TI permits: sequence matters as much as content.
Commercial TI involves multiple permits (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sometimes specialty permits) and multiple inspections at sequential milestones. Sequencing affects project timeline.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Commercial TI permit and inspection sequencing in Marin: building permit (covers overall TI), electrical sub-permit (under building permit), plumbing and mechanical sub-permits parallel. Inspections sequence: framing inspection → rough-in inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, framing combined) → drywall → trim inspections → finishes → final inspections (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) → certificate of occupancy. Restaurant TI adds fire and health department inspections. Each milestone has specific dependencies; sequence and timing matters.
01How permit sequencing typically works.
Building permit application drives the process — submitted by GC or designer with electrical, plumbing, mechanical engineering drawings as supporting documentation. Sub-permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical issued under the building permit umbrella. Permit pull happens after plan review approval; total permit timeline 4-8 weeks for typical Marin commercial TI (plan review 3-6 weeks plus permit issuance and AHJ scheduling).
During permit pull, sub-permits identify each trade's responsible contractor with licensing verification. Electrical sub-permit lists C-10 electrician (us) with license number; plumbing C-36; mechanical C-20. AHJ verifies licensing during permit pull. Permit fees accumulate across all permits — total Marin commercial TI permit cost typically $2,000-$6,000 depending on scope and jurisdiction.
02Inspection sequence and what each verifies.
Rough-in inspection
After framing complete, before drywall closes walls/ceilings. Electrical inspector verifies: branch circuit routing, junction box positioning and accessibility, conductor sizing, AFCI/GFCI requirements identified, dedicated equipment circuits in proper locations. Failed rough-in requires correction before drywall can proceed.
Trim inspection
After drywall complete, fixtures and devices installed. Electrical inspector verifies: device installation per code, outlet count and spacing, switch installation, GFCI testing, panel labeling, equipment grounding. Failed trim requires correction before finishes.
Final inspection
After all finishes and equipment installation complete. Electrical inspector verifies: full system operational, all circuits labeled, equipment connections complete, life safety integration tested. Failed final delays certificate of occupancy. Restaurant adds fire department interlock test and health department electrical adjacency review.
03How we manage the inspection process.
Pre-inspection preparation: walk-through with project foreman to identify any issues, verify all installed work matches drawings, confirm labeling complete. We catch most issues at pre-inspection walk; AHJ inspections typically pass first time. For restaurant TI, additional hood-fire interlock test with fire marshal as witness is part of trim inspection sequencing.
AHJ scheduling: inspector visits typically schedule 1-3 business days in advance. We coordinate scheduling with GC's overall project schedule, with construction milestones (framing, drywall complete, finishes complete), and with tenant's operational requirements where relevant. Restaurant TI scheduling adds health department coordination — typically separate from building/fire inspections, sometimes weeks-long lead times. We track all inspection milestones throughout the project.
Common questions.
How long does permit pull take?
Marin commercial TI: 4-8 weeks total from application submission to permits issued. Plan review 3-6 weeks; permit pull and AHJ processing 1-2 weeks. Most jurisdictions offer expedited plan review (30-50% premium) for accelerated timeline. Permits required before construction starts; pull early in project to avoid timeline delays.
What happens if an inspection fails?
AHJ inspector documents findings on inspection report. We address findings (corrective work), schedule re-inspection. Re-inspections typically schedule within 1-3 business days. Multiple re-inspections possible if issues are complex. Cost of re-inspections varies by jurisdiction — usually nominal for initial re-inspection, fees for excessive re-inspections in some jurisdictions. Quality original installation typically passes first inspection; preparation matters.
Can inspections be scheduled around our business operations?
For tenant-occupied space inspections (less common — usually inspections happen during construction before occupancy), yes — AHJ inspectors generally accommodate business operations within reason. For new TI projects pre-occupancy, inspections happen during construction without operational coordination. Restaurant final health inspection requires the kitchen to be set up and functional, which usually means restaurant is opening-ready.
Who pulls the permits?
GC pulls building permit; sub-permit holders (us for electrical) pull our sub-permits. Architect or designer often submits original plan review application; permits pull after plan review approves. Some scopes (small electrical work without other trades) we pull permit directly without building permit umbrella. Process and responsibility vary by scope size.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.