Inspections

Every permit requires at least one or more inspections. It is the responsibility of the owner, or a representative designated by the owner, to arrange these inspections.

Remember to:

  • Arrange an inspection prior to covering any work.
  • Provide 48 hours' notice and quote your permit number.
  • Keep approved permit drawings at the construction site and make them available to the inspectors.
  • Use a separate sheet for each requested day.

Covering work prior to inspection may result in delays, the removal of finishes and/or prosecution under the Building Code Act.

Book an inspection

You may request inspections at any time by calling 905-623-7876. We must receive your message before 3 p.m. on the business day before you require an inspection. 

Every building permit requires at least one or more inspections. It is the responsibility of the owner, or a representative designated by the owner, to arrange these inspections.

Residential building inspection requirements

Footings: Readiness to construct footings with formwork and reinforcing in place prior to placing concrete.

Backfill: Substantial completion of footings and foundations, including drainage and damproofing prior to commencement of backfilling.

Framing: Substantial completion of structural framing after heating and ventilation, mechanical, and plumbing rough-in with windows and roofing in place.

Insulation: Substantial completion of the insulation and vapour barriers prior to covering.

Air barrier: Substantial completion of the air barrier system prior to covering.

Garage ceiling/floor insulation: Substantial completion of the insulation and vapour barriers in ceiling of garage and any floor over unheated space, prior to covering.

Building occupancy: Completion of the construction and installation of components required to permit occupancy, as required by the Ontario Building Code.

Multi-residential and non-residential building inspection requirements

Footings: Readiness to construct footings with formwork and reinforcing in place prior to placing concrete.

Backfill: Substantial completion of footings and foundations, including drainage and damproofing prior to commencement of backfilling.

Framing: Substantial completion of structural framing and ductwork and piping for heating and air conditioning systems if the building is within the scope of Part 9 Division B.

Framing: Substantial completion of structural framing for each storey and rough-in of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and air contaminant extraction equipment for buildings other than Part 9 Division B.

Insulation: Substantial completion of the insulation and vapour barriers prior to covering.

Air barrier: Substantial completion of the air barrier system prior to covering.

Fire separations: Substantial completion of all required fire separations and closures.

Building occupancy: Completion of the construction and installation of components required to permit the issue of an occupancy permit under Sentence 1.3.3.1(2) or to permit occupancy under Sentence 1.3.3.2(1), if the building to be occupied is not fully completed.

Any electrical work that you do on your property must follow rules set out in the Ontario Electrical Safety Code. You must first get a permit from the Electrical Safety Authority before you begin any work.

For more information, visit the Electrical Safety Authority website or call 1-877-372-7233.

Fire Prevention staff conduct fire safety inspections in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and Fire Department policies. Inspections are also conducted upon request, and as a result of public complaints.

Fire Prevention staff perform plan reviews and site inspections of fire protection systems for buildings under construction.

A service fee may be applied to some inspections, in accordance with Municipal By-Laws.

Request a Fire Prevention Inspection

It's now easier than ever to request a fire prevention inspection using our new Service Clarington portal. To get started, visit the Service Clarington portal and register for a new account.

How to request an inspection

  1. Log in to the Service Clarington portal or create a new account.
  2. Fill out the form to request a fire prevention inspection and pay the fee, if applicable.
  3. Staff will review your request and contact you directly to schedule an inspection.

Request a Fire Prevention Inspection

Need help?

If you are unable to request a Fire Prevention Inspection online or have questions about the process, please contact the Fire Prevention team at 905-623-5126 ext. 2808.

Testing is required in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and a Plumbing Inspector must witness all tests.

Residential plumbing inspection requirements

Outside services: Installation of building storm sewer and sanitary sewer and water service pipe.

Inside services: Installation of underground building storm drain, sanitary drain, and water supply.

Rough-in: Installation of drainage system, venting system, and the water distribution system throughout the building.

Plumbing occupancy: Installation of required plumbing fixtures and plumbing appliances as required to permit occupancy, as required by the Ontario Building Code.

Multi-residential and non-residential plumbing inspection requirements

Outside services: Installation of building storm sewer and sanitary sewer, domestic and fire line piping.

Inside services: Installation of underground building storm drain, sanitary drain, domestic and fire line piping.

Rough-in: Installation of drainage system (sanitary and storm), venting system, and the water distribution system throughout the building.

Plumbing occupancy: Installation of required plumbing fixtures and plumbing appliances as required to permit occupancy, as required by the Ontario Building Code.

The Durham Region Health Department is responsible for regulating the design, construction and approval of on-site private sewage systems as outlined in the Ontario Building Code.

For more information, please see the Region of Durham website.

If you have received Municipal Site Plan approval for a project, we may need to inspect all the work once it is complete.

Once you have completed the construction and installation and have met all the conditions set out in the Site Plan approval, please contact the Planning and Infrastructure Services Department to arrange for an inspection. Site Plan inspections may include:

  • Landscape inspection
  • Lighting inspection
  • Road and sidewalk damage inspections