Larimer County Remote Video Inspection Now Available

Larimer County Remote Video Inspection Guidelines

This guide will help you arrange temporary remote inspection services during the COVID-19 emergency. This service is provided for the inspection of occupied commercial and residential spaces where remodel, alteration, basement finish, addition accessible only through occupied spaces and similar construction is taking place. 

All outside inspections, inspections of new construction including additions accessible from the exterior, and inspections for public safety (assessment of damage from fires and vehicles, restorations of utilities, and critical facilities), will be performed as typical field inspections.

For assistance/more information/inspection scheduling, please contact Lead Inspector Mark Tewsley at (970) 498-7703 or mtewsley@larimer.org

 

FAQs

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  1. Types of Inspections Available

    The first priority for inspections will be for basements, additions, remodels and tenant finishes of occupied buildings, starting with inspections that were requested but canceled by county staff. As time and resources allow, inspections may be scheduled for Vacation Home Life Safety, furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, mini-split systems, or boilers. County staff will extend the expiration date for these permits as necessary.

  2. Internet Connectivity is Required

    Ensure that your inspection location and your smartphone or tablet has 4G connectivity. Connections are site specific. If your device cannot maintain a 4G connection, remote live video inspection will not be possible. We may be able to work out other options such as taking photos or videos and emailing them to inspection staff.

  3. Install the Appropriate App on your Smartphone or Tablet

    FaceTime App (for Apple) or Zoom (for Android or Apple) App must be installed by the customer for the Remote Video Inspection. Some devices already have the necessary application. If not, you can download them for free. Let the inspector know what type of device and app you will be using to perform the inspection. If you are downloading an app to your smartphone or tablet and creating an account, remember your username. You will need it when setting up your appointment. Add Larimer County contact information provided to you into your contacts folder. At the time of your request, your contact information will be entered and a verification of 4G connectivity established.

  4. Larimer County Remote Video Inspection Step by Step Instructions

    Schedule Remote Video Inspection

    1. Schedule Inspection Time. Due to staffing, we can only accept requests one working day prior to the requested date.

    2. Follow the inspector’s instructions once you have established a connection.

    3. You will be asked to verify the address, permit number, and requested inspections. Note: All Remote Video Inspection appointments must be requested the day before to get a time slot. The last Remote Video Inspection of the day will be scheduled for no later than 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

    Prepare for Remote Video Inspection

    Prior to the inspection, ensure that the necessary tools based on type of inspection are readily available. For example, carry a flashlight, tape measure, level, step ladder (for close ups of ceiling), etc. Have county-approved plan and permit card available. Make sure you have good lighting and clear the area of any unnecessary objects.

    All features of the home that are applicable to the required inspection must be visible at the time of the remote inspection. The features must be captured sufficiently for the inspector to evaluate. If at any point the inspector believes that the remote inspection process is not allowing them to properly assess compliance, they may require that a building site inspection be conducted at a future date.

    Prepare to Receive Remote Video Inspection Call

    1. Make sure your smartphone or tablet is fully charged.

    2. Clean your device lens and screens for maximum clarity.

    3. Be ready to accept a video call at the scheduled time and respond to instructions from the County inspector.

    4. Turn off phone or tablet notifications during the video call. Notifications can freeze the video call and will cause delays to the inspection or could require the inspection to be rescheduled.

    5. Allow plenty of time as we do not know site specifics. Inspections vary widely in time taken.

    6. Listen carefully to the inspector’s guidance as to where to walk and point the camera. Please keep background noise to a minimum. The inspector will set the pace as needed.

    During the Inspection

    1. Begin inspection at the street view looking at the structure with the address showing.

    2. Follow the directions of the inspector.

    3. Walk inspection in clockwise direction.

    4. Walk inspection from bottom to top (if multiple floors) and left to right.

    5. Make note of any items that need to be corrected. The inspector will discuss each item so the necessary corrections are understood. Do not write any comments on the permit card. The card will be updated during the next field visit.

    6. The inspector will tell you in the video call if the inspection has passed or failed. Do not cover any work needing corrections until corrections are verified by county inspection.

    Inspection results

    1. The inspector will update our permit database after the video call is completed. The day after the inspection, comments will be available on the Larimer County Customer Portal https://onlineportal.larimer.org indicating passing or failing with a list of corrections.

    2. Scheduling re-inspections or the next inspection needed is based on availability of time slots.

    3. Your inspector may provide an option for you to send a correction video or photos to them directly. Always provide the address and permit number on all communications.

     

    For assistance/more information/inspection scheduling, please contact Lead Inspector Mark Tewsley at (970) 498-7703 or mtewsley@larimer.org