Purpose Statement
This article explains how to request an inspection through the First Due Business Portal when the inspection does not require a physical address.
This functionality allows businesses to submit inspection requests for standalone locations, pre-development projects, and special events without needing to associate the inspection with an existing physical address.
Background Information
The First Due Business Portal allows businesses to request inspections directly from their fire department or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Certain inspection types support requests without a physical address, providing flexibility for inspections that do not involve a traditional property location.
There are three supported location modes:
1. Standalone: Used for inspections involving a specific unit or space.
2. Pre-Development: Used for projects that have not yet been assigned a physical address.
3. Special Event: Used for inspections associated with temporary events.
The available inspection types depend on the configurations established by the fire department or AHJ.
Important: Inspection types that require a physical address will continue to display an address field. Only inspection types configured to support an alternative location mode will allow users to submit requests without a physical address.
Required Permissions
Users must have access to the First Due Business Portal and the ability to request inspections through their business account.
The following access requirements apply:
An active Business Portal account.
Access to the Inspections section within the Business Portal.
An inspection type made available for public requests by the AHJ.
Note: Specific administrative permission names for configuring address-independent inspection types were not established in the video. Departments should verify the appropriate inspection configuration permissions before assigning administrative access.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Navigate to Inspections
1. Log in to your First Due Business Portal account and navigate to Inspections > Inspections.
2. Select Request New Inspection Type.
Step 2: Select the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
1. Select the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or fire department responsible for the inspection.
Step 3: Select the Inspection Type
1. Click the Inspection Type dropdown and select the appropriate inspection type, such as Special Event.
2. The form will automatically update based on the selected inspection type, removing the physical address requirement when applicable.
Note: Available inspection types depend on the department's configuration.
Step 4: Enter Event Information
1. Select an existing event from the Event Name dropdown or enter a new event name.
Note: Required location information may differ for Standalone, Pre-Development, and Special Event inspection types.
Step 5: Review Instructions and Add Notes
1. Review any instructions provided by the AHJ.
2. Enter additional information in the Notes field, if applicable or required.
Step 6: Upload Attachments
1. Click Add in the Attachments section and drag and drop the required files.
2. Review uploaded attachments and use the available options to View, Download, or Remove files as needed.
Note: Attachments may be optional or required depending on the inspection type.
Step 7: Submit the Inspection Request
1. Review the inspection information and click Submit Request.
2. If payment is required, select Pay and Submit and complete the payment process.
Important: Inspection requests requiring payment cannot be submitted until the payment process is completed.
Best Practices
Select the correct inspection type: Verify that the inspection type matches the intended location mode before entering request information.
Review AHJ instructions: Read the department's instructions to ensure all inspection requirements are satisfied.
Use descriptive event names: Provide clear event names that help the department identify the inspection request.
Include relevant notes: Add details that may assist inspectors in understanding the nature or scope of the inspection.
Upload supporting documentation: When applicable, include maps, layouts, or other relevant documents to assist the department with its review.
Verify attachments before submission: Confirm that uploaded documents are correct.
Prepare for payment requirements: If the inspection type requires payment, complete the payment process before submitting the request.
Confirm the correct AHJ: Ensure the request is being submitted to the appropriate fire department.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why am I still required to enter a physical address?
The selected inspection type may be configured to require a physical address. Only inspection types configured for alternative location modes allow requests without a physical address. Contact the AHJ if you believe the inspection type should support this functionality.
Why don't I see a Special Event, Standalone, or Pre-Development inspection type?
The available inspection types depend on the configurations established by the fire department or AHJ. Contact the department to confirm which inspection types are available through the Business Portal.
Can I select an existing event instead of creating a new one?
Yes. If an existing event is available in the Event Name selection field, you can select it rather than creating a new event.
Can I upload supporting documentation with my inspection request?
Yes. The Attachments section allows you to upload supporting files. Depending on the inspection type's configuration, attachments may be optional or required.
Can I remove an attachment after uploading it?
Yes. Before submitting the request, you can remove an uploaded attachment and replace it with the correct file.
Why am I required to pay before submitting my inspection request?
The AHJ may have configured the inspection type to require payment through Stripe. When payment is required at submission, the request cannot be completed until the payment process is finished.
Can I submit an inspection request without making a payment?
This depends on the inspection type's configuration. If payment is required at submission, you must complete the Pay and Submit process before the request can be submitted.
Does every inspection type support requests without a physical address?
No. Only inspection types configured to use Standalone, Pre-Development, or Special Event location modes support this functionality. Other inspection types may continue to require a physical address.