The last phase of permitting your project is obtaining all necessary inspections from the Bureau of Development Services to receive final approval on the work. Once you are ready for the required inspection in each phase of your project, you must call our IVR inspection request system at 503-823-7000 to schedule an inspection. The IVR system is open 24/7 and allows you to:

• Schedule/cancel/reschedule inspections (Handout: Requesting an inspection using IVR)
• Get inspection results and messages from inspectors
• Obtain plan review status via fax
• Purchase additional inspections

To schedule an inspection, you need the following:

• An IVR request number (or permit number if you cannot find the IVR number)
• The three-digit inspection code(s) of the inspection(s) you would like to schedule
• Pen and paper to write down your confirmation number before you hang up

The IVR system will schedule the first available inspection date for you. To reschedule or cancel an inspection, you must call in your request no later than 6 a.m. on the scheduled inspection date. If you call between 6-8 a.m., you'll be asked to call back after 8 a.m. to speak to an operator.

On the scheduled date, you can check residential route slips after 8:15 a.m. to view your scheduled two-hour inspection window.

You can hear a list of scheduled inspections for a permit by calling the IVR, pressing 6, and entering your IVR number. If you have multiple permits, you’ll need to enter an IVR number from each permit.

Once an inspector has finished your requested inspection(s), the inspection results are posted to the IVR system for you to access.

If your inspection was not approved, you will be required to schedule a reinspection. There are no separate codes for reinspections. To schedule a reinspection, call the IVR and use the same three-digit inspection code to schedule your inspection again.

Important note: All permits need the “999 Final Permit” inspection requested and approved in order to receive “Final” approval. If that doesn’t happen, the permit will remain “under inspection” in the City’s computer system.