Inspection Services

We work to provide the citizens of Waco with a safe and healthy environment in which to work and live through the enforcement of model construction codes, local code amendments, along with other City Ordinances facilitated through our Planning Division.

In order to fully understand the personnel and productivity of Inspection Services, it is necessary to first understand the organization of the department, and the function of the various personnel.

The City of Waco has adopted the following codes as of March 1, 2021:

• International Codes, 2018 Edition
• National Electrical Code (NEC), 2020 Edition

The Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act requires the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to adopt the revised National Electrical Code (NEC) as the electrical code for the state of Texas. On June 30, 2020, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees TDLR, adopted amendments to Chapter 73.100 of the Electricians administrative rules and established the 2020 NEC as the "minimum standard" for all electrical work in Texas covered by the Act.

Any non-exempt electrical work started on or after November 1, 2020 must be installed in accordance with the 2020 NEC. For purposes of clarification, the “start” of electrical work is the day the electrician begins installing electrical materials or equipment within the residential or commercial building structure. Inside the corporate limits of a municipality, electricians must abide by city permitting requirements and adhere to any local code amendments.

Please contact our office for copies of the following bond forms:

• Plumber's Bond
• Electrician's Bond
• Gas Appliance Bond (Mechanical Contractors)
• Electrical Sign Contractor's Bond
• Landscape Irrigator Bond

Certificates of insurance are also acceptable in lieu of the bonds. Certificates must be made to the City of Waco, minimum coverage of $300,000. The bond with the original signatures must be sent back to our office for approval prior to any permits being issued.

Coming soon this spring, City of Waco Development Services is excited to announce the launch of VuSpex, a virtual inspection software. VuSpex allows contractors and developers to complete inspections on any device, anywhere – even in areas with limited or no connectivity. No downloads are required. VuSpex is accessible directly through your web browser, and your phone's built-in GPS verifies your location is the same as the permit address.

Tailored for Any Connection:

• Video calls: For job sites where you have a strong internet connection, contractors can connect using the web-based video call where inspectors can record video, take pictures, ask questions, and make notes.
• Photo capture: For job sites where you have a limited internet connection, contractors can send photos and connect with inspectors over chat.
• Offline functionality: The VuSpex app allows you to work completely offline to upload photos and videos and send data later.
  
  

With VuSpex, inspections can be completed on the same day the work is finished, saving you time and streamlining the development process. Stay tuned for the official launch date this spring. In the meantime, watch a brief demonstration of a virtual inspection.