Code Compliance and Inspection Procedures
Compliance means meeting the adopted code, the referenced standards, and the approved construction documents - not the inspector's preference. Know the working structure of the International Building Code: occupancy classification and allowable height/area, types of construction, fire-resistance-rated assemblies, means of egress (exit access, exit, exit discharge), and the referenced standards that are incorporated by adoption.
What questions test
Read code language precisely: "shall" is mandatory, "should" is advisory, "may" is permissive, and exceptions are part of the requirement. An inspector enforces the code and the approved plans; the inspector does not redesign, waive requirements, or unilaterally accept an alternate material or method - that authority rests with the code official and, for interpretations, ultimately the board of appeals. Understand inspection sequencing (footing, foundation, framing, rough-in trades, insulation, final) and that approval of one phase does not approve work not inspected. Watch gross versus net area in occupant-load questions and the difference between required and provided egress width.
Rule of thumb
Ask three questions at every deficiency: what does the code require, what does the approved plan show, and what is actually installed? Cite the first two when writing the correction.
Worked example: A 2,400 sq ft business area uses 150 gross sq ft per occupant, giving 2,400 ÷ 150 = 16 occupants. At 0.2 inches of level egress width per occupant, the required width is 3.2 inches - far below the 32-inch minimum clear door width, so a single door satisfies width, but the exit access travel distance and number of exits still need separate verification.