Digital Inspection Program (DIP)

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Cathedral City is excited to introduce its new Digital Inspection Program (DIP) — a faster, easier way to complete inspections for common permits. Contractors and owner-builders can now submit project photos online instead of scheduling in-person inspections.

Benefits of the Digital Inspection Program

Save time and effort
Keep your project on track
Improve efficiency

Eligible Permit Types

Expedited HVAC (Residential & Non-Residential)
Expedited Re-roof (Residential)
Expedited Window and Door Changeouts
Expedited Residential Sewer Connections
Expedited Water Heater (Residential & Non-Residential)

After you submit your permit application and photos through the Citizen Self Service Portal, City staff will review the submission and issue a decision (Approved or Disapproved), along with any required corrections.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below on how to submit photos:

Expedited HVAC Residential/Non-Residential Changeouts

Log into your CSS Portal Account
Choose “Expedited Residential HVAC Changeout or Expedited Non-Residential HVAC Changeout” and proceed with the application process.
When at the “Attachment Step” include the following uploads (Use the "Additional Attachments" type):
- Attach applicable Energy Forms, CF-1R, CF-2R
- Provide 5 pictures or less that includes the following:
- One clear picture of the Address
- One clear picture of the overall equipment being changed out
- Condenser
  - Line-sets with insulation and refrigerant ports
  - Fuse sizing
  - Seismic anchoring
- Forced Air Unit (FAU)
  - Gas line shutoff and sediment trap (if applicable)
  - Overall photo of equipment
    - Vent connections (B or L vent)
    - Method to achieve combustion air openings (if in a closet)
    - Power receptacle
- Signed Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Form shall be attached

Expedited Re-Roof Residential

Log into your CSS Portal Account
Choose “Expedited Residential Re-Roof” and proceed with the application process.
When at the “Attachment Step” include the following uploads (Use the "Additional Attachments" type):
- Attach applicable Energy Forms, CF-1R, CRRC compliance form
- Provide 5 pictures or less that includes the following:
- One clear picture of the Address
- One clear picture of the overall roof with:
  - New decking if applicable
  - New underlayment
- If covering over existing roof material, it is your responsibility to verify there will be no more than two layers (2), or less, of roof covering. CRC R908.3.1.1
- One clear picture of completed roof (ok to include multiple photos)
- Signed Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Form shall be attached

Expedited Window/Door Changeouts

Log into your CSS Portal Account
Choose “Expedited Window/Door” and proceed with the application process.
When at the “Attachment Step” include the following uploads (Use the "Additional Attachments" type):
- Attach applicable Energy Forms, CF-1R, CF-2R
- Provide 5 pictures or less that includes the following:
- One clear picture of the Address
- Simple floorplan of home, which shall include, window and door locations
- One clear picture of the overall work, or each side of residence where the work is complete (This can be multiple photos)
  - Front, sides, and rear of home if applicable
- One clear picture of energy labels: U-factor / SHGC information attached to window or door (The stickers you want to peel off right away).
- Signed Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Form shall be attached

Expedited Residential Sewer Connection

Log into your CSS Portal Account
Choose “Expedited Residential Sewer Connection” and proceed with the application process.
When at the “Attachment Step” include the following uploads (Use the "Additional Attachments" type):
- Site plan including building drain and septic tank location
  - Size of piping and cleanout location
- Pump ticket
- Provide 5 pictures or less that includes the following:
- One clear picture of the Address
- One clear picture of the overall work area
- ***If abandoning septic tank***
  - One clear picture of abandoned septic tank, lid removed, and tank backfilled
- One clear picture of new sewer pipe
  - Shall have a minimum of 2% fall
- One clear picture of connection point at the house and public sewer
- Signed Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Form shall be attached

Expedited Water Heater Residential/Non-Residential Changeouts

Log into your CSS Portal Account
Choose “Expedited Water Heater Changeout” and proceed with the application process.
When at the “Attachment Step” include the following uploads (Use the "Additional Attachments" type):
- Attach applicable Energy Forms, CF-1R, CF-2R
- Provide 5 pictures or less that includes the following:
- One clear picture of the Address
- One clear picture of the overall work, including the following:
  - Storage tank, seismic straps, gas shut-off, temperature and pressure valve (T&P)
  - Tankless: venting, insulated water lines, gas pipe size/material (if upgraded)
  - Gas line shutoff and sediment trap (if applicable)
- One clear picture of temperature/pressure discharge pipe (terminating to the exterior)
- Signed Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Form shall be attached

Submission Examples (Acceptable Pictures)

City of Cathedral City

Moving Forward

How Do I...

Digital Inspection Program (DIP)

Benefits of the Digital Inspection Program

Eligible Permit Types

Follow the step-by-step instructions below on how to submit photos:

Reroof Underlayment
Water Heater
AC Condenser
FAU
Address