June 11, 2010
DCRA Announces New 24/7 Construction Inspection Scheduling System
Mayor Fenty and Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Director Linda K. Argo announce the launch of a new phone-based scheduling system that allows contractors and residents to schedule construction inspections 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The IVR system allows customers to schedule inspections, obtain inspection results within 48 hours of the inspection, and cancel inspections – all just by dialing 202-442-9557 and utilizing the easy-to-use interface. The system goes live Monday, June 14, 2010.
“DCRA, under the leadership of Director Linda Argo, continues to take advantage of new technology to make the customer experience at DCRA as quick and painless as possible,” Fenty said. “The department has come a long way under her leadership and these technological improvements are key to moving the District’s economy forward faster.”
Director Argo said the new IVR system isn’t simply a routing system that moves customers from staff to staff or from office to office.
“This system literally dips into our inspections scheduling database, picks the earliest available date, assigns an inspector, and then keeps track of that inspection until the results are available,” Argo said. “We are continuously trying to make our regulatory processes as convenient and efficient as possible for our customers.”
The IVR system is very simple:
Dial 202-442-9557
Enter your Building Permit Number;
Enter the Inspection Code;
Select the date; and
Receive confirmation number.
The IVR system is DCRA’s latest effort at leveraging technology to improve customer service. Last year, the agency launched its Postcard Permit and Supplemental Permit application system which allows customers to submit online permit applications for 50 of the most common home improvement and small construction projects. Customers can use the system from their home or office computer or at a mobile kiosk at the Home Depot located on Rhode Island Avenue, NE.
“We’re well aware that in this economic climate, time wasted standing in line or waiting on hold translates into money wasted,” said Argo. “The IVR system recognizes that our customers’ time is a precious commodity and the less time they have to deal with bureaucracy, the more time they have to spend on growing their businesses.”
For inspection codes or to download and print the informational flier, please visit dcra.dc.gov/IVR.
