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Failed a San José building inspection? What the correction notice means and what to do

A failed inspection is usually a correction notice (CN). It means the inspector found something to fix before that part of the work can be approved. You fix the items, ask for a reinspection, and the permit stays open until the final is approved.1

Ask about your correction notice

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The short version

CN: correction notice

The inspector found work that must be corrected. The notice is published at SJPermits.org and recorded on the Permit Card.1

NR: not ready

The work was not ready when the inspector arrived. Reinspection fees can apply when inspections are called before the job is ready.12

PA: partial approval

Part of the work passed. The rest still needs to be corrected or finished.1

What to do after a correction notice

Our scheduling guide covers booking and inspection day. This page starts after the result.

  1. Read the notice

    Open the notice at SJPermits.org or read the Permit Card. Note every item the inspector listed.1

  2. Do not cover the work

    Parts that do not comply must be corrected and not covered or concealed until the building official authorizes it.3

  3. Fix every item

    Correct the work to the code and to the City-approved plans. Keep the notice and the plans together for the next visit.

  4. Schedule the reinspection

    Use the same two routes as any inspection: SJPermits.org, or 408-535-3555. Details are in our inspection scheduling guide.1

  5. Ask about fees

    A reinspection fee may be assessed, and no further inspection is done until an assessed fee is paid.2 Ask the Permit Center what applies to your permit.

About reinspection fees

First rejection
The City code is not meant to require a fee the first time a job is rejected. It aims at calling for inspection before the job is ready.2
When fees may apply
A fee may be assessed when the work is not complete or the corrections are not made. It may also apply when the Permit Card is not posted or available, the approved plans are not available to the inspector, access is not provided, or the work deviates from plans that needed the building official's approval.2
How it works
To obtain a reinspection the applicant files a written application and pays the fee in the schedule of fees. We did not find an amount on a City page.2
Questions
The Building Division takes code and inspection questions at InfoInspector@sanjoseca.gov or 408-535-7641.4

Failed an inspection? We fix the corrections and take it to final.

Send us the correction notice. We read it, fix the work, schedule the reinspection and meet the inspector through final.

  • The address and permit number
  • What the notice says, or a photo of it
  • What work is open or covered

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David and Tristan, the owners, stay involved from the first walkthrough to the final check. We reply the same business day, Monday to Friday.

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Failed inspections: common questions
What does CN mean on a San Jose inspection notice?
CN means correction notice. San José gives each inspected process one of five results: OK (approved), PA (partial approval), CN (correction notice), NR (not ready) and NN (not needed). A CN means the inspector found work that has to be corrected before that process is approved.
Where do I find the correction notice?
The inspector publishes results as notices at SJPermits.org and also records them on the Permit Card. Keep the Permit Card at the job site, and have prior inspection notices available at the next inspection.
How do I get a reinspection in San Jose?
Fix the items listed on the notice, then schedule again the way you schedule any inspection: at SJPermits.org with the Schedule an Inspection button, or at 408-535-3555. The City code also describes a written application and a reinspection fee when a fee has been assessed.
Will I be charged a reinspection fee?
Not automatically. The City code says a reinspection fee may be assessed when the work called for is not complete or the corrections are not made. It says the section is not meant to require a fee the first time a job is rejected. Fees may also be assessed for no Permit Card or approved plans on site, no access, or deviating from the plans. We did not find a dollar amount on a City page, so ask the Permit Center.
Can I cover up the work before the reinspection?
No. The California Building Code says work cannot go past the point of each inspection without approval, and parts that do not comply must be corrected and not covered or concealed until the building official authorizes it.

Sources

This page explains published City and code rules for inspection results. The City decides what applies to your permit. Check the City pages for current details.