Web Automated Inspection Request System

WAIRS is an automated system that allows customers web access to schedule construction inspections, cancel inspections, find inspector contact information, and view inspection results.

You may contact the assigned inspector listed in the system after 8:00 a.m. on the day of the inspection to obtain additional information about the inspection time frame.

Using WAIRS

WAIRS is available anytime. If temporarily unavailable due to system maintenance, wait 30 minutes and then try again.

You will need a Permit Number, Contractor or Owner Name to access the inspection scheduling screen for building and trade inspections.

Permit number

On the initial entry screen, you must first type your Permit Number in the field labeled "Permit Number." 

  • Enter the number exactly as it is printed on your permit. 
  • Permit numbers follow the format of one letter followed by eleven numerals  (i.e., B1001000100). The letter corresponds to the permit type.
    • Building Permits (B)
    • Electrical Permits (E)
    • Fire Suppression / Alarm Permits (K)
    • Gas Permits (G)
    • Mechanical Permits (M)
    • Plumbing Permits (P)
  • Building permit numbers are used to schedule zoning occupancy inspections.

First Three Characters of the Contractor

This information is located in the top right-hand column of your permit between the tax map number and lien agent. 

  • Enter the first three characters of the contractor name exactly as it appears on your permit in the contractor field being sure to count spaces, numbers, and/or symbols as a character.
  • If the contractor is the owner, you must type the first 3 characters of the owner name being sure to count spaces, numbers, and/or symbols as a character.
  • More information is provided below.

Submit

Click the submit button. You will be taken to the scheduling screen. Clicking the reset button will clear both fields

Scheduling

To schedule an inspection

  • Go to the yellow area labeled "To Schedule a New Inspection" on the Inspection Scheduling Screen. 
  • Choose the desired "Inspection Type" from the drop down pick-list. Enter the date you wish to have the inspection performed using the yyy-mm-dd format. The date field automatically defaults to a next-day inspection. 
  • You may enter another date up to five calendar days in advance. You may not schedule inspections for the current workday, weekends or county holidays.

Verification

  • If your inspection has been successfully scheduled, you will see a four digit Authorization Number. 
  • Print this page and retain for your records.
  • In the event you wish to cancel the inspection, the authorization number is needed. 
  • To view inspection results, access the inspection scheduling screen.

Cancellation

Under "Inspections Scheduled," click on "Cancel Inspection" for the inspection you wish to cancel. The Inspection Cancellation Screen appears. In the yellow area labeled "To Cancel Inspection," type in your four digit Authorization code and click the "Submit" button.

No inspections may be canceled on the same day as their scheduled date.

Results

Inspection results are located under the "Inspections Scheduled" heading, along with scheduled and requested inspection activities. Inspections will have either Passed or Failed results.

Results for Zoning Occupancy inspections are obtained using the Building Permit number.

  1. Contractor or Owner Name

Contractor Name

Enter only the first 3 characters of Contractor Name exactly as it is printed on your permit. Count any space, number or symbol as a character.

Contractor Name is located in the top right-hand column of your permit, between the Tax Map Number and Lien Agent.

Examples

  • BLUE SURF CARPENTRY
    Enter [BLU] (B-L-U)
  • A and P ELECTRICAL SERVICE
    Enter [A &] (A-space-&)
  • J.J. CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
    Enter [J.J] (J-period-J)
  • F-COM FIRE RESTORATION
    Enter [F-C] (F-dash-C)
  • D C HOMES
    Enter [D C] (D-space-C)
  • XO ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Enter [XO ] (X-O-space)
  • #1 HEATING AND A/C SERVICE
    Enter [#1 ] (#-1-space)

Owner Name

Enter only the first 3 characters of Owner Name exactly as it is printed on your permit.** Count any space, number or symbol as a character.

Examples

  • For owner names that are personal names, ownership is recorded Last Name, First Name.
    • DOE, JOHN AND MARY
      Enter [DOE]
  • For last names less than 3 characters, enter name followed by a comma.
    • YU, JAMES
      Enter [YU,]
  • Businesses, partnerships and corporations are recorded as is.
    • SMITH FARMS, LLC.
      Enter [SMI]
    • L and L HOMES
      Enter [L &] (L-space-&)

Transferred Ownership

In some cases, the ownership of a property may have transferred since the date the permit was issued. When using WAIRS and in doubt, call the Department of Building and Development at 703-777-0220 for verification of ownership. Please have your permit number available when you call.