ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area What would make your life easier?

Just curious, given todays's technology and ease of communications, what would make your life easier? (as pertaining to your occupation)

I was thinking of 2 things that could be quite useful. I've heard of filing permits online but don't know how widespread or available this is at the moment. Has anyone used these services yet?

I also thought it would be great to be able to file for Electrical Inspections online 24/7 and to be able to get some questions answered or interpretations from the AHJs without having to play Telephone Tag first.

What do you think?

Bill

HEY!!!!!! Ya know, if you work on one of my projects, it's usually as easy as turning around and saying "Is that OK, George?"

Well, not lately, but usually

Dallas allows pulling permits online and calliing for inspections online.
You have to sign for a credit account.
Works great. Saves a lot of time.

George,

>>as easy as turning around and saying "Is that OK, George?"<<

Is that a good thing?
Just pulling your Leg, .. ouch! sorry about that. I hope you're feeling better.

Generally speaking our Inspectors have been only available during specific times. Maybe as little as an hour per day. during that time it can be tough getting through on the phone.

wolfdog,

Glad to hear it. I think the Municipalities by me are still a long way from being computerized. The Inspection Agencies in general don't seem to be up to speed either. Only one that I know has shown any interest in attracting any business online.

The Agency I am most familiar with (a multi-state Co.) has to enter information for the reports manually, save the files to disk and Fed-Ex it to the main office (out of state) every day.
(what's the Computer for?)

Anybody want to go into business?


Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 02-27-2002).]

Our AHJ's are so spread out here , some of thier inspections are a year behind.
No E-permits as yet, but i can E-mail them which helps.

Sparky,

If you can E-mail anything you're ahead of us.

Bill

Bill -

just copied this off one city web sites -

The City's new Internet Permit Software started in production on Monday, May 10, 1999. Initially, it offered you the ability to comment on open planning applications and check the status of a permit for all permits issued after February 23, 1999.

On October 27th, 1999 we added the ability to check property, zoning, lot/block and property ownership information via the web. Also on that date, the City began a program called "eMobile" where inspectors in the field accessed information and sent back reports using palmtop, handheld and laptop computers and wireless modems.

This Summer (2000), you will be able to request an inspection and apply and pay for a permit via the web. Following that, we will offer several other features including document management, geographic information system (GIS) maps, electronic plan submittal and mark-up and several more. Click on these links below for a look at what is available and what is coming:

See http://www.lni.wa.gov/scs/electrical/ipep.htm

Looks like something you need Bill.

Joe,

Yes, that would be good!.

One town in particular requires the permit to be filed in person and Notarized, with a copy of the owner's Tax Bill, Electrical License, and Proof of Insurance everytime a permit is filed. They will keep nothing on file and you must wait online with everyone else. I know there's a better way!

Bill

I gotta give ou credit Joe, you always post the latest!
A short surf turned This up, Granite State power's offer to
'read-yer-OWN-meter!