ICC Process for Residential Energy Code Remote Virtual Inspections & Checklist

Technological advancements have revolutionized the building construction and safety industry, resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy in achieving safe and resilient communities. Governments at various levels have incorporated digitization into their processes, such as online permit applications, payment of permit fees, submittal of plans, and digital plan reviews. Remote virtual inspections (RVI) have become increasingly popular in recent years and offer a valuable solution that allows needed inspections to proceed timely by the owner or contractor on the job site while inspectors or inspection teams perform the inspection remotely. 

The International Code Council (ICC) has developed a detailed publication, Recommended Practices for Remote Virtual Inspections (RVI), which provides comprehensive guidance on RVI implementation and administration, making it easy for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to incorporate these procedures into their inspection processes. Additionally, it offers recommended practices for construction industry professionals who adopt RVI, ensuring that everyone involved in the process is well informed and prepared.

Overall, RVI offers numerous benefits for the building construction and safety industry, including increased efficiency, convenience, safety, accuracy, and consistency. As technology continues to advance and remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, RVI is likely to become an even more integral part of the inspection process.

You can also get access to a free checklist, Remote Virtual Inspection Protocols and Checklist for Residential Energy Code Inspections, which covers the process for inspecting existing renewables. 

For more information on virtual inspections, watch this IREC recorded webinar: Continuing Safe Permitting and Inspection Practices during COVID-19. Produced in 2020, the webinar focuses on how building departments can use no-touch permitting and practices while preserving permitting and inspection quality.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) under the Solar Energy and Technologies Office Award Number DE-EE0009002.0001. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Department of Energy or the United States Government.