BDS uses an automated inspection request system known as interactive voice response (IVR). When you pick up your permit, you will receive an IVR number and information on how to request an inspection. The IVR phone system allows you to:

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

Once an inspector has finished your requested inspection(s), the inspection results are posted to the IVR system. Just as you can schedule your inspections using IVR, you can also access the results posted by the inspector.

More information on inspections.

• Permits are tracked and inspections scheduled in the system using an assigned IVR number
• When your permit is issued and printed, your IVR number will appear in the upper right-hand corner of your permit
• If you are unsure of your IVR number, you may use your permit number to schedule inspections
• IVR will translate your permit number to your IVR number and repeat it back to you for future use

The inspection request phone number is (503) 823-7000. The IVR system is available 24 hours a day with a brief period of down time on Saturday mornings. If for any reason IVR can't complete your requested transaction, you may be forwarded to a staff person during business hours by selecting "0." Instructions for requesting an inspection using IVR.

To schedule an inspection, you need the following:

1. An IVR Request Number (or permit number)

2. The three-digit inspection code(s) of the inspection(s) you would like to schedule

3. Pen and paper to write down your confirmation number

A list of the three-digit inspection code(s) can be found on this website or copies can be picked up in the Development Services Center.

The IVR schedules inspections 24 hours a day. BDS is providing “Day Certain” scheduling, this means the IVR system will select the first available inspection date. Your inspection will occur on that date. Please check the Residential route slips at www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/58538 after 8:15 AM to view your scheduled 2-hour inspection window.

If you want to know what inspections you have scheduled on a specific permit, IVR can provide this information. When you hear the main menu prompt, select six on your telephone keypad. You will be prompted to enter your IVR number, and then your scheduled inspections on that permit will be spoken. This feature works per permit, so have all your IVR numbers ready when you call.

If an inspector has been out to do an inspection and your inspection was not approved for any reason, you will be required to schedule a reinspection. There are no separate codes for reinspections. To schedule a reinspection, simply call and, using the same three-digit inspection code you initially used to schedule the inspection, schedule your inspection again.

To reschedule or cancel a same-day inspection, you must call in your request no later than 6:00 a.m. If you call between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., you'll be asked to call back after 8:00 a.m. to speak to an operator.

• You can't schedule an inspection on your permit unless it has been issued.
• If your permit has any unpaid fees, no inspections can be requested until those fees are paid.
• The number of inspections for Commercial, Residential, and Site Development Permits is limited, based on the valuation of your work.  If you have used up all of your allowed inspections and will have to purchase additional ones. The IVR system will prompt you to purchase more based upon Inspection Limitation.

When you dial into the IVR system, select three from the main menu. You will be prompted to enter the IVR number and inspection code, so please be sure to have those available.

For now, inspection requests and results on revisions and deferred submittals are recorded on the main permit for the project. If you encounter any difficulties when trying to schedule an inspection on a permit that has revisions or deferred submittals, please zero out of the IVR system and talk to an operator. They will be able to provide the IVR Request Number for your main permit.

Your plan review status can be obtained using the IVR system. When you dial into IVR, select four 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.

If you record a message for an inspector using the voicemail feature of IVR, please be sure to press the # key when you're finished recording your message and then the one key to send the message. The inspector won't receive your message if you don't press these keys to send your message.

There has been some confusion over the two final inspections "299 Final – Structural" and "999 Final Permit." To clarify, "299 Final – Structural" can only be used on RS, MP and MI permits. The purpose of this inspection is to get a final only for the building piece of the job. 999 Final is used to final the whole project. For finals on Commercial Building Permits, customers should request inspection 999.

When you're calling in on a residential building permit, there are two inspections available that are not available on the commercial building permit: 260 Shearwalls and 265 Firewall.

This means the permit is either not issued or has already been finaled. To request inspections on a permit, the permit status must either be issued or under inspection. Any other permit status will return the message "There is an error with your permit. Permit status not ok."

If your three digit code isn't accepted, there are a couple things to check.

• First, only applicable inspections can be requested on a permit. For example, if you have an electrical permit, you will not be able to request building inspections using that permit number. You would need the building permit IVR request number to request the needed building inspections.
• Second, although the # key is used to accept information you enter into the IVR system, you do not need to press the # key after entering your three-digit inspection code. Just enter the three-digit code and IVR will continue with the scheduling process.
• If your three-digit inspection code continues to not be accepted, select "0" during business hours or call:
  1. 1&2 Family Residential Inspections (503) 823-7388
  2. Commercial Structural/Mechanical (503) 823-7303
  3. Commercial Electrical (503) 823-7304
  4. Commercial Plumbing (503) 823-7302

• BDS sewer permit inspections can be requested through IVR. To request BDS sewer inspections call IVR at (503) 823-7300.
• To request Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) right-of-way inspections on sewer permits, call PBOT at (503) 823-7002.

• Always remember to hit the pound (#) key to accept information in IVR. If you hear a message that says "Your response was not detected," re-enter your information and make sure to hit the # key.
• Remember that inspections listed on the inspection reference cards that have "RS Only" listed after them only apply to residential permits.
• You can view the TRACS computer system (where your IVR inspections are stored) on the public terminals in Development Services Center.
• Instructions for finding your permit(s) are located next to the terminal.
• Listen for important IVR announcements at the beginning of the main menu.
• Instruction for Requesting an Inspection Using IVR
• Inspection Codes List