Beginning Aug. 3, 2026, building inspection requests will be available in Carlsbad’s Self-Service Online Permit Portal, providing customers with a more streamlined and convenient way to schedule inspections and view inspection history. You can now:

• Request building inspections using Carlsbad’s Online Permit Portal up to a few weeks out.
• Receive email confirmations when your online inspection request is scheduled. 
• View Inspection history, such as inspections that have been completed with approval. If an inspection does not pass, you can review the inspector’s correction notes. After corrections have been made, schedule a reinspection through the Online Permit Portal.  

Scheduling inspections through the online portal will enable you and the city to more quickly review and schedule, as well as provide feedback and next steps via email.

During the transition to requesting online building inspections through the portal, the Building Inspection request webform will remain available.

How it works

Step 1: Register for an account 

If you are not yet registered for online portal access, we ask you register first.

Select the button above, scroll down and click ‘Create Account’ and follow the prompts. You can expect an email confirmation within one to two business days confirming your online portal access. The email will also highlight the benefits and features that come with access to the portal. If you have questions about using the online portal, please email CSSPermitHelp@carlsbadca.gov. 

Log in to Online Permit Portal with your credentials. In upper right area, type your building permit number in search window.

Open the permit record by selecting highlighted hyperlink (sample below). 

With your permit open in the online portal, you can quickly request single inspection from the Permit Summary page. For additional options, select the Inspections tab to: 

• View inspection history and correction notes
• Request one or more inspections (including combination inspections). 

Select the inspection type(s) you need, then click Request Inspection. A sample is shown below.

Step 3: Add inspection details

On next screen, fill out the necessary fields to complete your inspection request. To receive confirmation once your request is scheduled, please include an email address where noted.  

Reminders

Building posts a Daily Inspection List with time windows each business day by 8 a.m. 

When scheduling building inspections please note the following:

• Building inspection requests submitted before 2 p.m. will be scheduled for the next business day. During high inspection volume, holidays and/or staff availability, rollover inspections may occur. See below for inspection rollovers for city-observed holidays.
• Building inspection requests submitted after 2 p.m. will be scheduled in two business days. 
• On city-observed holidays, inspections are not scheduled/performed and will roll over to the next available business day.
• Construction hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please note, per CMC 8.48.010, no construction work is permitted on any Sunday or Federal holiday. Plan your work accordingly.