Once the final inspection is approved, the permit is closed, and a certificate of occupancy has been issued, there should be no more work taking place that requires additional inspections. The last thing the inspector wants is to issue a final approval and close out a permit knowing that there is remaining electrical work to be done that will never be inspected.

If a set of plans for a medical office shows an x-ray machine but the machine is on back order, the inspector could potentially refuse to issue a certificate of occupancy until all items and equipment shown on the plans are installed.

Sometimes special agreements are made to allow the main permit for the project to be closed while issuing another permit for a few remaining items that are not considered “life safety” items.

Some city inspectors will issue a temporary certificate of occupancy and allow the permit to remain open until remaining items on the plans are installed, inspected, and approved.

If there are items or equipment (not part of the life safety or emergency system) remaining to be installed that will delay the final inspection, ask the inspector what can be arranged so as not to delay the grand opening of the building.