- What is a Pre-Application Site Visit (PASV)?
- When do I need an inspection?
- How do I schedule an inspection?
- How do I check the status of an inspection?
1 - Q. What is a Pre-Application Site Visit (PASV)?
A. A Pre-Application Site Visit is required for all permits for construction (building permit) or future construction (land use) that involve earth disturbance, including staging areas. During the site visit a site inspector will verify field conditions and identify additional submittal requirements based on site observations. Field items noted include, but are not limited to, steep slopes, wetlands, drainage patterns, large trees, existing structures and street curb dimensions. Design items include but are not limited to location of existing slopes to proposed construction and location of existing structures to proposed construction.
Pre-Application Site Visits may not be required if the proposed construction does not involve earth (ground) disturbance. For example, adding a gate and security fence for a boat dock or interior remodels do not require a Pre-Application Site Visit. Pre-Application Site Visits are not required for lot boundary adjustments and unit lot subdivisions when a site visit has been conducted for an associated construction permit.
You can read more about Pre-Application Site Visits by reading a Pre-Application Site Visit application, found on our Forms website.
2 - Q. When do I need an inspection?
A. After your building permit is issued, a DPD inspector checks to make sure that your work is done according to code. As a permit holder, you must call to arrange for each inspection. Unless your building permit provides for additional or special inspections, there may be five required points of inspection:
- At time of first ground disturbance
- Prior to pouring of foundation
- Prior to covering framing
- After insulation is installed
- After construction is complete
Plumbing, mechanical, electrical, side sewer work, and water service lines require separate inspections. After the final inspection, DPD will grant approval to occupy, or, in the case of projects other than single family homes and duplexes, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued. The City of Seattle does not issue a Certificate of Occupancy for one and two unit residences.
3 - Q. How do I schedule an inspection?
A. To schedule an inspection, use our online inspection request service. You may also call our 24-hour inspection request line at (206) 684-8900 before 7 a.m. on the day you need the inspection. Be sure to have your permit number available for reference when you call. Inspection requests called in after 7 a.m. will be put on the list for the next business day.
Our service goal is same-day inspections. However, on rare occasions, this is not possible. Also, as efficient routing of inspections is required in order to meet our service goal, it is not possible for inspectors to give customers specific times for inspections. If you have an unusual scheduling issue or other concern, be sure to contact your inspector the morning of your inspection as they may be able to give you a time-window or make other arrangements that are mutually satisfactory. For further inspection-related information, call (206) 684-8950.
4 - Q. How do I check the status of an inspection?
A. You can view the status of your permit application or inspection online anytime by using our "Permit Status" tool.
Nov. 22, 2010
