Philadelphia turns to virtual calls to optimize building inspections

Philadelphia is innovating building inspections by offering a virtual option for residential and commercial facilities, which officials say will help staff manage reviews more efficiently and safely.

The city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections launched a virtual app for staff to perform remote building inspections with customers including contractors, permit holders, property owners and licensees, city officials announced last week.

This initiative “is bringing [the department] into the 21st century with virtual inspections,” said Basil Merenda, commissioner of the agency.

By Kaitlyn Levinson