Sacramento, California – Sacramento is adding a faster path to the building inspection process, giving contractors and homeowners a new way to keep smaller projects moving without waiting for an inspector to arrive in person.
The City’s Community Development Department is now using VuSpex software to complete virtual inspections for qualifying permits. The system allows customers to choose a virtual inspection appointment and connect with City staff through any device that has a camera and internet access.
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The change is aimed at making routine inspections quicker and more convenient, while also helping inspectors spend more time on larger or more complicated job sites.
“This tool has been helpful in enhancing our streamlining efforts since offering virtual inspections cuts out the drive time it takes for inspectors to get to physical locations,” said the City’s Chief Building Official Chuck Clark.
“This allows for simple permitting inspections to be done quickly, which allows inspectors in the field to dedicate time to more complex projects.”
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Not every permit qualifies for the virtual option, but the City has identified several common project types that can use the service. These include minor HVAC and water heater installations, solar projects, EV chargers and optional residential re-roof inspections.
For homeowners, the benefit can be simple but meaningful: less waiting, fewer scheduling delays and a better chance of keeping a project on track. For contractors, the virtual option can help reduce downtime between stages of work, especially when the inspection is for a straightforward installation.
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The City began using virtual inspections in late 2025. Since then, more than 3,500 inspections have been completed through the process. Inspectors rotate through the assignment, spending part of their time handling virtual inspections from the office and part of their time visiting sites in the field.
The move also fits into the broader goals of Streamline Sacramento, a 2025 effort designed to improve the development approval process, lower construction costs and support housing production. The addition of virtual inspections was highlighted in the year-end recap presented to the City Council on Feb. 24.
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City officials say the software is one more step toward making the permitting system more efficient for residents, builders and staff. More details about eligibility and the process are available through the City’s new Virtual Inspections webpage.