City of Tampa Launches Virtual Inspections for Homeowners and Contractors
Homeowners and contractors in Tampa can now say goodbye to waiting around for inspectors to arrive, and hello to inspections at the speed of Wi-Fi! Starting October 20th, the City of Tampa’s Development and Growth Management team is bringing building inspections into the digital age with VuSpex – a tool that lets contractors and homeowners get inspections done without ever leaving their site, or their signal.
Depending on the permit type needed, there are two ways to use VuSpex to complete an inspection. First, you can perform an “offline field report,” using the app to take detailed photos and videos to be looked over by an inspector later. Or option two, which is scheduling a live, virtual inspection through the app. On a video call during your scheduled appointment, the inspector will guide you through the inspection as if they were on site with you.
Both methods will auto-generate the inspection and results in the current Accela permitting system, removing the need for scheduling through Accela.
“Virtual inspections are a game-changer for how we serve Tampa’s residents and contractors,” said JC Hudgison, the Chief Building Official for the City of Tampa. “On average, we perform 124 inspections for trade permits daily, so by embracing tools like VuSpex, we’re making inspections faster, more convenient, and more accessible. This is about meeting people where they are, reducing wait times, and using technology to improve the way we build Tampa together.”
At this time, not all inspections are eligible through VuSpex. Virtual inspections are available for trade permits, which includes specific Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Roof Inspections. To see the full list allowed under Virtual Inspections, click here.
Depending on the type of permit needed, there are two ways to use VuSpex to complete an inspection.