Purpose Statement
Business Portal Inspection Requests allow business users to request fire inspections directly through the Business Portal for their associated business locations. This feature provides Community Connect parity while ensuring requests are routed to the appropriate Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), limited to eligible inspection types, and created as native fire inspections within existing inspection workflows.
This functionality reduces manual intake, improves scheduling efficiency, and provides a consistent inspection request experience for both businesses and AHJ personnel.
Background Information
Organizations using the Business Portal can submit inspection requests without contacting the AHJ through manual methods such as phone calls or email.
When a request is submitted:
- The requester selects one of their eligible business addresses.
- The system automatically determines the correct AHJ for that address.
- Only inspection types available for that AHJ are displayed.
- The request creates a native fire inspection using the existing inspection workflow.
This feature is designed to:
- Mirror the Community Connect inspection request process.
- Prevent invalid requests across multiple AHJs.
- Reduce administrative effort.
- Maintain permission separation between Business Portal users and internal AHJ users.
Prerequisites
- Inspection Requests must be enabled for the client by a Super Admin.
- The business must have the Inspection Requests work type enabled.
- The user must have Business Portal inspection permissions.
- The business must have at least one eligible address associated with an AHJ that accepts inspection requests.
Required Permissions
Super Admin
- Enable Inspection Requests for the client/AHJ.
Business Admin
- Enable the Inspection Requests work type within Business Account Settings.
- Assign Business Portal users the appropriate inspection role.
Business Portal Role
Inspection Manager - Full Access
This role includes:
- Read inspection requests
- Create inspection requests
- Update/manage inspection requests
Business Portal inspection permissions are managed separately from AHJ permissions and are not visible within AHJ role management.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open the Inspections Module in the Business Portal Account
From the Business Portal navigation menu, select Inspections.
Note: The Inspections navigation is only visible when your business has the Inspection Requests work type enabled and your user account has the required permissions.
2. Start a New Request
Select + Request New Inspection.
The New Inspection Request window opens.
3. Select the Service Address
Choose the business address where the inspection is requested.
The system automatically:
- Resolves the associated AHJ.
- Determines eligible inspection types.
- Enables the Inspection Type field.
4. Select an Inspection Type
Choose an available inspection type.
Only inspection types that are:
- Active
- Configured for Business Portal visibility
- Assigned to the resolved AHJ are available for selection.
If you change the service address, the previously selected inspection type is cleared and a new list of eligible inspection types is loaded.
5. Enter Notes (Optional)
Enter any additional information that may help the AHJ process the request.
Notes remain if you change the selected address.
6. Submit the Request
Select Submit Request.
The system:
- Creates a fire inspection.
- Associates the inspection with the selected occupancy/address.
- Assigns a request number.
- Creates the inspection with:
- Status: Scheduled
- Schedule Type: Will Call
- Assignment: Unassigned
- Sends a notification to the AHJ.
7. Monitor Request Status
After submission, monitor your request from the Business Portal Inspections list.
Business Portal displays the following statuses:
| Internal Status | Business Portal Status |
|---|---|
| Scheduled + Will Call | Pending |
| Scheduled with Date | Scheduled |
| In Progress | In Progress |
| Completed | Completed |
| Completed with Failures | Completed with Failures |
| Completed with Citations | Completed with Citations |
| Cancelled | Cancelled |
The Will Call status is never displayed to Business Portal users.
Best Practices
- Verify you select the correct business address before choosing an inspection type.
- Provide detailed notes when special access instructions or scheduling information may assist the AHJ.
- Review available inspection types before submitting your request.
- Monitor the inspection status regularly for updates.
- Remember that submitted inspection requests cannot be edited or canceled through the Business Portal.
- If your organization no longer requires inspection requests, a Business Admin can disable the Inspection Requests work type, which immediately removes access for affected users.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why can't I see the Inspections menu?
The Inspection Requests work type may not be enabled for your business, your account may not have the required Business Portal permissions, or the feature may not be enabled for your client.
Why can't I select an Inspection Type?
An eligible service address must be selected first. The system uses the selected address to determine the appropriate AHJ and available inspection types.
Why don't I see my business address?
Only business-associated addresses that belong to AHJs currently accepting Business Portal inspection requests are displayed.
Why are no inspection types available?
The selected address may not have any active inspection types configured for Business Portal visibility, or the AHJ may no longer be accepting inspection requests.
Can I edit or cancel my request after submitting it?
No. Inspection requests cannot be edited or canceled by Business Portal users after submission.
Why did I lose access to Inspection Requests?
Your Business Admin may have disabled the Inspection Requests work type or removed your Business Portal inspection permissions. Access is revoked immediately without requiring you to sign out and back in.