When the eInspections online portal was introduced, most contractors gravitated to this new feature right away. The self-help webpage is quick, convenient, and allows the applicant to schedule inspections at their convenience with immediate feedback of availability, and on-screen confirmation the request was received & processed. All that is required is for the site manager to bookmark the portal on their device, then enter the permit number and access code to request an inspection.
In the case of Final inspections for residential dwellings in the Building discipline, there are other workflows that run when the Final is scheduled. Building Inspections staff are notified electronically, and they in turn review Sub-trade permits to ensure they are booked accordingly. In this way, all disciplines complete more-or-less simultaneously, without Building inadvertently granting Occupancy while trades permits are left open. Avoiding unnecessary delays is important as the transition continues for the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.
There are a few anomalies occurring which are compromising the intended workflows:
i.) Emailed Inspection Requests
There remains only a few organizations which have not embraced the eInspections portal and continue to manually email requests to Building Inspections. Applicants should now transition to using the eInspections portal, as processing of emailed inspections requests will be discontinued April 1.
ii.) Non-applicants Making Inspection Requests
Often emailed inspections are the result of non-applicants (eg. drywallers, insulators, other trades) attempting to book inspections for a project. Scheduling inspections is the responsibility of the permit applicant (the general contractor, homebuilder) not their trades. The use of the Access Code on the portal ensures the permit applicant vets the timing, and schedules inspections as their organization feels appropriate.
iii.) Final Inspection Requests Sent Directly to Inspectors
If requests for Building Finals (new unit, basement development) are received from contractors via phone, email, or text message, then workflow processes may become bypassed. These inspection requests are to be handled through the portal for efficiency, ensuring dependent workflows run appropriately and Sub-trade inspections can be scheduled. Customers will be redirected to use the eInspections portal.
Through the month of March, Planning & Design staff will engage with construction industry partners who submit inspection requests via email and assist with transitioning to using the eInspections portal. The current inspections request mailbox will be discontinued April 1, 2026.
At that time, the appropriate avenue for requesting inspections will be through:
- eInspections portal on the City’s website at www.lethbridge.ca/einspections
- Customers MyCity account at www.lethbridge.ca/mycity
For questions or to request support in moving to the eInspections online portal, please contact Planning & Design at 403-320-3920 or planninganddesign@lethbridge.ca
