An inspection is an official examination to verify compliance with laws, regulations, bylaws, or standards. Municipal inspections occur in multiple contexts: building inspections verify construction meets code requirements, fire inspections check fire safety compliance, property standards inspections address maintenance and condition issues, business license inspections ensure licensed operations comply with requirements, and environmental inspections check for pollution or improper waste handling. Inspections may be routine (scheduled checks of high-risk facilities), complaint-driven (responding to reports of violations), or permit-related (required before approvals are granted). Inspectors have authority to enter properties and require access (with appropriate warrants when necessary), document conditions, issue orders requiring corrections, and recommend penalties for non-compliance. Inspection programs balance enforcement with education—helping property owners understand requirements and achieve compliance rather than purely punitive approaches.