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Inspection Type: Community Connect Request

Purpose Statement

This article explains how to configure an inspection type to allow Community Connect users to request inspections through the Community Connect portal. It also covers how notifications are sent to users or teams and how requested inspections appear within the Inspections module.

Background Information

Community Connect allows residents and business owners to request inspections directly through the Community Connect portal. By enabling Community Connect options on an inspection type, agencies can streamline inspection request workflows, improve communication with the public, and reduce manual scheduling processes.

This configuration is commonly used for inspections such as tent inspections, operational permits, fire safety inspections, and other inspection requests initiated by the public.

Once configured:

  • Residents and/or business owners can request inspections through the portal
  • Assigned users or teams receive notifications when requests are submitted
  • Inspection requests appear in the Inspections list with request-specific details
  • Requestors receive email notifications when inspections are scheduled

Required Permissions

Users configuring inspection types should have permissions that allow access to:

  • Inspection Type configuration settings
  • Community Connect configuration options
  • User and Team management
  • Inspection scheduling and assignment

Recommended roles include:

  • Administrator
  • Fire Prevention Supervisor
  • Inspection Manager

Video

Step-by-Step Guide
 

Enable Community Connect Requests for an Inspection Type

  1. Navigate to the Inspection Types configuration area.
  2. Open an existing inspection type or create a new inspection type.
  3. Select the inspection type you want to configure.
  4. Open the Community Connect section within the inspection type settings.
  5. Enable the appropriate Community Connect request options:
    • Community Connect Users — Allows residents to request the inspection
    • High Hazard Users — Allows business owners or high hazard occupancies to request the inspection
  6. Select one or both options depending on who should be allowed to submit requests.

Configure Notification Recipients

  1. In the notification section, choose whether notifications should be sent to:
    • Individual users
    • Teams
  2. To add an individual user:
    • Begin typing the user’s name
    • Select the user from the list
    • Click Add
  3. Repeat the process to add additional users if needed.
  4. To add a team:
    • Select the desired team from the list
    • Click Add
  5. Any users assigned to the selected team will also receive notifications.

Remove Notification Recipients

  1. Locate the user or team in the notification list.
  2. Click the Delete option next to the entry.
  3. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

Save Configuration Changes

  1. After making changes, click Save to apply the configuration updates.

How Inspection Requests Appear in Inspections

Once a Community Connect user submits a request:

  • A request number is generated for the inspection
  • The inspection appears in the Inspections list
  • The inspection status displays as Scheduled
  • The schedule displays as Will Call until a specific date and time are assigned
  • Any notes submitted by the requestor display within the inspection details
  • The Assigned To field remains blank until assigned by an administrator or supervisor
  • The requested inspection type displays within the inspection record

Administrators or supervisors can later:

  • Assign the inspection to an inspector
  • Schedule the inspection date and time
  • Update inspection details as needed

Email Notifications

Community Connect users receive email notifications when:

  1. The inspection request is successfully created
  2. The inspection is assigned a scheduled date and time

These notifications help keep residents and business owners informed throughout the inspection scheduling process.

Best Practices

  • Use descriptive inspection type names that clearly identify the inspection purpose
  • Assign notifications to teams whenever possible to avoid missed requests
  • Regularly monitor incoming inspection requests in the Inspections list
  • Verify Community Connect access settings before enabling public requests
  • Ensure scheduling staff promptly assign inspections to inspectors
  • Review submitted notes from requestors before scheduling inspections

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Inspection Requests Are Not Appearing

Possible Causes:

  • Community Connect options are not enabled on the inspection type
  • Changes were not saved after configuration
  • The requestor does not have the proper Community Connect access

Resolution:

  • Verify the inspection type has Community Connect enabled
  • Confirm the correct request options are selected
  • Save all configuration changes

Notifications Are Not Being Received

Possible Causes:

  • No users or teams were added to the notification list
  • The selected team has no assigned users
  • User email settings are incorrect

Resolution:

  • Verify notification recipients are configured correctly
  • Confirm team membership assignments
  • Check user email configuration settings

Assigned To Field Is Blank

This is expected behavior until an administrator or supervisor manually assigns the inspection request to an inspector.

Why Does the Schedule Display “Will Call”?

The inspection request displays as Will Call until a date and time are officially scheduled.