Safety Codes Inspection Services

Request an Inspection

Anyone who holds a residential or commercial building permit is responsible for requesting inspections at specified stages of construction (please refer to the stages of construction: types of inspections section in the above about this service accordion).

A permit must be obtained prior to booking an inspection. An adult (18 years+) must be present to provide access for inspections in occupied dwellings.

In-person inspections

Permit holders can request an inspection using the 'Inspections' tab within their Self Serve project account or by calling 311. If an inspection is required for the next day, the request must be received by noon of the business day prior to the requested date. When requesting your inspection, you will be asked for your preferred date and to provide your contact information for updates. Homeowners have the ability to select a morning or afternoon inspection.
Current building permit and inspection request intake processing times estimates are available on our online dashboard.

To prepare for the required inspections in occupied homes, please ensure:

• An individual 18 years of age or older who is responsible for the property is present during the inspection
• Clear and unobstructed access to all areas of inspection is provided
• All pets are securely contained
• Property address is clearly visible

Please note: inspectors are required to wear shoes while performing their duties in your home.

Virtual inspections

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep Edmontonians, contractors and City inspectors safe, the City is now offering virtual inspection options for certain construction projects.

• Remote Video Inspections (RVI) are available for building and trade permit (HVAC, plumbing, gas and electrical) inspections of occupied spaces within occupied residential and commercial locations. This includes, but is not limited to, projects such as interior alterations, basement developments, additions without a separate entrance, and occupied commercial locations where distancing or other safety protocols cannot be met. RVI enables virtual inspections through connected cellular mobile devices: one operated at the building location by the permit holder and the other by a Safety Codes Officer at a different location. The City uses Google Duo to conduct RVIs.
• Verification of Compliance (VOC) is available for re-inspection of corrected safety codes deficiencies from an earlier inspection. This method involves a self-declaration and photographic supporting evidence that the identified deficiencies of a previous inspection have been rectified.

Permit holders can request RVIs or re-inspection through photographic evidence by:

• Using the Self Serve portal and going to the project's inspection tab, or
• Calling 311

Current building permit and inspection request intake processing time estimates are available on our online dashboard. In-person inspections will continue to be required for unoccupied residential and commercial construction sites, most utility service disruptions in occupied homes and businesses, and exterior structures (for example, decks).

Extra Inspections

A fee of $264, effective January 1, 2020, shall be assessed for every re-inspection required as a result of any of the following:

• No address on site, building or unit as required
• Inspector unable to access the building after having been requested to inspect
• Project not ready for inspection after a request for inspection has been made
• Previously identified deficiency has not been corrected after a request for a re-inspection has been made
• Previously identified deficiency has not been corrected when the inspector has indicated that a reinspection is required and a reasonable time period has elapsed (typically 30 days) and a request for inspection has been initiated by the inspector or City of Edmonton POSSE system
• Approved plans have not been submitted, if required, after a request for inspection has been made

Cancelling an Inspection

You may cancel an inspection within your Self Serve account or, if necessary, by calling 311 (if outside Edmonton, by calling 780-442-5311). Cut off time for requesting a cancellation without reinspection fees is noon on the business day prior to the day the inspection is scheduled. Reinspection fees apply to cancellation requests received later than that.