Inspections

Last updated or reviewed on April 13, 2026

How and When to Schedule an Inspection

DSD Building Safety Inspections perform inspections Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Customers can schedule inspection in two ways:

Inspection Wait Times

Inspections are provided based on the type of work being done.

Next Business Day

  • Building inspections

  • Trade inspections (like electrical, plumbing, or heating)

Wait 2 Business Days

  • Driveways: Both home (residential) and business (commercial)

  • Public Sidewalks

  • Ground Work: Grading, soil erosion, and stormwater

Wait 3 Business Days

  • Zoning

  • Landscaping

The Public Works department administers inspections for commercial driveways and public sidewalks

Request a Remote Inspection

Following NC Code Officials Qualification Board guidance, contractors may schedule inspections online by phone and ask for a remote inspection in their request. A remote inspection is performed using a video call instead of a person coming to your site.

What Can Be Done Remotely?

  • Plumbing: Sewer and water trenches (up to 100 feet) or shower pans.

  • Heating and Cooling (HVAC): Replacing units for houses or townhomes (unless they use gas).

  • Solar Power: Electrical work for rooftop solar panels on homes.

  • Building: Porch columns or connecting sections of a manufactured home.

  • Homestays: Inspections for short-term rentals.

  • Fixing Small Problems: Re-inspections for up to four minor issues that are not safety risks. This includes things like insulation, framing, or final plumbing checks that were already looked at once.

What Cannot Be Done Remotely?

  • Safety Risks: Any inspection involving “life safety” (dangerous items).

  • Utilities: Most electrical work, gas lines, or appliance vents.

  • The Ground: Grading, soil erosion, and stormwater.

  • Outdoor Areas: Driveways and flood-zone checks.

Resources

Guide to Required Residential Inspections

Inspector Directory