Building and Inspections

Customers that have an active permit issued in the old system should continue to call in inspections via the Inspection Request Phone Line at 210-659-0333, ext. 444.

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The Building and Inspections division is responsible for issuance of building permits, construction plan review and inspections to include occupancy inspections of new commercial buildings as well as existing commercial buildings. The Development Services Package provides a brief overview of permits and inspections required and contractor registration. Other permits or inspection may be required.  Please contact the Development Services staff to ensure your project is properly permitted and inspected.

This department also enforces the requirement for contractor’s licenses relative to all phases of construction to include general contractor’s licenses, home improvement licenses, electrical contractor’s licenses and sign contractor’s licenses. Registration of plumbers, irrigation contractors, mechanical contractors, fire alarm, fire sprinkler and fire suppression installers are also required.

Staff is available to assist you with all applications herein described and to offer you guidance in submitting plans for review and provide you with information related to building codes and ordinances. You may access applications for contractor registration and permit applications at our Document Center. Go the the Document Center now.

Construction codes, state law and city ordinances have been adopted and apply to all phases of construction within the city. Codes establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of ingress and egress, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation. They also cover safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment. They are provided as a tool to regulate and control the design, certification, construction, alteration, modification, repair, equipment uses, occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of all buildings, structures and appurtenances thereto.

Current Building Codes Adopted By Universal City

 International Residential Code, 2021 Revision with amendments
 International Building Code, 2021 Revision with Appendices E, F and H with amendments
 International Plumbing Code, 2021 Revision with Appendices B thru E with amendments
 International Mechanical Code, 2021 Revision with amendments
 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Revision with Appendices A thru D with amendments
 International Fire Code, 2021 Revision with Appendices B, C and I with amendments
 National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code 101 (NFPA 101 2021)
 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 Revision with amendments
 International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Revision with Appendix A with amendments
 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 Revision
 International Existing Building Code, 2021 Revision
 National Electrical Code, 2023 with Appendices A thru F with amendments

Amendments may be viewed and obtained by City Ordinance 370 clicking here Version OptionsBuilding and InspectionsHeadline.

Inspections

The following list of inspections is designed primarily for new construction of residential and commercial buildings. However, many of the same inspections will apply to remodeling, renovations or additions to residential and commercial buildings. A specific list of inspections will be provided to you as they pertain to your particular construction project at the time of building permit issuance.

 Foundation and Site Inspections:

  • Setbacks
  • Construction Loop/Temporary Meter Loop (Electrical)
  • Excavation, Forms and Reinforcing Steel
  • Soil Pipe in or Under Slab
  • Copper Pipe in or Under Slab
  • Underground Electric
  • Termite Treatment Certification

 Rough Inspections:

  • Lead Test
  • Finish Wiring
  • Brick Lug/Lathe
  • Rough Plumbing
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Water Line
  • Gas Service
  • Sewer Line
  • Top Out Plumbing
  • Rough Electric Wiring
  • Wind Brace
  • Framing
  • Poly Seal
  • Insulation

 Final Inspections:

  • Plumbing
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Electrical
  • Driveways, Sidewalks, Etc.
  • Building Certificate of Occupancy


Inspection Request Phone Line

210-659-0333, Extension 444 - 7 days a week/24 hours a day.

Please note the following inspection request policy.

  • The cutoff for requesting next-day inspections, Monday through Friday, is midnight the day prior.
  • Note that inspection cancellation requests must be made on the inspection hotline by 7 a.m. the day of the scheduled inspection.
  • Note that the City may use a third-party building inspector. If a third-party building inspector is used, the City cannot guarantee a.m. or p.m. inspection times but will make an attempt to accommodate the request as a courtesy. Please advise your staff and your clients accordingly. All inspections are subject to the availability of a City Official or third-party inspector.
  • Emergency Exceptions. Life, health, and safety inspections are the exceptions to the scheduling requirements above. (Loss of service, i.e. electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing service). Emergency inspections or situations where inspections are required in order to restore lost or abandoned service will be given first priority at the discretion of the department.    

Leave the following information when requesting an inspection:

  • Job address where inspection is to take place
  • Specific type of inspection needed
  • Permit number
  • Contractor name and number
  • Any special instructions for the inspector

Any questions regarding the information provided herein may be directed to Development Services 210-659-0333.