Inspectors in the Cumberland County Planning and Inspections Department can now do follow-up building inspections remotely at their desks.

Thanks to approval from the North Carolina Code Officials Qualification Board, remote video inspections (RVIs) can be done through a video chatting software. The process will allow faster inspections or re-inspection completions for building/trade inspectors and contractors, if requested and approved. Remote options are only available after the inspector has already been to the building site and knows the property.

The remote inspections are subject to the same fee schedule as in-person inspections. RVIs are only for inspectors to follow-up on sewer and water, plumbing, mechanical and building violations. Any electrical inspections will happen in person. Inspectors can also go out for an in-person view if they choose. If there’s a weak signal or an inspector can’t see the video from the contractor, inspectors have the right to end the video conference and show up in person.

During remote inspections, inspectors perform the same tasks as they would in person, like confirming that permits match their records and checking problems which lead to the follow-up inspection. Inspectors will also perform audits on any building projects after RVIs to ensure buildings are secure and safe to proceed to the final stages of completion.

“Our inspectors will be performing audits on building projects after some of the video inspections,” said Chief Building Official Michael Naylor. “This lets the contractor know we’re not just relying on video and we’ll still go to the site for confirmation.”

Setting up RVIs

To set up an RVI, the contractor must:

• Have all necessary tools and documents available
• Have a smart phone or tablet device with a camera and microphone
• Allow up to 30 minutes for the inspection
• Join a video conference meeting at the designated time assigned
• Allow the inspector to see the front of the house and the address
• Walk toward the site for the inspection and follow the inspector’s directions, starting from the front of the building

Remote video inspections will be recorded, saved into the Planning and Inspections electronic system and the RVI gets attached to the building permit.

“The remote option gives inspectors more time to inspect sites in the field while still being able to go to the car and check on another follow-up inspection through a video call,” Naylor said.

To read the full policy and procedures document for remote video inspections, visit the Planning & Inspections department page.