The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) inspects permitted construction:
- For compliance with applicable construction codes.
- To be sure that the work being done matches what is authorized by the permit.
L&I Building Inspectors also respond to public complaints about construction projects. If the construction does not meet safety standards, L&I inspectors can issue Notices of Violation tickets (Code Violation Notices) and, if necessary, Stop Work Orders to halt construction until violations are fixed.
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When to request an inspection
When a construction project requires an inspection to proceed, the contractor must schedule the inspection with L&I. Inspectors will not submit inspection requests for you.
Before you schedule
See the list of permit inspection types to find when you should request an inspection for your project. A $100 Inspection Rescheduling Fee may be assessed if L&I cannot conduct a requested inspection because the project is not ready.
See the list of required certifications for certain permits. The permit holder is responsible for ensuring that all required certifications for applicable permits are submitted to L&I before requesting final inspection. A copy of the certification form must be submitted online using eCLIPSE, and uploaded to the permit with the “hold permit completion” status.
- Refer to the step-by-step instructions on how to submit a permit inspection certification in eCLIPSE.
- If you do not see a required “hold” on your permit, please submit an online help form.
Virtual inspections
Some permit types and inspection categories are eligible for a virtual inspection. These are conducted without a physical site visit. During a virtual inspection, the field agent or customer is required to:
- Be physically present and available at the inspection site.
- Have a tablet or smart phone with a working camera and microphone, and access to an internet connection using Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Communicate and follow the inspector’s instructions.
Eligible inspection types
For step-by-step instructions on the virtual inspection process for construction permits, review the virtual construction inspections information sheet.
Schedule an inspection
Online
To request an inspection online, use eCLIPSE.
If you need help using eCLIPSE to request an inspection, refer to L&I’s eCLIPSE FAQs.
Over the phone
To request an inspection over the phone, call (215) 255-4040. You will need your 2-letter, 10-digit Permit Number located at the top of your permit certificate, and the applicable 3-digit inspection code as listed on the interactive voice response (IVR) information sheet.
You can also use the phone line to cancel, reschedule, check inspection results, and access plan review. If you need step-by-step instructions for using the phone system, refer to the interactive voice response (IVR) information sheet.
After-hours inspections
Regular inspection hours are from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. L&I may authorize an inspection outside of regular hours.
Contact your District Office a minimum of 2 business days in advance to initiate an after-hours inspection request. The after-hours inspection fee is $240 for the first four hours, then $60 for each additional hour.