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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 29, 2005 Medford building inspector Derek Zwagerman types addresses into a computer system installed in his SUV to check on construction permits. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Inspector gadget Wireless computers give Medford officials detailed information By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune Building inspectors and other city officials are using a wireless information system developed by the military in order to do their jobs more efficiently. Derek Zwagerman, an inspector with the Medford Building Safety Department, says he relies on the technology — which can beam database information, video surveillance, photos and maps to computers hooked into the network — every day. Zwagerman uses a portable office set up in the passenger seat of his hybrid SUV to check permits on such projects as plumbing systems, swimming pools and irrigation systems. He said as soon as he approves the work, he enters the information on his computer from his car. "Customers can check permits online," he said. Advertisement The city began installing the system, developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and sold through Florida-based MeshNetworks Inc., in March 2003. The sophisticated communications system was installed to provide the police and fire departments with the ability to find addresses more quickly and to communicate more efficiently. The system uses high-speed wireless technology to connect a broad range of devices such as phones, desk computers, laptops, notepads and surveillance equipment. Funded by grants from the federal Department of Homeland Security, the system is now used by other departments — including building, engineering, code enforcement and the water commission — to check records in the fields. The city’s seven building inspectors began using the system in February, said Chris Reising, building department director. He said it helps inspectors to track projects more efficiently. Before the technology, inspectors had to spend hours at the end of each day entering the data back at the office, delaying the posting of inspections by six hours or so. The network connects the inspectors’ laptops with the city’s main frame computer, allowing them to access permit history, address files and e-mails in the field, said Reising. He said it gives contractors a faster turn-around for permits and helps staff in the office by reducing the number of calls from builders and inspectors out in the field. Zwagerman said there’s another benefit that not all residents appreciate. He said about once a day he sees a contractor doing construction at a house, and he looks up the address to see if the contractor has a permit. If no permit has been issued, he "red tags" the house on the spot. He said a red tag isn’t the end of the world. "It’s just, ‘Don’t do anything until we get this approved,’ " he said. Zwagerman said contractors generally comply immediately and the site is inspected. On rare occasions, he runs across repeat offenders who are reluctant to buy permits, and he turns them in to the construction contractors board. "I’ve only done that twice," he said. Reising said common misconceptions are that people don’t need a permit for backflow valves on sprinkler systems, conversions of garage and attic space to living space, sheds and fences or removal of a non-bearing wall. Reising said he hears a common refrain. "People say, ‘Gee, I thought if I was the owner I didn’t have to get a permit,’ " he said. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail Inspector gadget ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Student Loans tcg student loan consolidation Online Pharmacy online casino Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Rogue Valley Travel Reservationstogo Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Natto Kinase Nattokinase Casino Gambling Sites Budget Website Templates Investments & Loans Advertisement s