The footing and foundation inspections occur after excavations for the footings are complete and any required reinforcing steel is in place.

For concrete foundations, the forms must be in place.

Materials for the foundation must be on the job, except where concrete is ready mixed in accordance with ASTM C 94.

Property corners must be marked and identified, with strings pulled, in order to verify zoning setbacks. 

For concrete slab construction, the underslab plumbing inspection occurs when all supply line and building drains are in place, a 10-foot head pressure test is on the vents and drain lines, and the Plumbing Code or manufacturers’ required pressure is on the water lines. No backfilling of the trenches may take place prior to inspection.

Concrete slab and under-floor inspections take place after in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and building service equipment, conduit, piping accessories and other ancillary equipment items are in place but before any concrete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including the subfloor. Vapor barriers and termite/soil treatment must be in place.

Any reinforced concrete poured on site must be inspected after the reinforcement is in place and prior to pouring.

Concrete test results must be submitted to us:

• Click on the "Request Inspections" button below
• Click on "My Permits"
• Click on the specific permit in the list
• Click on the "Upload Document" option in the “Document” section and follow the prompts from there

In flood hazard areas, the initial building permit is limited to the foundation of the structure. The contractor must submit an elevation certificate prepared by a surveyor upon placement of the lowest floor, including the basement, and prior to vertical construction. Once approved, we can release the full building permit for vertical construction.

To submit the elevation certificate for the building under construction:

• Click on the "Request Inspections" button below
• Click on "My Permits"
• Click on the specific permit in the list
• Click on the "Upload Document" option in the “Document” section and follow the prompts from there

Exterior sheathing must be inspected after the exterior wall sheathing is applied and before any energy wrap, felt, siding, or brick is installed.

The Building Wrap inspection is required as a separate inspection. 

A water-resistive barrier applied over studs or sheathing of all exterior walls is required. One layer of No. 15 asphalt felt complying with ATM D 226 or other approved water resistive barrier that is free from breaks or holes may be used.

The material must be applied horizontally, with the upper layer lapped over the lower layer at least 2 inches. Where joints occur, the material must be lapped at least 6 inches and must be continuous to the top of the walls.

It is not required under the paperbacked stucco lath when the paper backing is an approved weatherresistive sheathing paper.

This inspection can be scheduled with the Framing All Roughs inspection. 

If applicable, the gas piping inspection is performed when the gas piping is complete and 10 psi of pressure has been maintained for at least 30 minutes.

Galvanized piping may not be used.

This is performed after the Framing All Roughs inspection has been approved and after all walls and floors requiring insulation are complete.

Any ceiling areas where it is not possible to use blown insulation or where blown insulation is not to be used must be complete at this time.

No wall finishes are to be installed until the insulation has been inspected and approved. 

If power is required prior to all of the circuits being completed and devices being installed, a temporary power inspection is required. The electrical panels must be complete and capable of being secured from access by all people except the electrical contractor and the job superintendent.

Upon the approval of a temporary power inspection, we will submit a work order to have the electric meter installed on the building. Utilities will be billed to the contractor until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the project. 

At this point, please review the checklist on our Closing Out Your Commercial Project webpage for actions that you must complete prior to scheduling final inspections. These actions typically need to start several weeks in advance. 

An inspection is required prior to setting a commercial water meter.

Call our New Business Utility Account Specialist to schedule this at 803-329-5538.

If South Carolina Department of Environmental Services Approval to Operate is required, we will confirm that is in place before scheduling. If that is not required, we will confirm that any additional fees or documentation is in place before scheduling. 

An infrastructure inspector will complete the inspection and will let our New Business Utility Account Specialist know the status of the inspection and the meter size. We will then enter a work order for the water meter to be set for you.

In flood hazard areas, the builder must submit the elevation certification prepared by a surveyor for the finished construction.

• Click on the "Request Inspections" button below
• Click on "My Permits"
• Click on the specific permit in the list
• Click on the "Upload Document" option in the “Document” section and follow the prompts from there

Our Closing Out Your Commercial Project webpage has information about actions that you must complete prior to scheduling final inspections as well as a final inspections checklist.