sometimes proof of payment can remove a hold. Sometimes revised plans can remove a hold. 

Inspections are different from holds. Inspections describe a process where building methods are examined for safety. A hold will prevent us from scheduling inspections. 

• The most important thing is to understand the hold. It is important to understand the required action that removes the hold. If you do not understand a hold, be sure to contact us immediately.   
• Ignoring a hold can cause expense and delay to your project. A smooth construction process requires your attention to holds and inspections.