San Diego City virtual inspection

[Wai Chan]

I installed a mini-split HVAC in one of my units a few months ago. Recently, another tenant reported it to the City, and I received a code enforcement letter requiring a permit for the HVAC. I promptly applied for a no-plan mechanical permit online the next day. Since the HVAC includes heating, I also needed to pay for a heat pump permit, bringing the total to $290.

I scheduled a virtual inspection for this morning. When it began, the inspector asked me to show the condenser to ensure it was on a pad. He then asked to see the side of the HVAC and read the label for the current rating. Next, he wanted to check the circuit breaker.

When it came time to inspect the indoor unit, I informed him that I needed to ring the doorbell since the unit was tenant-occupied. After a brief wait, the inspector said it was fine if the tenant wasn’t home and didn’t need to see the indoor unit. However, the tenant opened the door, and I asked the inspector if he wanted to check inside. He replied that the installation was straightforward and didn’t need further inspection. The entire process took less than two minutes, and I passed the inspection.

Is this a joke? What’s the point of getting a permit? I don’t feel like it offers any protection if the contractor did something wrong with the installation. It feels like paying a fee just to avoid harassment from code enforcement. What is your inspection experience in San Diego?