INSPECTION AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS.

(a) A person who builds new residential construction described by Section 233.153 shall have the construction inspected to ensure building code compliance in accordance with this section as follows:

(1) for new residential construction on a vacant lot, a minimum of three inspections must be performed during the construction project to ensure code compliance, as applicable, at the following stages of construction:

(A) the foundation stage, before the placement of concrete;

(B) the framing and mechanical systems stage, before covering with drywall or other interior wall covering; and

(C) on completion of construction of the residence;

(2) for new residential construction of an addition to an existing residence as described by Section 233.151(a)(2), the inspections under Subdivision (1) must be performed as necessary based on the scope of work of the construction project; and

(3) for new residential construction on a vacant lot and for construction of an addition to an existing residence, the builder:

(A) is responsible for contracting to perform the inspections required by this subsection with:

(i) a licensed engineer;

(ii) a registered architect;

(iii) a professional inspector licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission;

(iv) a plumbing inspector employed by a municipality and licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners;

(v) a building inspector employed by a political subdivision; or

(vi) an individual certified as a residential combination inspector by the International Code Council; and

(B) may use the same inspector for all the required inspections or a different inspector for each required inspection.

(b) If required by a county to which this subchapter applies, before commencing new residential construction, the builder shall provide notice to the county on a form prescribed by the county of:

(1) the location of the new residential construction;

(2) the approximate date by which the new residential construction will be commenced; and

(3) the version of the International Residential Code that will be used to construct the new residential construction before commencing construction.

(c) If required by the county, not later than the 10th day after the date of the final inspection under this section, the builder shall submit notice of the inspection stating whether or not the inspection showed compliance with the building code standards applicable to that phase of construction in a form required by the county to:

(1) the county employee, department, or agency designated by the commissioners court of the county to receive the information; and

(2) the person for whom the new residential construction is being built, if different from the builder.