pdq: Gnu has it right for Canada. I remember when the EIFS disaster hit Vancouver (the waterproof exterior sealing that was causing huge problems), and everyone under the sun was a target for insurance recovery, many people tried to go after the inspectors and government, to no avail.

It works pretty well to the same result in California, given government immunity absent a specific statute waiving it. Neither the inspector nor the government are liable even if the inspector knowingly and intentionally signs off on violations, or doesn't even bother to inspect before signing off.