On April 2, 2020, SDCI began using virtual inspections for some types of projects. We implemented our virtual inspections program to continue providing inspections to our customers, while maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since SDCI implemented the virtual inspection program, we have conducted more than 9,100 virtual inspections. That is approximately 22% of the over 42,000 total inspections SDCI has conducted since April 2. 
On April 2, 2020, SDCI began using virtual inspections for some types of projects. We implemented our virtual inspections program to continue providing inspections to our customers, while maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since SDCI implemented the virtual inspection program, we have conducted more than 9,100 virtual inspections. That is approximately 22% of the over 42,000 total inspections SDCI has conducted since April 2. The total number of inspections has steadily increased as projects have resumed under Governor Inslee’s Safe Start plan.
Looking ahead, there’s always a possibility we may face additional restrictions to address the COVID-19 pandemic and we may need to conduct a larger percentage of our inspections virtually.
In an effort to improve our process and service to customers, we are working to make virtual inspections a permanent part of SDCI’s inspection procedures. We are reviewing all parts of virtual inspections:
- The process for preparing for and performing a virtual inspection as an inspector and as a customer
- The technology: what works, what doesn’t work, and what we can improve
- A monitoring system to continually review and improve the virtual inspection process, with a focus on equity, respect, quality, integrity, and service
The SDCI Virtual Inspections Project is seeking contractors, building managers, and others who have used our virtual inspection process to complete a brief survey. We want to improve our processes, streamline our delivery, and create an experience that meets the needs of our customers while delivering the best code oversight possible… and we need your help to do it! Virtual inspections are not meant to replace in-person inspections; they are a way to streamline our inspection process for some types of projects.
Our anonymous survey will take 10 minutes or less to complete. Your contact information is not collected, so please be candid. We need your input!
We are also asking for contractors, building managers, and others who have used our virtual inspections to consider participating as a stakeholder in our Virtual Inspections Project team. A link to a sign-up sheet is included at the end of the survey.
We look forward to your input!
If you have questions about the virtual inspections process or improvement project, please contact:
Dan Nelson
Daniel.Nelson1@seattle.gov