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1. How do I request a site development inspection?

For single family site development projects, please request inspections using the PALS Online Permits website. This method will allow you to leave a note for the inspector with your request. Please remember to provide any needed information like a gate code when there is one. 

For all other site development projects, contact your assigned inspector directly. Your assigned inspector's name and phone number is normally listed in the approval block on your plans.

2. Do I have to be at the site for your inspection?

Site development inspectors do not need to enter any structure to complete their inspections; therefore, it is not normally necessary for the applicant to be on site. Please remember to advise your inspector of any information necessary to access the site (such as a gate code) or of any potential hazards on site (such as an aggressive dog).

3. If I cannot get to my site on a daily basis, how am I supposed to know if your inspector required corrections by a certain deadline?

Once you have disturbed the site, it is your responsibility to monitor it and maintain the necessary erosion control measures. This normally requires regular site visits. If, however, you find you cannot make visits for a short period of time, you can monitor the status of your permit by using our eNotification service found on our online permits website website.

4. I have been calling your inspector all day and I have not gotten a call back, why?

Our inspectors spend most of their time in the field. Normally they come into the office in the morning to complete paperwork and return calls. They then go to the field to inspect for the rest of the day. If you did not catch your inspector before he or she has left for the field, you will not normally get a call back until the next working day. We do, however, make every effort to return all calls within one working day. If you feel your return call is taking longer than it should, you may wish to contact Development Engineering Inspection Support at (253) 798 3762, or the Inspection Supervisor at (253) 798-3756.

5. Why did your inspector come to my site, suspend my permit, and charge me a re-inspection fee when I did not request an inspection?

We are responsible for completing two types of inspections. Construction progress inspections are not normally completed unless requested by the applicant. Compliance monitoring inspections, however, are mandated by the state and federal government, and are completed at various stages of construction in order to insure adequate erosion control measures are in place and the project is not having an adverse impact on the environment or downstream resources.

6. How long does it take to get an inspection for my general site development permit?

General site development inspections are completed in the order received, normally within three working days. Consolidated punch lists are issued within 15 calendar days of request, provided the private engineer's inspection reports and as-built drawings have been submitted and a reasonable effort has been made to prepare the project for final inspection.

7. How long does it take to get an inspection on my residential site development permit?

Inspections requested before 11:00 a.m. on any working day are normally completed the following working day.

8. What if I have other questions regarding Development Engineering inspections?

Please feel free to contact Scott Murdock, Development Engineering Inspection Supervisor, (253) 798-3756.

9. If I disagree with one of your inspector's requirements, what can I do?

First, you should try to discuss the requirement with the inspector directly. Your inspector's name and phone number will be listed on the inspection report form. If you do not come to an agreement, you may complete and submit a Request for Reconsideration Form. These requests are normally reviewed, and a decision issued within a few working days. Attaching photos or other supporting documentation can be very helpful.