Does the city want to inspect the soil before I dig the hole?
Answer
Soil inspections are performed after the hole is dug, immediately prior to the placement of the concrete for the footers. The "hole" must be the required depth, below the frost line in most cases, which is 36-inches below grade. The soil at the point of termination must be original material, not fill, and must be clean and dry. If the plan calls for reinforcing steel, it must be in place at the time of the inspection.