City "Goes Live" with Statewide ePermits System
General contractors and others can now apply online for all types of City of Florence building permits thanks to a new ePermits system developed by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). The ePermits system is the culmination of a multi-year effort on the part of BCD and cities like Florence. Funded by a surcharge on building permit fees, the BCD has worked 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.
For more than two years, Florence has been a participant in the “Basic Services” version of the system, which has allowed enrolled contractors to apply and pay online for simple permits that require no plan review, such as plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits. The “Basic Services” program has been well received by the contractors using it and has brought convenience and savings to their business practices, while encouraging the act of obtaining necessary permits through the ease of use.
“I really liked the system for its convenience and speed,” said Steve Wolford, owner of Florence Heating and Sheet Metal, the largest and oldest heating contractor in Florence. Wolford also added that the time-savings 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.” That’s important considering she is the person actually using the system in most cases.
Because plan review and routing can be tracked and followed in the new, upgraded system, contractors can apply either in-person or on-line for all types of building permits, not just the simple “trade” projects that require no plan review. Fees can be assessed and paid online with a credit card. 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 interactive voice response (IVR) system also provides the ability for builders to schedule and request inspections from a pre-selected menu and will even e-mail a response to your designated e-mail 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 building department files electronicilly, as well asrequest inspections and track many of the system features.
Maintaining files and records of permits is required by law and the ePermits system, in relation to building permits, takes on most of that costly burden. As Florence staff learn and grow into the system, they are sure other advantages will come to light. For example, Florence received costly Adobe Acrobat 10 software (at no charge) for use with the plan review functions performed by many city staffers.
“ePermits will allow permitting, record keeping, tracking of inspections and project progress in one electronic file that is kept by the State of Oregon,” said permit technician Eric Rines. Rines has also found that the Basic Services ePermits system currently in use has greatly simplified work for simple permits and expects that the larger system will have similar results.
"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," said Building Official Carl Dependahl. Links to the system will be posted on the city web-site. You may also find training and tutorials at BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov.
