Inspection Result Recording & Notifications
This guide covers how inspectors record inspection outcomes, add notes and photos, and trigger notifications to applicants. Proper documentation ensures accurate records and clear communication with permit holders.
Recording Inspection Results
Accessing the Inspection
- Open the inspection from your daily schedule
- Click on the inspection to view details
- Click "Record Result" or "Complete Inspection"
Result Options
| Result | When to Use | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Passed | Work meets all requirements | Permit workflow advances |
| Failed | Work does not meet requirements | Requires corrections and re-inspection |
| Partial Pass | Some items pass, others fail | Specific items noted for correction |
| Requires Reinspection | Need to return to complete | Scheduling follow-up required |
| No Show | Site not accessible or contact unavailable | Applicant notified |
| Cancelled | Inspection cancelled on-site | Reason documented |
Recording a Passed Inspection
Steps
- Open the inspection
- Click "Record Result"
- Select "Passed"
- Add completion notes (optional but recommended)
- Attach photos (optional but recommended)
- Click "Submit"
What Happens Next
- Inspection status updates to "Passed"
- Permit record updates automatically
- Applicant receives notification
- Next inspection may become available for scheduling
Recording a Failed Inspection
Steps
- Open the inspection
- Click "Record Result"
- Select "Failed"
- Required: Add detailed notes explaining failures
- Recommended: Attach photos documenting issues
- Select correction requirements (if available)
- Click "Submit"
Failure Documentation
Include in your notes:
- Specific code violations (reference sections)
- Location of issues in the structure
- What corrections are needed
- Safety concerns if any
- Required next steps
Example Notes:
Failed - Multiple deficiencies noted:
1. Electrical panel clearance insufficient (NEC 110.26) -
requires 36" clear space, only 24" provided
2. Outlet spacing in bedroom exceeds 12' max (NEC 210.52)
3. GFCI protection missing in bathroom (NEC 210.8)
Corrections required before re-inspection.
What Happens Next
- Inspection marked as "Failed"
- Applicant receives notification with your notes
- Re-inspection required after corrections
- Permit workflow pauses pending re-inspection
Adding Notes
Types of Notes
Completion Notes:
- Summary of what was inspected
- Items verified and approved
- Any conditions or limitations
Failure Notes:
- Specific deficiencies
- Code references
- Required corrections
General Notes:
- Site conditions
- Access issues
- Information for future inspections
- Communication with applicant
Writing Effective Notes
Do:
- Be specific and clear
- Reference code sections when relevant
- Describe location of issues
- State what correction is needed
- Use professional language
Don't:
- Use vague descriptions ("looks wrong")
- Include personal opinions
- Use unprofessional language
- Leave notes blank on failures
Note Visibility
| Note Type | Visible To |
|---|---|
| Inspector Notes | Staff, applicant (in activity log) |
| Internal Notes | Staff only |
| System Notes | Generated automatically |
Adding Photos
Why Add Photos
Photos provide:
- Visual documentation of issues
- Evidence for compliance
- Reference for future inspections
- Support for failed inspection notes
How to Add Photos
- In the inspection result form
- Click "Add Photo" or camera icon
- Take a photo (on mobile) or upload from device
- Add caption describing what the photo shows
- Repeat for additional photos
- Photos attach to the inspection record
Photo Best Practices
For Passed Inspections:
- Document completed work
- Show code-compliant installations
- Capture overall project progress
For Failed Inspections:
- Clearly show each deficiency
- Include context (location, surroundings)
- Use angles that demonstrate the issue
- Add multiple photos if needed
Photo Captions
Add brief captions like:
- "Insufficient panel clearance - 24 inches shown"
- "Missing GFCI in bathroom"
- "Framing complete and ready for inspection"
Notification Triggers
Automatic Notifications
When you record a result, the system can automatically send:
| Result | Notification Sent |
|---|---|
| Passed | Email confirming pass, next steps |
| Failed | Email with failure details, correction requirements |
| Requires Reinspection | Email requesting reschedule |
| No Show | Email requesting reschedule |
Notification Content
Applicants receive:
- Inspection type and result
- Date and time of inspection
- Inspector notes (summary)
- Next steps required
- Link to portal for details
Inspection Forms
Dynamic Inspection Forms
Some inspection types have specific forms to complete:
- Open the inspection
- Click "Start Inspection" or "Inspection Form"
- Form opens with fields pre-populated:
- Permit number
- Property address
- Applicant info
- Inspection type
- Complete required fields
- Submit form
- Form data saved to permit record
Form Types
- Checklist forms (items to verify)
- Result forms (pass/fail with conditions)
- Specialty forms (fire, health, etc.)
- Custom forms by permit type
Re-Inspections
When Required
Re-inspection is needed when:
- Previous inspection failed
- Corrections have been made
- Applicant schedules follow-up
Re-Inspection Process
- Applicant schedules re-inspection after corrections
- Inspector receives re-inspection assignment
- Review previous inspection notes
- Verify corrections were made
- Record new result
Reviewing Previous Results
Before re-inspection:
- Open the inspection
- View History or Activity Log
- Read previous inspector notes
- Review previous photos
- Focus on noted deficiencies
Special Scenarios
Partial Pass
When some items pass but others fail:
- Select "Partial Pass" (if available) or "Failed"
- Clearly note which items passed
- Detail which items failed
- Specify if partial work can continue
Unable to Complete
If you cannot complete the inspection:
- Mark as "Requires Reinspection"
- Note the reason (access, weather, scope change)
- Provide guidance for rescheduling
Site Safety Issues
If you encounter safety hazards:
- Document immediately
- Do not put yourself at risk
- Note safety issues in inspection record
- Report to supervisor if urgent
- May require separate safety notification
Troubleshooting
Q: I can't submit the result - form won't save. A:
- Check all required fields are completed
- Verify internet connection
- Try refreshing and re-entering
- Contact support if persists
Q: Photos won't upload. A:
- Check file size limits
- Verify file format (JPG, PNG)
- Try taking new photo
- Upload from camera roll instead
Q: I submitted the wrong result. How do I correct it? A:
- Contact your supervisor immediately
- Provide correct result details
- Supervisor can request correction
- Admin can update record if needed
Q: Applicant says they didn't receive notification. A:
- Verify applicant email is correct
- Ask them to check spam folder
- Confirm notification was sent (activity log)
- Staff can resend notification if needed
Best Practices
- Document Thoroughly - Complete notes prevent confusion
- Take Photos - Visual evidence supports findings
- Be Specific - Reference codes and locations
- Be Professional - Notes may be seen by applicants
- Submit Promptly - Update results same day
- Review History - Check previous inspections before re-inspection
- Communicate Clearly - Notes should explain what's needed