GoiNGvirtual : floridaNowallowsvirtualbuildiNGCodeiNspeCtioNs
Construction law Section Chairs : AdamBild – BildLaw & DebbieCrockett – CheffyPassidomo , PA
In a world of ever-increasing virtual options , one more has been added to the list : virtual building code inspections . Recent amendments to sections 553.79 and 553.791 , Florida Statutes , now allow local building departments and private providers of building code inspections to perform virtual building code inspections in lieu of traditional , on-site inspections .
The newly added language is found in sections 553.79 ( 6 ) and 553.791 ( 8 ), Florida Statutes , and the amendments broadly define “ virtual inspection ” as “ a form of visual inspection which uses visual or electronic aids to allow a building code administrator or an inspector , or team of inspectors , to perform an inspection without having to be physically present at the job site during the inspection .” This presumably authorizes inspectors to perform building code inspections based on pictures
or videos provided by contractors , or by conducting live video conferences with contractors — inspection methods that are intended to be quicker , more efficient , and less expensive . While the authorization to perform virtual inspections appears to be quite broad in scope , it does not apply to structural inspections on threshold buildings .
Local jurisdictions in the Tampa Bay area have already begun implementing virtual building code inspections , but the scope of virtual inspections offered varies by jurisdiction . For example , Pasco County currently offers virtual inspections only for air conditioning replacements , but it plans to offer virtual inspections in the future for water heater and water softener replacements , as well as for certain
itisimportantfor contractorsand inspectorstoproceed withcautionasthe bodyoflaw surroundingvirtual inspectionsdevelops .
re-inspections . Hillsborough and Polk Counties offer virtual inspections for air conditioning , water heater , and water softener replacements , electric service repairs , re-roofing , and window and door replacement . Hillsborough County also offers virtual inspections for garage door replacements and plumbing re-pipes . Polk County also offers virtual inspections for irrigation , insulation , soffit , roof dry-in , and certain inspections related to residential renovations or additions up to 500 sq . ft .
As with most changes in the law , it is important for contractors and inspectors to proceed with caution as the body of law surrounding virtual inspections develops . Issues regarding liability and standards of care are typically front and center when allegations of defective construction are made ,
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