Inspections

Find Inspection Information for Your Project Type

How to Schedule an Inspection
Inspections must be scheduled through the Community Development Center. In addition to calling to schedule an inspection, the County has a software program that allows contractors and owners to request inspections on-line as well as view inspection results. This service helps get inspections scheduled more quickly and without needing to reach us over the busy phones. For more information, log into the Building Department website.
For Every Inspection
Your laminated building permit shall be posted in plain view of the right-of-way and the approved set of plans shall be on site.

FAQs

If you have a building permit you will need one or more inspections depending on the exact nature of the activity. The applicant is the responsible party for scheduling the appropriate inspections. The County inspects land disturbing permits both proactively and in response to complaints. Inspections must be scheduled through the Community Development Center. In addition to calling to schedule an inspection, the County has a software program that allows contractors and owners to request inspections on-line as well as view inspection results. This service helps get inspections scheduled more quickly and without needing to reach us over the busy phones. For more information log into the

Do I need to be present for every inspection?

It is not necessary to be present for every inspection. If the inspector can access and inspect everything needed, you do not need to be on-site (unless you would like to be). This can be accomplished by giving them a door code, leaving a spare key, keeping the area that needs to be accessed unlocked, etc.

What is the general inspection checklist for Erosion and Sediment Control (E&S)?

Do you have a Land Clearing Permit or an agreement in lieu of? If not, STOP ALL WORK. Obtain the necessary permits before completing any work or you may be charged a “working without a permit” fee.
Are your E&S measures installed before you call your footing inspection?
Are your E&S measures installed per DEQ Guidelines?
- Temporary stone entrance- area has been excavated 3”, removed roots and vegetation, has filter paper, using VDOT #1 stone with a depth of 6”. Must be cleaned out or top dressed with new stone once tracking becomes an issue
- Silt fence- Height shall be at least 16”, buried in a trench 4”x4” on the upslope side, and all joints shall be spliced with a post and wrapped to ensure continuity. Must be repaired once any holes, degradation, or undercutting occurs. Sediment must be removed once reaching approximately ½ the height of the silt fence. May be removed once disturbed area is stabilized
- Seeding- Surface will be roughened before seeding, seeds will be broadcasted per recommended amount for that particular seed, and then area shall be mulched. If using straw or hay, the rate of application is 70-90 lbs per 1000/sqft. Good rule of thumb is that you should not be able to see the bare soil underneath.
- Are your E&S measures in good shape and operating as intended (No sediment build-up in temporary stone entrance, no holes, undercutting, or degradation of silt fence, stabilization and mulching methods up to minimum standards?)

Note: E&S inspections will be added to your regular inspections and inspected by your Building Inspector.

What is the general inspection checklist for Footings? (Can be inspected by a 3rd Party.)

Do you have a Building Permit? If not, STOP ALL WORK. Obtain the necessary permits before completing any work or you may be charged a “working without a permit” fee.
Are you in a tax map parcel number known for shrink/swell soils? If so, have you gotten a 3rd party report testing on-site soils? If that report has come back showing shrink/swell soils with an engineered design, please get a 3rd party to inspect your footings
Are they dug to at least 18” below finished grade?
Is the soil at the bottom of the footing firm?
Is there rebar or other reinforcement per the approved set of plans?

Note: Please do not pour your footings before getting an inspection.

*If using a 3rd party inspector, the following conditions apply:

Must be on Louisa County’s approved 3rd party inspectors list
Must notify Louisa County prior to any 3rd party inspection
Must submit inspection result within 72 hours of inspection

What is the general inspection checklist for Foundations? (Can be inspected by a 3rd Party.)

Is your foundation sitting in the center of your footing? Is it meeting minimum projection requirements (minimum 2” on all side)?
Does the footprint of your foundation match what is on your approved plans?
Does your reinforcement match what is on your approved plans or what is called for in VRC for unbalanced backfill (table 404.1.1 for masonry foundations or 404.1.2 for poured concrete)?
Are your sill plate anchors spaced maximum 6 ft apart and 12” from ends of planks?
Are spread footers placed correctly per approved plans?
Is the top run of masonry block filled solid before stepping-down (10” block to 8” block, the top row of 10” block must be filled solid with mortar)?
If using a conditioned crawlspace, a basement, or a slab, do you have your radon vent present?

*If using a 3rd party inspector, the following conditions apply:

Must be on Louisa County’s approved 3rd party inspectors list
Must notify Louisa County prior to any 3rd party inspection
Must submit inspection result within 72 hours of inspection

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Inspections

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