Inspectors conduct field inspections to ensure that work covered by a permit is done according to plan, and in compliance with all Building Codes and City Ordinances adopted by the City of Indio. The owner or licensed contractor is responsible for notifying Building & Safety when said work is ready for inspection.

Scheduling of Building Inspections

For building inspections, the Chief Building Official will limit the number of daily building inspections with consideration to staffing levels and reasonable customer service. If we are unable to complete a building inspection on the date requested, we will reschedule it for the following work day. We ask that you please be ready for the requested inspection as we will not return later and you will be required to reschedule the inspection to another day.

Inspection requests received before 3 p.m. will be performed the following work day. Inspection requests can be made by one (1) of the following ways:

• Leave a message at (760) 391-4001
• Email inspection@indio.org

When requesting an inspection provide the following information:

• Address
• Permit Number
• Type of Inspection
• Contact Person Name & Number
• Gate Code (If applicable)

To help insure the safety and health of City staff, there will be no Building inspections within the interior of lived-in dwelling units where a staff person has to enter the home to complete the inspection. If an inspector can gain access from the exterior and not go through the house, then that inspection will be performed.

Please note that a permit must still be applied for and received, however, an applicant will have up to 12 months from the date of the issued permit to request an inspection(s).

The Short Term and Long Term Rental Inspections process differs from the regular inspection process.

Report Illegal Construction! Building & Safety inspectors investigate illegal building construction activity. Contact information is kept anonymous.

Virtual Inspections

Due to Coronavirus transmission concerns, the City of Indio has implemented the Virtual Inspection Program.

The program will provide an alternative for eligible residential inspections, and in some cases, commercial inspections. Overall, the Inspector Supervisor will determine which residential or commercial inspections qualify. The program requires the customer to use a smart phone, iPad or laptop with video capability for interacting with the Building Inspector.

The inspection process is required to include the following:

• The customer is required to have a valid permit for the proposed work.
• The customer is required to confirm they have the appropriate electronic device with minimum 4G connectivity.
• The customer is required to contact Ruben Franz, Building Inspector Supervisor, at rfranz@indio.org or (760) 541-4210 to request an appointment for a virtual inspection. The customer is to provide the permit number, site address, type of inspection, email and contact phone number.
• The Inspector Supervisor will verify the inspection type can be done virtually and will confirm an appointment date and time.
• At the scheduled time, the assigned Building Inspector will initiate a LifeSize video call to the customer. This should only require the customer to click on a link, and once in the app, enter the sent four-digit code. The customer may alternately request to use FaceTime.
• The Building Inspector will direct the customer where to point the camera (beginning by showing the site address).
• Inspection results will be emailed to the customer and entered into the permitting system.

Eligible Projects

• Photovoltaic Systems
• Patio Covers
• Water Heater Changeouts
• Sewer Connections
• Gas Line Extensions for BBQ and Fire Pits
• HVAC Changeouts
• Electrical Panel Changeouts
• Reroofs
• Window Changeouts

Note: If for any reason the Inspector is unable to complete the inspection via the Virtual Inspection Program, every effort will be made to route a field inspector to complete the inspection the same day. If this is not possible, the inspector will schedule a field inspection for the next business day.

Virtual Inspection Documentation

• City of Indio Virtual Inspection Documentation
• Lifesize Client Connect Walk through Guide

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