Using the IVR System to Request Inspections and Inspection Results

With the IVR automated phone system you can: 

• Schedule/cancel/reschedule inspections
• Get inspection results and messages from inspectors
• Get plan review status and other documents via fax

The IVR system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with only a small amount of downtime on Saturday mornings. If the IVR system cannot complete your requested transaction, you may be forwarded to a staff person during business hours. You can also schedule an inspection online on Development Hub PDX.

Once an inspector has finished your requested inspection(s), they post the inspection results to the IVR system. You can also access the results posted by the inspector by calling the Requests for Inspections phone number. Get the complete list of IVR codes.

Use your IVR number to schedule inspections and get results

Permits are tracked and inspections scheduled in the system using an assigned IVR number. Your IVR number is distinct from your Permit Number. The best way to schedule an inspection is to use your IVR number. When your permit is issued and printed, your IVR number will appear in the lower left-hand corner of your permit. You can also look up an IVR number on Portland Maps.

Schedule an inspection online or by phone 

You can schedule an inspection online or by phone. To schedule an inspection by phone, you need your IVR request number, three-digit inspection code(s) for the inspection(s) you want to schedule, and a way to record your confirmation number: 

1. Call the IVR Request an Inspection and Inspection Results line
2. Select 1 to schedule an inspection 
3. Enter the IVR number then # (or follow prompt to enter permit number)
4. Enter three-digit inspection code 
5. Enter 1 - 5 to select the from the next five working days
6. Enter the area code and phone number then # 
7. Leave a message for the inspector if you need to (1=leave a message, 2=no message)
8. Enter 1 to hear the confirmation number and hang up, select 2 to schedule another inspection on the same permit, select 3 to schedule an inspection on a different permit

Deadlines to schedule, reschedule or cancel a same-day inspection

Same-day inspections, if available, must be scheduled before 6 a.m. You must call before 6 a.m. to reschedule or cancel an inspection scheduled for that day. If you call to schedule a same-day inspection between 6 and 8 a.m., you will be asked to call back after 8 a.m. to talk to the inspections team. 

Schedule a re-inspection

• If your inspection was not approved, you need to schedule a re-inspection after you have made the corrections. 
• Use the same three-digit code for the re-inspection.
• If you are scheduling the re-inspection on the same day as the original inspection results were entered, please wait until after 5 p.m.
• You will not be able to reschedule the re-inspection until after the inspector has entered the results.  

List of scheduled inspections

You can get a list of scheduled inspections on the IVR line. When you hear the main menu, select 6 on your telephone keypad. After entering your IVR number, the system will list the scheduled inspections on that permit. This feature works per permit, so please have all your IVR numbers ready when you call.

Problems scheduling inspections with the IVR system 

Issued permits

You can only request inspections for permits that are "issued" or "under inspection." Any other status results in an error message: "There is an error with your permit. Permit status not okay."

Fees pending 

If your permit has any unpaid fees, inspections cannot be requested until you pay the fees. 

Out of inspections 

There is a limited number of inspections for commercial, residential, and site development permits. The number of inspections is based on the valuation of your work. If you have used all your allowed inspections you will need to buy more. The IVR system will prompt you to buy more based upon current inspection limits. This may happen if you have multiple re-inspections. 

System will not accept three-digit inspection code 

• You do not need to use the # key with the three-digit inspection code. Re-enter the three-digit code without using the # key. 
• Make sure you are using the right inspection code for the right permit. You cannot request an electrical inspection on a commercial building permit. 

If you continue to have problems, call the Commercial Inspections phone number for your project type or the Residential Inspections phone number for help.

Inspections for revisions and deferred submittals 

Revisions and deferred submittals have a separate IVR number from the main permit to be used to request an inspection and get inspection results. To request an inspection for a revision or deferred submittal, use inspection code 999. 

Getting plan review status

When you call the IVR - Request Inspections and Inspection Results line, press 4 from the main menu. You will need to supply a fax number where your plan review status can be sent. Plan review status reports are only available on permits that are under review. You can also look up plan review status on Portland Maps. 

Using the IVR’s voicemail feature

You can record a message for your inspector. Be sure to press the # key when you're finished recording your message and then press 1 to send the message. The inspector won't receive your message if you don't press these keys to send your message.

Final building inspection vs. final permit inspection

Only use "299 Final – Structural" on RS, MI and MP permits. The purpose of this inspection is to get a final only for the building piece of the job. Use 999 Final to final the whole project. For finals on Commercial Building Permits, customers should request inspection 999.

Building permits are not final approved until the 999 inspection is approved. 

Residential-only inspections 

There are some inspections available only for residential (RS) permits and not for Commercial (CO) permits: 

• 260 Shearwalls 
• 265 Firewall
• 299 Final Building (RS, MI, MP only) 

Right-of-way inspections

You cannot schedule right-of-way inspections through the IVR system. To schedule these inspections, call Transportation at 503-823-7002.

Today's residential inspections 

Get information about today's scheduled residential inspections.

Learn more about the permit process and the inspections process

Learn more about:

• the permit review process 
• commercial permit inspections
• residential permit inspections