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Loveland Building Services Company Expands Remote Video Inspection Program to Help Municipalities Reduce Backlogs

Published by Herald Staff
Oct 29, 2025, 5:40 AM
A wooden building being constructed.
Photo by Troy Mortier on Unsplash

SAFEbuilt, a Loveland-based community development services company, announced October 29 the continued expansion of its Remote Video Inspection technology, which allows municipalities and building departments to conduct virtual inspections for routine construction projects while maintaining code compliance.

The technology enables building inspectors to conduct real-time virtual inspections for common projects including water heater replacements, fences, porches, rooftop solar installations and sheds without requiring physical site visits. The system uses real-time video streaming, geolocation tagging and automatic date and time stamping to create verified inspection records.

The platform requires no app downloads, logins or specialized equipment for property owners or contractors. Inspections are conducted through a secure text message link sent by the inspector at the scheduled appointment time.

Northern Colorado Faces Growing Inspection Demand

The expansion comes as Larimer and Weld Counties experience significant demand for building inspections driven by rapid population and development growth in Northern Colorado. Both counties rank among Colorado's fastest growing regions, according to the state's June 2025 economic forecast.

Larimer County's Building Inspection division has worked since 2022 to clear backlogs in assessing new and modified properties, according to county budget documents. Weld County budget plans reference challenges from project delays, supply chain problems and staffing gaps that have contributed to outstanding project lists.

Neither county publishes detailed data on inspection volumes or average turnaround times, but budget allocations in both jurisdictions reflect ongoing prioritization of reducing inspection backlogs through technology investments and staffing increases.

"Cities today are looking for solutions that improve turnaround times, maintain safety, and make better use of their inspection teams," said Steve Nero, vice president of sales at SAFEbuilt. "RVI does exactly that."

Technology Focuses on Routine, Low-Risk Projects

The remote inspection system targets simple, non-structural projects that do not involve life-safety systems requiring hands-on verification. Colorado building code permits remote video inspections for routine replacements and installations provided the process maintains clear documentation and is conducted by qualified inspectors.

In-person inspections remain required for complex electrical work, major structural assessments, gas installations and certain fire suppression system verifications under state regulations administered by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

The system captures high-resolution video, images and audio during inspections, with all content time-stamped and geo-tagged for documentation and quality assurance. Geolocation accuracy depends on GPS signal strength and network conditions but typically provides verification within several meters for property validation purposes.

"When simple inspections can be performed remotely, on-site inspectors can stay focused on complex and high-priority projects without increasing staff or sacrificing safety," said William H. Hudson, a building official who serves as a SAFEbuilt RVI ambassador.

Company Operates From Northern Colorado Base

SAFEbuilt operates approximately 1,700 employees serving more than 2,000 customers in 41 states and the District of Columbia. The company provides building department services, plan review, inspections and permit processing support to municipalities and private clients.

The company's expertise team works with municipal leaders to navigate jurisdiction-specific requirements and regulatory environments that vary by state and locality. Building departments interested in the technology can schedule demonstrations and consultations through the company's website.

The Remote Video Inspection program is available to both municipal and private sector clients nationwide. SAFEbuilt is headquartered in Loveland and operates eight subsidiary companies providing specialized community development services.

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