For the past two years, the virtual inspections procedure has helped the City to maintain social distancing, while achieving operational efficiency for both inspector and inspection requestor. Moving forward, it’s important to also offer field inspections for details that may be difficult to see on a screen. Beginning March 28th, 2022, the City will offer a hybrid inspections process, which will include both field and virtual inspections for the community. The new Microsoft Bookings appointment platform will automate the request process for the inspector and allow requestors to easily modify or cancel their appointments.
Field inspections will be required for setbacks, foundations, framing, and certain electrical inspections. Some inspections, at the inspector’s discretion, may be accomplished virtually. The inspector will contact the requestor directly if a virtual option is recommended for the request.
Virtual inspections will be required for occupied structures and electrical inspections in occupied homes in which an electrical contractor completes the work.
What else is new about the hybrid inspections process?
Online Request Form: Beginning March 28th, requestors will be able to choose from the following inspection types: Building, Electrical, Engineering, Fire, or Planning.
Online Appointment Booking: Virtual inspection requestors will be able to request a specific date and time for their appointment. Field inspection requestors will be able to request a specific date for an appointment; inspectors will determine their daily routing and order. Requestors will be able to modify or cancel their inspection appointment requests.
Confirmation Email: Requestors will receive an automated confirmation email about their upcoming inspection. The virtual inspection confirmation email will also contain a link to join the inspection appointment.
Virtual Inspection Platform: The virtual inspection platform will change from Cisco WebEx to Microsoft Teams. Once the requestor receives email confirmation of the appointment, they should download the Microsoft Teams app if they do not already have it. This is a no cost download.
Inspection Lead Times: In order to be consistent across City inspector teams, we are changing the advance notice required for inspection requests. Effective March 28th, appointments must be requested prior to noon the business day before the desired appointment.
What will remain the same for our customers?
The website link for inspection requests will not change. This link is provided on all issued permits.
Don’t have access to a computer? An inspection request can be made at City Hall using the Community and Economic Development computer kiosk. City staff is available to assist with kiosk use.
Please feel free to contact the Community and Economic Development Department with any questions regarding hybrid inspections or the Bookings appointment platform. We are excited to introduce this hybrid approach to inspections and look forward to providing these services to you.
Current Building Inspections Procedure
New (Effective March 28th, 2022)
|
All virtual building inspections |
Field Inspections Required: Setbacks, Framing, Foundations and certain Electrical Inspections Virtual Inspections Required: Occupied Structures, Electrical Inspections in Occupied Homes in which an Electrical Contractor completes the work |
| WebEx virtual platform | Microsoft Teams virtual platform |
| Inspector must call or email each requestor to confirm inspection request and arrange meeting time | Virtual Inspection appointments and Field Inspection visits are routed/ordered by the Inspector, allowing more time for the Inspector to review permits |
| Manual communication | Automated communication and requestor ability to modify and cancel requests |
| Inspector must be at computer | Inspectors use tablets in the field, allowing for a seamless transition between field inspection visits and virtual inspection appointments |
| Inspection Requests must be submitted prior to 8:00am on the desired date of inspection |
Inspection Requests must be submitted prior to 12:00pm the business day before the desired date of inspection |
| Visit link to request an inspection | Visit link to request an inspection |
Original source can be found here.
