Remote Video Inspection Services (RVI)

The City’s Remote Video Inspections Services (RVI) uses technology that streamlines the inspection process and improves the overall service experience.  

With RVI, contractors and homeowners can expect faster inspection turnaround times, reduced expenses, and increased accessibility:

  • RVI is a service for contractors, construction industry professionals and homeowners
  • RVIs can be requested on the same day, without requiring on-site inspections.
  • Inspections are available by video call, live-streaming and digital documentation
  • RVI inspections comply with the same standards as in-person inspections, ensuring reliability and secure communication

Please note: Inspections are required for all building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits to ensure compliance with all applicable National Code standards. Most Development Permits require a Development Completion Permit (DCP) prior to occupancy or commencement of use.  This is to confirm that the development has been constructed according to the approved plans and conditions. Check your Development Permit’s conditions of approval to see if a DCP is needed.

Inspection types

RVI allows contractors and homeowners to connect with remote City Inspectors. You can have your properties or assets inspected. Inspection disciplines eligible for this program include:

For contractors or industry professionals:

Electrical

  • Contractor residential permits for:
    • Air conditioning installations
    • Panel upgrades or replacements
    • Smoke and carbon monoxide detector installations
    • Detached garages/accessory buildings
    • Solar PV installations
  • Reinspection for outstanding deficiencies for the above permit/inspection types

Plumbing and gas

  • Gas furnace replacement permits
  • SCP - out of sequence processes (Groundwork, Hydronics, Temp Gas)
  • Cross connection control devices
  • Hydronic installations
  • Groundwork inspections
  • Rough-in inspections (5 fixtures or less) 
  • Reinspection of outstanding deficiencies for the above permit/inspection types

Building

  • Detached garages/Accessory residential buildings
  • Basement developments
  • Decks
  • Hot tubs
  • Reinspection of outstanding deficiencies for the above permit/inspection types

Development

  • Detached garages/accessory buildings
  • Secondary suites
  • Residential additions
  • Decks
  • Signs
  • Reinspection of outstanding deficiencies for the above permit/inspection types

For homeowners:

Plumbing and gas

  • Furnace replacements
  • Plumbing rough ins under 5 fixtures
  • Plumbing finals
  • Reinspection of outstanding deficiencies for the above permit/inspection types

Building

  • Basement developments
  • Uncovered decks
  • Hot tubs
  • Garages
  • Reinspection of outstanding deficiencies for the above permit/inspection types

Development

  •  Detached garages/accessory buildings
  •  Residential additions
  •  Decks
  •  Signs
  •  Reinspection of outstanding deficiencies for the above permit/inspection types

Please note: If an Inspector contacts you and is unable to complete the inspection by video, we will arrange an on-site inspection as an alternative. This ensures that any necessary steps are taken to keep your permit moving forward.

How to prepare for your RVI

To ensure a smooth inspection customers should be prepared to:

  • Navigate around the property or structure as required, regardless of weather conditions

  • Use a charged, video-capable smartphone with a reliable internet connection 

  • For specific inspections, a tape measure may be needed to clearly and accurately show measurements on camera 

  • Depending on the type of inspection you’ve booked you will need to know either the building permit, development permit, electrical or plumbing & gas number for the request

Support

If you have any questions, contact the Planning Services Centre, Inspection Inquiries at 403-268-5311, or email:

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

No requests will be taken after 3:30 p.m. Your request must be in the queue in order for it to be dispatched to the Inspections team.

Request a Remote Video Inspection

How to request an inspection

Launch the online tool by going to appointment.calgary.ca. The following page will appear, proceed through Steps 1-5 to request your inspection:

Step 1

Step 1

Step 1: Select branch

Select Remote Video Inspection.

Step 2

Step 2

Step 2: Select service

Select the required inspection type

Step 3

Step 3

Step 3: Select session

Select the next available time to be added to the queue.

Please note:

  • Regardless of the time selected, you will be contacted on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Do not create a booking for the following day, this is an on-demand service for the current day only - future bookings will be cancelled.

Step 4

Step 4

Step 4: Complete contact details

Complete the highlighted fields for an Inspector to contact you.

  • Enter all the information requested. It is imperative that you enter your phone number in both sections (Mobile Number and in the larger text box along with Permit Number & Address associated with the permit). Please ensure the number in the larger text box is the number you'd like to receive the callback to.
  • Once you have agreed to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, you can click Create Booking. Please note, clicking on Terms and Conditions will navigate you away from the tool.

Step 5

Step 5

Step 5: Your booking has been registered

You have successfully joined the queue. An Inspector will call you as soon as one becomes available. If you are not available for the call, your ticket may be cancelled.

Frequently asked questions

How am I put into the queue?

If you’ve requested an inspection you are put into the queue on a first come first served basis.

How long will I be waiting in the queue?

We do not currently have data to accurately predict wait times. We will provide updates as Remote Video Inspections evolves and we have more information to share. We expect very short wait times (15-30 minutes) however we appreciate your patience.

Why does it show more than one branch?

When you go to enter your inspection request, please select Branch “Remote Video Inspections”. You will also see Branch “Planning Services Centre” which is used to make an appointment for other services.

Why are there multiple time slots to choose from?

Remote Video Inspections are first come first serve so regardless of timeslot you pick an inspector will call you as soon as they become available. 

Why can I only see information for tomorrow?

The cut off time to book an RVI inspection for the same day is 3:30pm.  If you are trying to book an inspection after 3:30 pm, you may see times available for tomorrow.  Future dated bookings will be cancelled. Please wait and join the queue the following day for on-demand, same day inspection.

Can I request more than one inspection?

Yes, you can request multiple inspections. However, each inspection will require a new form for submission.

What if I miss the call back?

If an inspector calls and there is no answer, you may get bumped down the queue however depending on service levels your inspection request may be cancelled.

This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically. ​

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