The permit applicant is responsible for ensuring all work is complete and ready for inspection. Reinspections will only be conducted after corrections have been made. Inspectors may adjust the sequence below if site conditions allow without affecting safety or design standards.

Foundation Inspection
After footing excavations are complete, with forms and reinforcing steel in place. Underground plumbing must pass a 10-foot water test, anchors must be set, and grounding electrodes (UFER) installed.

Concrete Slab Inspection
Once grading, vapor barrier, sand, and reinforcement are in place. All piping and conduit must be protected before concrete is poured.

Roof Sheathing Inspection
After roof sheathing is nailed per approved plans, and before roofing materials are applied or loaded. Contractor must provide safe ladder access.

Wall Sheathing Inspection
Exterior shear panels must be nailed and hardware (bolting, strapping, shear transfer) installed before exterior finishes are applied.

Framing Inspection
After framing is complete and roofing materials are loaded. Rough plumbing, sprinklers, mechanical, and electrical must be installed and tested. Windows and exterior doors must be flashed. Lath nailing may be inspected during or after.

Insulation Inspection
After insulation, caulking, and sealing are complete, and windows are installed and labeled.

Drywall Nailing Inspection
After drywall or interior lath is fastened, but before finishing. Exterior lath nailing must be approved.

Sewer and Water Service Connection
After piping is installed and tested, but before it is covered.

Gas Piping Test
After gas piping is installed but before fixtures or appliances are connected. Requires an air/CO₂ pressure test (10 psi for 15 minutes with no drop; welded piping or high-pressure lines: 60 psi for 30 minutes with no drop).

Final Inspection
When the structure is ready for occupancy. Must include: drainage complete, address posted, plumbing/electrical fixtures installed and operable, insulation certificate posted, debris removed, and finishes complete. A subcontractor list must also be submitted, with all subcontractors holding a valid City business license.

• Apply for a business license here

Virtual Inspections require photographs in lieu of in-person inspections and may require a video inspection, (only if the inspector deems necessary).

The information provided on this page is only a guide. Projects may need a more detailed in-person or virtual inspection than what is listed. If you have questions concerning specific methods of construction, products, or inspections, please consult with your Inspector of Record, or the Building and Safety Division at (760) 776-6430. A phone call could help you avoid the possibility of costly replacement of either defective or unapproved materials.

Permits Eligible for Virtual Inspection

• Residential HVAC Replacement
• Water Heater Replacement
• Residential Window and Door Replacement
• Residential Re-roof

Virtual Inspection Requirements

• A valid permit for the proposed work
• Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Form

Photograph Requirements

• All photos taken shall be clear and they shall have sufficient brightness to see the items to be inspected.
• All photos shall be a minimum of 4 megapixels in size or larger and the photos shall be attached and/or uploaded at full sized All photographs are date and time stamped

Virtual Inspection Scheduling

• Documents and photographs shall be submitted through your Clariti account
• Once a virtual inspection is submitted, the application and photos will be reviewed within 5-7 business days. The inspector will update your Clariti account with any follow up questions, corrections, or an approval
• The permit approval in your Clariti account will serve as your record of final inspection
• A standard job card will not be issued

If a Video Inspection is Required

• An Inspector will contact you for a video if it is needed.

Special inspection is the monitoring of the materials and workmanship, which are critical to the integrity of the building structure. It is the responsibility of the owner to hire the special inspector to review the work of the contractors and their employees to assure that the approved plans and specifications are being followed and that relevant codes and ordinances are being observed.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Special Inspector

• Acknowledge the testing and inspection agreement and structural tests and inspection schedule
• Signify presence at jobsite
• Observe all work for which they are responsible
• Separately identify all nonconforming work
• Provide timely reports to the building official, engineer or architect of record, and others as designated by the CBC
• Submit a final report

Special Inspector Approval Proceedure

The initial contact is preferred by phone for the following reasons:

• To inform applicants of the minimum standards acceptable in the City of Palm Desert
  •  Other certifications, which verify experience and qualifications, including but not, limited to:
    • ICC certification for the discipline that the applicant is requesting and/or
    • NICET Level III for concrete
    • AWS Welding Certification (shop fabrication only)
    • License from jurisdictions that require written and oral testing
  • To determine the experience of the applicant in related trades or as a special inspector
  • To inform the applicant of the following:
    • To bring in certifications and/or licenses which prove that the applicant is qualified
    • Drivers’ license or pictured identification is required.

