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.

On this page

Request a Remote Video Inspection

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
RVI services are closed on statutory holidays

Please note: 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.

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
  • Plumbing rough-ins
  • Plumbing finals
  • Gas rough-ins
  • Gas finals
  • Reinspection of outstanding deficiencies for the above permit/inspection types

Building

  • Detached garages/Accessory residential buildings
  • Basement developments (not secondary suites)
  • Decks
  • Hot tubs
  • Demolition

Development

  • Detached garages/accessory buildings
  • Secondary suites
  • Residential additions
  • Decks
  • Signs

For homeowners:

Plumbing and gas

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

Building

  • Basement developments (not secondary suites)
  • Uncovered decks
  • Hot tubs
  • Garages
  • Demolition

Development

  • Detached garages/accessory buildings
  • Secondary Suites
  • Residential additions
  • Decks
  • Signs

Please note:

  • Mechanical permits are unavailable for Remote Video Inspections.
  • An inspector may decide that an in-person inspection is more appropriate. If an RVI requires an in-person assessment or exceeds its initial scope, a follow-up on-site inspection will be scheduled for the next available day. 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:

How to request an inspection

Launch the online tool at Remote Video Inspections. The following page will appear, proceed through Steps 1-3 to request your inspection:

Step 1

Step 1

Select a service

Select the required inspection type.

RVI select page

Step 2

Step 2

Complete contact details

Complete the highlighted fields for an Inspector to contact you.

  • Enter all the information requested.
  • Once you have agreed to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, you can click Submit.
RVI select page

Step 3

Step 3

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.

RVI select page

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.

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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