How to obtain a permit online after plan review is complete

The steps below apply to general contractors picking up building permits and subcontractors picking up trade permits after construction plans have been reviewed and approved. For quick permits that do not require plan review (residential subcontractors and most commercial repair/replace work), select a Quick Permit type online instead of Add Contractor to Permit.

The general construction permit must be paid for and issued first, before subcontractors can use these steps to obtain trade permits.

1. Enter the e-permits system. First-time users will need to create an account. (Tutorial topic: Registering for an account)


2. Go to Development Services > Apply for a Permit.


3. When prompted to select a permit type, choose Add Contractor to Permit and then select either General Construction or Trade permit. "Add to General Construction Permit" can be used for either residential construction (RESCON) or commercial construction (COMMCON) permits. "Add to Trade Permit" is for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and roofing permits.



4. Follow the prompts to add your contractor's license to this project. Subcontractors will also be asked for the valuation of the work to be completed under your trade permit and to provide a good site contact for inspections. You will need either your permit number or the log number under which the construction plans were reviewed and approved. The general contractor should have this information.


5. Once the "Add a Contractor" step is complete, use e-permits to search for your permit number and pay the permit fees. 


6. Once the permit fee is paid, the issued permit will be emailed to you and will be available for download within e-permits.
   
   
7. If the project's plans were submitted electronically, the approved, stamped plans will be available to download from e-permits. (Tutorial topic: Searching permit records > downloading approved electronic plans)

Enter e-permits »

Searching for permits that are ready to pay online

If you haven't already, add your contractor's license to your online account by going to the "Account Management" page in e-permits. (You will find a link to this page at the top of the screen.)

Once your license is added to your online account, your open and recent permits will automatically populate on the My Records page. Find the correct permit record and click the option to pay permit fees.

Alternatively, you can also find the permit record by using the Development Services tab in e-permits to search by log number or address.

Resources:

Watch a video

Download a PowerPoint tutorial (helpful for setting up an account and adding a license)