Residential Inspections

Inspection requests must be received before 6 a.m. the day of the inspection. You may ask for an inspection by calling the Inspection Request Line at 503-742-4720. We do not make appointments, but do attempt to honor requests for morning or afternoon inspections. Because of the uncertainties in the amount of time required, however, we cannot guarantee a specific time of day. If the dwelling is occupied, the applicant or an adult must be present to let in the inspector and remain during the inspection.

Site inspection

To be done with the footing inspection. The inspector will look at excavation and grading, slopes, building setbacks and fill materials. Structural fills will require a fill certification by a geotechnical or civil engineer.

Footings inspection

Performed after trenches or pad openings are excavated and cleared of loose material or mud, forms are erected and secured in place and reinforcing is in place and secured but prior to placing concrete. New construction requires a U-FER ground (electrical ground) to be in place prior to inspection. Inspections for concrete must be requested 24 hours before concrete is scheduled to be placed — no exceptions. We strongly recommend that you allow 24 hours from the time of your inspection to your pour to allow for corrections and reinspections.

Foundation inspection

(sometimes combined with footing inspections)
Made after forms and reinforcing are erected and secured or braced, but prior to placing concrete. All holdowns and special frame anchor bolts must be mounted in place prior to inspection. Inspections for concrete must be requested 24 hours before concrete is scheduled to be placed — no exceptions. We strongly recommend that you allow 24 hours from the time of your inspection to your pour to allow for corrections and reinspections.

Under-floor plumbing, electrical and mechanical inspection

Includes any plumbing, electrical, mechanical or gas piping work that will be installed under the floor. Inspections are requested after the electrical, plumbing, ductwork and gas piping are in place and secured, but prior to the under-floor framing inspection. The mechanical inspections may be done at the same time as the under-floor framing inspection.

Under-floor or post and beam inspection

Made after all under-floor plumbing, electrical and mechanical (including gas pipe) systems have been installed and all sill plates and under floor structural components are in place, secured and properly fastened, but prior to the application of flooring or insulation materials. All structural components, which have been improperly cut or notched for plumbing, etc., are to be repaired or replaced as needed.

Concrete floor slabs inspection

(within buildings/structures)
Made after all under-floor plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems have been installed and approved, the ground surface is prepared and leveled, forms are in place and secured, reinforcing or woven wire mesh (if required) and under-slab insulation (when required) are in place. Inspections for concrete must be requested 24 hours before concrete is scheduled to be placed; no exceptions. We strongly recommend that you allow 24 hours from the time of your inspection to your pour to allow for corrections and reinspections.

Roof coverings

The roof covering may be installed over the roof sheathing at any time unless otherwise noted on your plans.

Rough-in, all systems

The rough plumbing, electrical, mechanical and gas piping systems are to be installed and approved prior to obtaining the framing inspection and covering any work. The mechanical inspection may be done at the same time as the framing inspection.

Shear walls

Inspected after the structural frame is in place, all panels are to be nailed per the shear wall schedules, hold-downs and straps are to be installed and any miscellaneous attachments installed. This inspection may be done with the structural frame inspection.

Structural frame inspection

Performed after all of the above systems are approved. All structural components that have been improperly cut, notched or altered for systems installations must be replaced or repaired as indicated. Roof, wall and floor sheathing are to be in place and nailed. Bracing, blocking and fire stops are to be complete. Windows and doors must be installed.

Insulation and vapor barrier inspection

Performed after all insulation and vapor barriers are in place and secured. Includes walls, floors, ground covers, etc. Does not include loose insulation to be supported by ceiling finish materials. Weather protection must be provided prior to insulation. Wet or soaked insulation will be rejected. Substantially wet or soaked wood construction is not to be covered with vapor barriers unless adequate provisions are made for thorough drying of the structure. Under-floor and attic insulation may be done at a later time, but must be in place prior to the final inspection.

Gypsum wallboard (drywall) inspection

To be done on firewalls and gypsum wallboard (drywall) shear walls only. All nailing or other fastening systems must be complete. Tape, plaster or other coverings are not to be applied prior to this inspection. Where multiple layers of gypsum wallboard are required, the nailing for each layer must be inspected.

Public sidewalk and driveway approach inspection

Required for all concrete paving within the street right-of-way; to be done after the excavation is complete, the forms are in place and secured and the subgrade is properly prepared, but prior to the placing of any concrete. The Engineering Division performs the inspection of all driveway aprons and frontage sidewalks, including those within subdivisions. Please call 503-742-4700 to schedule inspections for this portion of your project. The Building Services Division will continue to inspect the flatwork portion of the driveway from the back of the sidewalk to the garage/house. Please call 503-742-4720 to schedule the inspections for this portion of your project. Contact the City of Gladstone at 503-656-7957 for work within the city limits.

Driveways, porches and flat work

Concrete driveways, patios, walkways and porches will be inspected after the ground surface is prepared and leveled and forms are in place and secured. The inspector will verify that the placement of concrete will not be against untreated framing or siding and the rise and run of any steps or stairs. Driveways are inspected in urban areas only. Inspections for concrete must be requested 24 hours before concrete is scheduled to be placed; no exceptions. We strongly recommend that you allow 24 hours from the time of your inspection to your pour to allow for corrections and reinspections.

Other inspections

Other inspections may be required on particular jobs. These will be indicated on the approved plans and specifications or the Building Inspector will inform the permit holder of the need for them.

Special inspections

When special inspections are required, a qualified and approved special inspector is to be at the job site whenever work requiring special inspections is in progress. Clackamas County does not perform special inspections. The special inspector or approved agency shall submit a report of their findings upon completion of the inspection.

The Oregon Building Officials Association has created a list of approved special inspectors and agencies. For a current list of approved inspectors and agencies, contact the Oregon Building Officials Association by phone at 503-873-1157 or fax at 503-873-9389.

Final inspections

Final building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire suppression (when required) inspections will be done after all such systems are complete, but before occupancy of the premises is allowed. The final building inspection is done only after all other required inspections have been completed and approved.

Clackamas County - TITLE 9 SECTION 9.02.310 - INSPECTIONS

Phone:503-742-4240
Fax:503-742-4741
Email:bldservice@clackamas.us

150 Beavercreek Road Oregon City, OR 97045

Office Hours:

Monday to Thursday 
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.