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
- 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
- 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
- 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:
- 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:
- Electrical: ElectricalTAC@calgary.ca
- Plumbing and gas: PlumbingGasTAC@calgary.ca
- Building inspections: BuildingInspectionsTAC@calgary.ca
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 9 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.