Residential Remote Video Re-Inspection (RVR) Program

Guide
Learn about project types that qualify for the Remote Video Re-Inspections (RVR) Program, including Minor Labels. Schedule an appointment for a virtual inspection to be conducted on your mobile device. An inspector leads the virtual inspection process to completion, delivering instant results.
On this page
This is a collage of photos of inspections of residential construction activities, including inspections covered by video over smartphones.

The Remote Video Re-Inspections (RVR) Program transitioned to an updated system for both appointment scheduling and virtual inspections.

  • Updated Appointment Scheduling: Remote Video Re-Inspections are scheduled via Microsoft Bookings and are no longer scheduled using DaySmart Appointments.   

  • Updated Virtual Inspection App: Remote Video Re-Inspections are conducted via Microsoft Teams (via a “Join Meeting” link included in the appointment confirmation email message) and no longer use FaceTime or Google Meet.  

  • See information below on how to download Microsoft Teams to your smartphone or tablet.

The Remote Video Re-Inspection (RVR) Program is an alternative to on-site inspections. You can make video appointments for residential re-inspections. Learn more about the RVR program below and then schedule an appointment online.

Types of residential projects that qualify

Any project needing a re-inspection of corrections or deficiencies, along with minor label inspections, qualifies for the RVR program. The RVR program does not perform first-time inspections.

Examples of corrections or deficiencies include:

Building
  • Framing corrections (such as missing blocking, straps or nailing)
  • Insulation corrections
  • Finals correction (such as missing exterior house numbers, handrails, landings)
Electrical
  • Electrical rough-in corrections
  • Service panel corrections
  • Electrical final corrections (such as verifying a required GFCI outlet)
Mechanical
  • Rough-in mechanical corrections
  • Gas line corrections
  • Furnace and AC corrections
  • Final mechanical corrections
Plumbing
  • Drain waste
  • Vent
  • Sealing of fixtures

Minor Label inspections offered

State of Oregon
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
City of Portland
  • Mechanical

For more information about Minor Labels inspections, please download the following file:

RVR Sewers program

The Residential RVR Sewers program allows you to schedule appointments for as-built sewer repairs or replacements.

After sending us the photos and video of your backfilled sewer repair, a Development Services inspector will review and provide results for 350 and 399 inspections by email.

Find what you need to send us and how and where to send us the information:

To schedule an RVR Sewers inspection, please click the scheduling link at the bottom of this page and choose RVR Sewers. 

Meaningful access and accommodations 

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, contact 503-823-7300 or TTY 503-823-6868

Translation and Interpretation | Traducción e Interpretación  |  Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch  |  अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या  | 口笔译服务  |   Устный и письменный перевод  |  Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad  |  Письмовий і усний переклад  |  Traducere și interpretariat  |  Chiaku me Awewen Kapas  | 翻訳と通訳 | 번역 및 통역  | Pagsasalin at Interpretasyon  |  ການແປແລະການແປພາສາ  |  ترجمة والترجمة الفورية  |  ការបកប្រែនិងការបកប្រែភាសា :  503-823-7300

Technical requirements for Microsoft Teams

  • Have a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) with reliable internet data service or Wi-Fi connection. 

  • Your mobile device (smartphone, iPad, or other tablets) must have reliable data service (4G/LTE internet) or a strong Wi-Fi connection is preferred. Note: If no Wi-Fi is available, cell data is an option. If you have a limited cellular data plan your service provider may charge you for data used during the re-inspection. 

  • Virtual appointments take place through Microsoft Teams, a video conferencing application. Microsoft Teams is free to download. Please be sure to download the Microsoft Teams app to your phone before your RVR inspection so it is set up and working properly at your scheduled time. (Additional attendees using a desktop or laptop computer do not need to download anything; they can join your RVR inspection through a preferred web browser.) Learn more about using Microsoft Teams

  • Be prepared to share video from your mobile device during your appointment in Microsoft Teams.  

  • Failure to join the meeting link on Microsoft Teams will result in a NO ACCESS inspection result. 

Note: Older mobile devices or mobile devices with older operating systems and lower-resolution cameras may not work properly with the RVR program. 

Instructions for your Remote Video Re-Inspection (RVR) 

1. Have reliable wireless internet data service or Wi-Fi connection (preferred)

Ensure your inspection location has strong internet connectivity and your device is always within range of those services around the whole site. Slower or weaker connectivity may not provide the speed and clarity required to complete the re-inspection. If this is the case, the inspector may change the re-inspection request status to not-ready, partial, or failed as applicable.

Depending on how your phone is configured, you may receive alerts or calls during your remote video re-inspection. If you choose to take another call before the re-inspection is complete, then the re-inspection may be listed as not-ready, partial or no access as applicable and you will have to set up another appointment for re-inspection through the web-based calendar application. If the connection is lost during the inspection, the inspector will attempt to re-establish a connection for up to five minutes after the initial loss of connection. If the connection cannot be re-established, the inspection result will not be approved. 

2. Gather tools for the RVR appointment

Before scheduling, make sure you have the tools :

  • Flashlight for inspection areas with low light

  • Tape measure to verify length

  • Level

  • GFCI tester

  • OSHA-approved ladder (for close-ups of corrections with limited access)

3. Schedule the RVR appointment

  • Click the scheduling link below and choose Remote Video Re-Inspections (RVR).

  • Select a date and time for the inspection appointment. 

  • Enter contact information and permit information.  

  • Click "Book" to finalize the appointment.  

  • When prompted, enter the six-digit verification code sent to your email address and wait for the confirmation of your finalized appointment.  

  • You can expect to receive an email message confirming your appointment date and time. This message also includes the Microsoft Teams meeting link for your appointment.  

  • Manage your appointment (if you need to cancel or reschedule) from your confirmation email message.

  • Good to know:  

    • Please schdule only one site address per appointment.  

    • If you need more inspections on a site, please indicate these in the comment box when you schedule your appointment.

4. Prepare to receive the RVR call

  • Make sure phone or tablet is fully charged.

  • Refer to the Microsoft Teams “Join Meeting” link included in your RVR appointment confirmation email message.

  • Be ready to accept the Microsoft Teams video call at the scheduled appointment time.

  • Be prepared to share video from your mobile device during your appointment in Microsoft Teams.  

  • Turn off all power tools and equipment so the call audio is clear. 

  • Orient your camera to the following settings: 

    • Full screen

    • Landscape mode

    • Forward-facing view 

5. Start the RVR call

  • Begin re-inspection, displaying the outside entrance of the structure. (The address must show in the initial view.)

  • Join the Microsoft Teams Meeting Link to begin the RVR video call.

  • Await the inspector to join the Microsoft Teams Meeting/RVR video call.

  • Authorize camera and microphone usage if or when given the option.

  • The screen view should be a full-screen image of the city inspector and your device’s image in the upper right small screen.

  • Follow the directions of the inspector.

  • Show all required corrections.

6. RVR results

  • The inspector will tell you if the re-inspection is approved or not.  

  • The inspector will update RVR results in the permitting system after the video call is complete. 

  • Following the inspection, you can expect to receive an Inspection Report, sent to the email address provided during the scheduling of the appointment. Inspection results also display in Portland Maps within 24 hours. 

  • If the result is "NOT APPROVED – SEE CORRECTIONS", the Inspection Report will indicate items in need of correction.  

Schedule a Remote Video Re-Inspection now

Click the link below to schedule your preferred date and time for your video re-inspection. Preferred desktop browsers for scheduling appointments are Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.

Schedule an RVR appointment now