Frequently asked questions by property owners about the new ePermitting Basic Services system include:
What is the ePermitting program?
The ePermitting program is an online service that allows licensed contractors throughout the State of Oregon to purchase certain mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits on the Web. The goal is to provide access to permits 24/7 and to save contractors time and money which will ultimately benefit the homeowner. If your contractor is working on-site and discovers he needs to pull an additional permit this system gives him the ability to contact his office to purchase the permit online so the work can continue. The contractor receives an Authorization to Begin Work, which will be followed up by an actual permit from the local permit office.
Can homeowners purchase permits on-line?
Although there are many helpful features for the homeowner on this Web site, buying permits is not one of them. Only licensed contractors are capable of buying permits from this site.
As a homeowner, what can I do on this website?
Homeowners can look up permits that have been purchased on the ePermitting website, schedule inspections, and use the Local Building Department Directory. They can also find out if a contractor is licensed by clicking here for the CCB website or here for the BCD website.
How do I find out if the contractor has gotten the permits for my project?
You can look up permits that have been purchased on the ePermitting website. All you need is the contractor’s name & license number, job site address, and city or county that has jurisdiction over the address, and you will be connected to a list of permit applications for that particular address. Keep in mind that not all Oregon cities or counties currently participate in this program. For a list of participating jurisdictions please click here.
How do I use the Local Building Department Directory and what can it tell me?
You just enter either the city, zip code, county, or exact address and the directory provides you with who to contact for the type of permit(s) you need. In some instances, more than one city or county may provide permitting services for a specific address. In those cases, you will see information for all possible permitting locations. There are telephone numbers, mailing addresses, who to contact depending on what you need, website addresses, and much more. Many of the participating cities and counties have permit forms available through the directory and you can fill them out and mail or fax them to their office.
