ePermitting Goes Live
City of Florence “GOES LIVE” with statewide ePermits online permitting system
General contractors and others may now apply for virtually all types of building permits via the ePemits system. The ePermits system is the culmination of a multi-year effort on the part of the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) and cities like Florence. That effort has been funded by a surcharge on building permit fees to create the nation’s first statewide electronic permitting system. ePermits is based on software developed by the Accela Corporation for use by governments. Accela has contracted with the state to provide this system at no additional purchase cost to the participating jurisdictions.
Florence has been a participant in the “Basic Services” version of the system for over 2 years. That version has allowed enrolled contractors to apply and pay online for simple plumbing, mechanical, or electrical permits that require no plan review. The program has been very well received by the contractors using it, as it has brought convenience and savings to their business practices, while encouraging the act of obtaining necessary permits through the ease of use. It has been a benefit to system users. Steve Wolford, owner of Florence Heating and Sheet Metal, the largest and oldest heating contractor in Florence, stated that “He really liked the system for its convenience and speed”. The time factor has been his biggest plus for using the system. Steve’s office assistant Tyanna, also stated that she “finds the system easy to use”…which is important, as she is the person actually using the system in most cases.
The new upgraded system will allow contractors to apply in person or on-line for all types of building permits, not just the simple “trade” projects that require no plan review; plan review and routing can be tracked and followed in the system. Fees can be assessed and paid online with a credit card. In fact, because the system is web-based, eligible parties can apply and pay from anywhere on the planet. This accessibility is a real benefit to general contractors and others that have a need for building permits. An inter-active voice response (IVR) system is included that provides the ability for builders to schedule/request inspections from a pre-selected menu. The system will even e-mail a response to your designated address or smart-phone. Additionally, the BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov web-site for ePermits has a “citizen access” function that will allow people to access the electronic building department files, request inspections, and track many of the system features.
Maintaining files and records of permits is required by law; the ePermits system will take on most of that costly burden, as relating to building permits anyway. As Florence staff learn and grow into the system, they are sure other advantages will come to light. For example, Florence received expensive Adobe 10 software (at no charge) for use with the plan review functions performed by many city staffers. Permit Technician Eric Rines states that ePermits will allow permitting, record keeping, tracking of inspections and project progress in one electronic file that is kept by the State of Oregon. Eric has also found that the Basic Services ePermits system in use has greatly simplified work for simple permits; he has expectations that the larger system will have similar results.
Building Official Carl Dependahl states, "I am excited and proud that the City of Florence is to be one of the first jurisdictions to participate in this ground-breaking effort with the State of Oregon." Links to the system will be posted on the city web-site. You may also find training and tutorials at www.BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov.
