Building Inspections

Building projects are inspected by Department of Planning & Building staff during construction to ensure that the project complies with applicable codes and ordinances. The goal of the Department is to perform these inspections thoroughly while minimizing their impact to the project.

Anyone with a valid county construction permit or grading permit can schedule an inspection.

Please refer to the Department of Planning & Building Fee Schedule for application fees.

What is the process?

Step 1: Schedule Inspection

A contractor or permit-holder schedules the applicable inspection(s) for a construction project, identified by its permit number. To schedule an inspection, please use the Department of Planning and Building’s Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal or fill out an online form available through this link.

You can also call (805) 788-6602 or email [email protected]. All requests must be received before midnight for an inspection the following business day.

Step 2: Inspector Assigned

An inspector is assigned and the contractor or permit holder is provided with a two-hour window in which the inspection will occur for each scheduled inspection.

Step 3: Inspection Performed

The inspector performs the inspection and provides the results to the contractor or permit holder.

All portions of a project that require a permit are required to be inspected before the work is covered or concealed. Inspections can be scheduled at any time using the Department's Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal or by calling (805) 788-6602. Inspections can be scheduled for Monday through Friday, with the following exceptions:

Building Inspection Availability in Select Areas
Area Availability
Oak Shores/Interlake Road Monday, Wednesday, and Friday only
Running Deer/Chimney Rock Tuesday and Thursday only
California Valley/Cuyama Wednesday only

Location, directions and hours of operation

Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information

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Old County Courthouse Building

Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

976 Osos Street Room 200 San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

Tel: (805) 781-5600

Permits/Inspections: (805) 788-2076

Fax: (805) 781-1242

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I schedule a building inspection?

To schedule an inspection, call our scheduling system at 805-788-6602 any time before midnight for an inspection on the following workday. You can also use the Department of Planning & Building's Building Inspection Scheduling System. You must have your permit number and the inspection code for the type of inspection you want. You can find the inspection code on the list given to you when your permit was issued. To find out the approximate time of your inspection, you may call your building inspector between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM the day it is scheduled. When possible, your inspector will try to accommodate your request for a morning or afternoon inspection. If the road or driveway to your building site is gated, be sure to leave the gate unlocked the day an inspection is scheduled.

Please watch our NEW Tutorial Video for scheduling an inspection through our Citizens Self Service (CSS) Portal

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What happens after each building inspection?

The building inspector will sign the appropriate space on your inspection card if your project passes the inspection. If it doesn’t pass the inspection, the inspector will leave you a correction notice describing any changes that must be made before you can schedule a re-inspection.

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What is the purpose of a building inspection?

Building codes and other construction regulations are standards that have been adopted to protect public health and safety. Department of Planning & Building staff inspect building projects during construction to ensure that each project meets these standards.

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What must I do to prepare for a building inspection?

Before the building inspector arrives, be sure that the work to be inspected is completed in compliance with your plans and any relevant code requirements, that your inspection card and plans approved and stamped by the County are at the job site, and that the necessary access for inspection (including a ladder if needed) is provided. If the building is occupied, make sure someone is at home to let the inspector in. If any tests are required, make sure they are ready so that the inspector can observe the outcome (e.g. for a gas piping test the inspector would need to observe a pressure gauge showing the pressure holding steady after the gas lines were pressurized).

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When do I need a building inspection?

When your permit is issued, it will include an inspection card. The card lists the required inspections and the work to be completed before each inspection. It also describes specific tests, such as pressure tests on gas or water lines, that may be required before certain inspections.

Interactive Maps (Land Use View)

Our interactive Land Use View mapping application can be used to look up property information by assessor parcel number (APN), plan or permit number, or address.

Launch Land Use View Application

Online Services (CSS Portal)

The County of San Luis Obispo provides online services through Citizen Self Service (CSS) to request a building inspection, research construction permits and property information, and to pay fees.

Launch CSS Portal