Clark County staff explain how to schedule building inspections, remote-inspection rules and fees

Cameron Przybylski, a lead building inspector with Clark County’s Building Safety Program, and program staff outlined how contractors and homeowners should request and prepare for building inspections and described the county’s remote video inspection program at an information session.

“Permits are required in Washington State by adoption of the International Residential Code to regulate fire life and safety standards,” Przybylski said, explaining that permits create a permanent record of work and inspections and establish a minimum standard for fire and life safety.

The presentation covered three commonly used on-site inspections — preconstruction erosion control, framing and final inspection — and why each matters. Przybylski said the preconstruction erosion inspection is “your very first inspection” and a good time to discuss site-specific conditions. He described the framing inspection as “probably 1 of our most common failed inspections,” noting it is the last opportunity to review structural work before it is covered. Final inspections are used to verify minimum fire and life-safety standards.

Mikayla Rankin, program assistant, explained scheduling options and the county’s preferred online request system. “Online inspection request is the preferred method of requesting inspections because it's easy to navigate, you can leave notes and contact information for the inspector, and you receive a confirmation number confirming the inspection has been scheduled,” Rankin said. She added that inspection requests for the following day must be completed prior to 10 p.m. and that the phone IVR line is (564) 397-2477.

Rankin described the online process on Clark County’s LMS: select the permit type, enter the permit number (first four digits then last five digits), verify address and expiration date, choose a date, pick a 3-digit inspection code from the drop-down menu, and submit a single inspection request. She warned that users can request only one inspection at a time and must reach the confirmation page to complete the request.

Tristan Bain, building inspector, reviewed what to expect on the day of an inspection: have gate codes or unlocked gates, secure pets or livestock, have plans on-site, and ensure the work is complete before scheduling. “Any inspections that aren't ready or any components that aren't ready when the inspector arrives will be noted as not ready, failed, and result in a $296 reinspection fee,” Bain said.

Staff also described how to view results. Inspectors’ pass/fail notes appear on the inspection results page via inspections.clark.wa.gov or by scanning the QR code on the permit card; detailed failure notes require logging in to the LMS or contacting the assigned inspector. Rankin said contact and inspector-area maps, inspector photos and phone numbers are posted on the county website so permit holders can identify and call their assigned inspector.

The county clarified the remote video inspection program covers simple mechanical and plumbing permits — examples given included furnace replacement, furnace upgrade, AC upgrades, ductless heat pump installs, water heater replacement, repipes and bathtub fixture changes. Bain said the remote inspection “is required to be performed with the party responsible for performing the installation” on-site (for example, the installer or site superintendent) and that video requests must include a minimum two-hour availability window and the on-site person’s name and cell phone number.

Other details provided during Q&A: permits issued in the jurisdiction remain valid for two years; structural changes usually require plan review and resubmittal at the inspector’s discretion; the county’s typical inspection list helps applicants determine which inspections apply to their project; and the preconstruction erosion inspection may be required before any other inspection for certain projects.

Staff closed by providing contact and resource information: the county’s online permitting system (CCLMS) landing page (permits.clark.wa.gov), the inspection landing page (inspections.clark.wad.gov), the IVR number (564-397-2477), the Building Safety Program phone number (564-397-4912), and the email sherlook@clark.wa.gov for remote-inspection requests. Przybylski urged applicants with questions to call or email the office and to contact their assigned inspector for the quickest resolution.

The session covered procedural details and practical steps for scheduling inspections and preparing for on-site and remote inspections; no formal actions, votes or policy changes were taken during the presentation.