Washington County is implementing virtual building inspections in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Washington County today launched its virtual inspection program. An alternative to in-person inspections, the new service will enable prompt service, productive follow-ups, and scheduling for most types of building inspections — all while adhering to social distancing guidelines in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Virtual inspections are conducted between a Virtual Inspection (VI) Representative and Division of Construction Inspector by using a video call on a smartphone, tablet, or other webcam-enabled devices. All inspections, including Virtual Inspections, are performed Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, excluding holidays and preapproved After Hour and Saturday Commercial Inspections.
According to a press release:
Minimum Requirements
- All building-related inspections (building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing) may be considered for virtual inspections, including occupied residential structures, however, based on the size and/or complexity of the project it may not be possible to conduct virtually.
- Note: ALL REQUESTS FOR VIRTUAL INSPECTIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE INSPECTION STAFF PRIOR TO SCHEDULING THE INSPECTION.
- Inspection complexity will be determined by the inspector.
- For inspections deemed too complex for virtual completion, County staff will discuss other options that will permit the project to have inspections in a safe manner.
- Customers must have a host device such as a smartphone, tablet, or webcam enabled device connected to Wi-Fi or 4G wireless service.
- FaceTime (Apple OS devices) or Zoom (all devices) is required to host the video call. Check your mobile device’s app store to download.
- If the project has a building permit for work being conducted, all approved plans must be onsite and available for review to the inspection staff during the video call.
