DOB Announces Coming Launch of Technology Enhancements

As part of the Department of Buildings technology enhancements outlined in its Building One City plan, the DOB recently announced a forthcoming online tool named “Inspection Ready.” According to the DOB, this tool will dramatically simplify compliance and reduce wait times when scheduling appointments for inspections. Features of this new system will include the ability to request and cancel appointments online, as well as view inspection results and documentation. Additionally, DOB inspectors will be equipped with tablet computers to upload results while on-site, allowing for faster and more transparent determinations.

Through the Inspection Ready online tool, owners will be able to schedule virtually all inspections through this service. These inspections include: Boilers; Builders’ Pavement Plans; Construction; Cranes & Derricks; Electrical; Elevators; House Connections; Plumbing; and Sustainability.

In addition, owners will be required to use the online Inspection Ready system to submit a request for an inspection to the DOB. However, there will be a transition period after the Inspection Ready launch during which DOB staff will assist with completing requests via phone and in the borough offices.

This represents the latest technological efforts the DOB has pursued to simplify the development process. In 2011, the Department launched the Development Hub to allow electronic filing and virtual plan review. According to the DOB, these simplifications have eased traffic at the Department’s five Borough Offices and allowed for faster reviews of the city’s largest projects. In 2015, DOB rolled out the first phase of the Inspection Ready program by supplying agency staff with tablets to expedite inspections by giving staff access to more information from the field. This online tool represents the second portion of the Inspection Ready program.

In the coming months, the DOB intends to host a series of information sessions for the public including industry-specific events where attendees will see Inspection Ready in action.