POLICY MEMORANDUM

Inspection Scheduling Windows and Inspection Readiness Requirements

Subject: Inspection Scheduling Windows and Inspection Readiness Requirements

Effective Date: 4/1/2026

To: Contractors, Developers, Permit Holders, and Design Professionals

Due to the geographic size of Washoe County and the volume of construction activity occurring throughout the jurisdiction, the Washoe County Building Program is modifying inspection scheduling procedures to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable inspection services.

This memorandum clarifies inspection arrival windows and reinforces longstanding code requirements regarding inspection readiness.

Inspection Arrival Windows

Washoe County will transition from a one-hour inspection window to an estimated two-hour inspection arrival window.

Inspection windows are intended to provide a reasonable period of time in which the inspector could arrive; however:

Inspection windows are estimates only.
Inspection times are not guaranteed appointment times
Field conditions, travel distances, emergency inspections, re-inspections, and inspection complexity may affect arrival times.

Expanding inspection windows allows inspectors to safely travel between inspection sites without unnecessary rushing that may impact safety, inspection quality, or service reliability.

Inspection Readiness Requirement

Washoe County has experienced an increasing number of inspections requested before work is complete and ready for inspection. This practice creates delays for inspectors and other projects awaiting inspection services.

Permit holders shall request inspection(s) only when the work associated with the permit is complete and ready for inspection.

Inspectors are not authorized to wait while work is being completed.

Code Basis and Historical Intent

Earlier model codes, including legacy Uniform Codes, referenced inspections being requested when work was “complete.” Modern adopted codes, including the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and International Codes, now describe inspections occurring at various stages of installation prior to concealment and final approval. While terminology has evolved, the intent has not changed, work must be ready prior to requesting an inspection.

Approval may not be granted for partial, incomplete, or actively progressing work.

Scheduling Expectations

Contractors, Permit Holders, and Owner's Authorized Agents shall:

Schedule inspections only when work is ready and will remain ready throughout the inspection window.
Avoid requesting inspections with the expectation that work will be completed during the inspection period.
Refrain from requesting morning or afternoon inspection as placeholders subject to cancellation.
Ensure responsible personnel are available on site when required.

Repeated requests for inspections where work is not ready may result in re-inspection and trip charges consistent with adopted Washoe County fee schedules.

Goal

These procedures are intended to:

Improve inspection reliability countywide
Reduce missed inspections and travel inefficiencies
Maintain inspector and public safety
Provide equitable service for all active construction projects and customers

Washoe County appreciates the cooperation of the development and contracting community in supporting efficient inspection operations.

For questions regarding this policy, please contact the Washoe County Building Program at:
building@washoecounty.gov
(775) 328 - 2020