FAQ Category: Community Development

  • Are there any exemptions from the Residential Health and Safety Rental Inspection Program?

    Yes, the following units are exempt: Some deed‑restricted affordable housing properties may qualify for a partial inspection exemption if they are already regulated by a state or federal agency that conducts habitability inspections or imposes comparable health and safety standards. Depending on the type of oversight, the City may inspect: No property is fully exempt…

  • How often are rental properties inspected?

    All rental units in Pinole are inspected once every three years. Inspections verify compliance with applicable City ordinances, the Housing Code, and state health and safety requirements. Units with deficiencies must correct them within the required timeframe and obtain any necessary building permits. Learn about Building Permits and view the Rental Inspection Checklist for information on what to…

  • What is the rental program inspection cancellation policy?

    Inspection cancellations for Rental Units must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur a cancellation fee of one hundred and two dollars and twenty-five cents ($102.25) per inspection per cancelled unit. The fee is set by Pinole Municipal Code Section 8.30.115.

  • What are the requirements for rental property owners?

    Every rental property owner must: Beginning in 2026, no business license will be issued for calendar year 2027 unless enrollment is completed by December 31, 2026.

  • What is the Rental Inspection Ordinance?

    The Rental Inspection Ordinance, adopted in 2006 and incorporated into Chapter 8.30 of Pinole Municipal Code Title 8, establishes minimum health and safety standards for rental housing and requires periodic inspections of all rental units. The Ordinance was updated in 2026 to modernize enrollment, improve transparency, update fees, and transition to an online inspection and…

  • What is the Residential Health and Safety Rental Inspection Program?

    The Residential Health & Safety Rental Inspection Program is the City of Pinole’s long‑standing initiative to ensure all rental housing is safe, healthy, and well‑maintained. The Program requires rental properties to enroll annually in the City’s online platform, undergo routine health and safety inspections, maintain a valid Certificate of Compliance (CoC), and hold an active…

  • What Important Information Should I Know for Special Inspections?

    Depending on the scope of work, some project may require special inspection and/or testing per Chapter 17 of the California Building Code (CBC). 

  • What Should I Know Before Scheduling an Inspection?

  • What is a Roof Framing Plan?

    A Roof Framing Plan shows the details of framing, type of sheathing, nailing pattern, roof pitch and type of roof covering.

  • What are Exterior Elevations?

    Exterior Elevations show two or more sides of the proposed structure.