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Creating an Inspection Type Without a Physical Address

Purpose Statement

This article explains how to create and configure an inspection type in First Due that does not require a physical address.

This functionality allows departments to conduct inspections without associating them with an existing occupancy or property address. Departments can use different Location Modes to accommodate standalone units or spaces, pre-development projects, and special events.

Background Information

First Due provides multiple Location Modes when configuring an inspection type. These options allow departments to determine whether an inspection requires an existing physical address.

The available Location Modes include:

  • Standard Street Address: Used for inspections associated with an existing physical address.

  • Standalone: Used for inspections involving a unit or space.

  • Pre-Development: Used for projects that have not yet been assigned a physical address.

  • Special Event: Used for inspections associated with temporary events.

The Standalone, Pre-Development, and Special Event options allow departments to create inspection types without requiring an existing occupancy or property address.

All other inspection type configuration settings, including checklists, forms, billing, and notifications, follow the standard inspection type setup process.

Required Permissions

Users must have the appropriate permissions to access and manage Inspection Types within First Due.

Note: The exact permission names and required access levels must be verified against the current First Due permissions configuration.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide


Step 1: Navigate to Inspection Types

1. Navigate to Inspections > Inspection Types.

2. To create a new inspection type, select Add New Type.

3. To modify an existing inspection type, locate the desired inspection type and select Edit.


Step 2: Configure the Inspection Type and Location Mode

1. Locate the required Inspection Type field and enter the appropriate inspection type name.

2. Locate the Location Mode field.

3. Select the appropriate Location Mode:

  • Standard Street Address: For inspections associated with an existing physical address.

  • Standalone: For inspections involving a unit or space.

  • Pre-Development: For projects that have not yet been assigned a physical address.

  • Special Event: For inspections associated with temporary events.

4. Complete the remaining inspection type configuration fields as needed.

Note: For detailed instructions on completing the standard inspection type settings, refer to the Knowledge Base article covering inspection type configuration.


Step 3: Configure the Inspection Checklist

1. Navigate to the Checklist section.

Note: Checklist configuration follows the same process as a standard inspection type.


Step 4: Configure Forms and Email Settings

1. Navigate to the Forms section.

2. Configure any applicable forms for the inspection type.

3. Review the Email System settings.

4. Configure the applicable email options based on your department's needs.


Step 5: Configure Billing Settings

1. Navigate to the Billing section.

2. If your department has an integrated Stripe account, configure any applicable inspection fees in the Portals Section.


Step 6: Configure User Portal Settings

1. Navigate to the User Portals section.

2. Review the available Business Portal settings.

3. Configure the applicable inspection request options.

4. Review the available settings for:

  • Attachments

  • Payments

  • Instructions

  • Notifications

5. Add any applicable instructions or attachments that should be provided to users.

6. Configure the notification settings as needed.

Important: This functionality is available through the Business Portal only.


Step 7: Save the Inspection Type

1. Review the inspection type configuration to ensure the required fields are completed.

2. Verify that the correct Location Mode has been selected.

3. Select Save to save the inspection type.

4. The inspection type is now configured with the selected Location Mode.

Note: This process can be used to create Standalone, Pre-Development, and Special Event inspection types.

Best Practices

- Select the appropriate Location Mode: Choose the Location Mode that best matches the inspection being performed.

- Use descriptive inspection type names: Clearly identify the purpose of the inspection to help users select the appropriate type.

- Review checklist configurations: Ensure checklist sections, items, result options, and associated code items meet your department's requirements.

- Verify billing settings: If the inspection requires payment, review the applicable Stripe integration and fee configuration.

- Configure Business Portal settings: If users will request inspections through the Business Portal, review the applicable settings, attachments, payments, instructions, and notifications.

- Provide clear instructions: Include any relevant information or attachments needed to support the inspection process.

- Save configuration changes: Always select Save after creating or modifying an inspection type.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Can I create an inspection type without associating it with an existing occupancy or property address?

Yes. First Due supports Standalone, Pre-Development, and Special Event Location Modes that allow inspections to be configured without an existing physical address.

What is the difference between Standalone, Pre-Development, and Special Event Location Modes?

Standalone is intended for inspections involving a unit or space. Pre-Development is intended for projects that have not yet been assigned a physical address. Special Event is intended for inspections associated with temporary events.

Do I need to configure a different checklist for an inspection type that does not require an address?

No separate checklist configuration process is required. The checklist can be configured using the same sections, items, result options, and associated code items available for standard inspection types.

Can inspection fees be assigned to these inspection types?

Yes. Departments with the applicable Stripe integration can configure inspection fees through the available billing settings.

Can these inspection types be requested through the User Portal?

At the time of the video, this functionality is available through the Business Portal. Departments can configure applicable inspection request and payment settings.

Do the other inspection type settings change when a different Location Mode is selected?

The remaining configuration options follow the standard inspection type setup process, including checklists, forms, email settings, billing, attachments, and notifications.

What should I do if I cannot access Inspection Types?

Contact your department's First Due administrator to verify that your user account has the appropriate permissions to access and manage Inspection Types.

Can I use this process to create a Pre-Development or Standalone inspection type?

Yes. Follow the same configuration process and select Pre-Development or Standalone from the Location Mode field.