Submission of the Inspection and Observation Program

• CBC Section 1704 provides that when special inspection or structural observation is required, an Inspection and Observation Program shall be submitted by the architect or engineer of record for approval prior to issuance of the building permit.

• Information of the program shall be provided on the forms prescribed by each jurisdiction. (See Structural Observation Program form) The program shall specify the items of work that require special inspection or structural observation, names of the special inspectors and structural observer of record and stages of construction at which structural observation is to occur.

• All seismic resisting elements of the structural system shall be included in the scope of structural observation, if structural observation is required per Section 1705.13.3. If structural observation is required it is up to the engineer or architect of record to designate the structural elements that need to be observed. Nothing should preclude the engineer or architect of record from including non-seismic resisting elements in the scope of structural observation.

• The Inspection and Observation Program shall be made a part of the approved plans, and be placed in a conspicuous location such as on the first page of the plans or the first page of structural plans. Substitution of special inspectors or the structural observer subsequent to issuance of the permit may be processed as a revision to the approved plans.

The "Structural Observer of Record" and Persons who Perform the Structural Observation

• The individual or firm who is responsible for the structural observation may be called the "Structural Observer of Record" for the project. Per CBC Section 1705.13.3, a structural observer of record must meet all the following three conditions:

• Be a person or firm registered in California to practice engineering or architecture.
• Have a direct contractual relationship with the owner to provide the structural observation service.
• Be either the engineer or architect of record for the structural design, or another engineer or architect designated by the engineer or architect of record.

• The person who actually performs structural observation in the field may be either the Structural Observer of Record or an engineer or architect under the responsible control of the Structural Observer of Record.

Submission of Structural Observation or Special Inspection Report

• The Structural Observer of Record is responsible for submitting the observation report as required by Section 1705.13.3. The person who actually performs the observation may fill out a draft report, noting any observed deficiencies. The draft report shall be reviewed, completed, stamped and signed by the Structural Observer of Record, who takes the responsibility for the report. Whenever a structural observation is performed by someone other than the Structural Observer of Record, that person's name and professional registration number shall be identified in the report.

• Deficiencies observed must be reported in writing to the owner's representative, relevant special inspectors, the contractor and the building official. Whether or not any deficiency is observed, a structural observation report shall be submitted to the building official at each significant construction stage as designated in the Inspection & Observation Program. The jurisdiction's inspection approval at those stages shall not occur before receiving the report. To facilitate the construction process, an inspector may conditionally approve an inspection based on a draft report prepared by the structural observed in the field, pending on submission of the report stamped and signed by the Structural Observer of Record.

Fire Marshal Services help protect life, property, and the community by reducing fire risks and ensuring compliance with fire and life safety regulations. In Palm Desert, the Fire Marshal works in coordination with the Riverside County Fire Department to promote fire prevention through inspections, plan reviews, investigations, and public education.

These services play a critical role in supporting safe development, business operations, and special events throughout the city.

What the Fire Marshal Does

• Conducts fire and life safety inspections of commercial and multi-family properties
• Reviews building and construction plans for fire code compliance
• Issues permits related to fire safety and hazardous materials
• Investigates fire incidents when necessary
• Supports community education and fire prevention efforts
• Reviews and approves special events for fire and life safety requirements

How to Contact Fire Marshal Services

Palm Desert City Hall
73510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260

Office: (760) 346-0611
Email: FireMarshal@palmdesert.gov

For additional information about Fire Marshal Services and related programs, visit the Riverside County Fire Department Fire Marshal webpage.

• After Hours Inspection Request
• Special Inspector Application
• Special Inspection Program Application
• Structural Observation Program Application