Frequently asked questions by contractors about the new ePermitting Basic Services system include:
- Why did the system change from Quick Permits to ePermitting?
- Why am I having difficulties finding an address?
- Why can’t I locate my license within the system?
- After I have found my license, how do I add it to my account?
- The information showing on my license is incorrect. How do I make a change?
- Why does my account not show electrical or plumbing services available to purchase?
- Why can’t I find the service I want to purchase?
- How can I add more services to my existing permit online?
- I need to void a transaction. How can I do that?
- There is no phone number on my authorization, how do I request my inspection?
Why did the system change from Quick Permits to ePermitting?
Moving to the new ePermitting system allows for future expansion of permitting services that can be offered online. In the mean time, the new system offers these following enhancements:
- If someone else uses your license number(s), you will be sent a message that someone’s trying to use it.
- A search function is provided allowing you to find a previously purchased Authorization to Begin Work.
- You can set up records in the system but wait to pay for your permits until right before you begin work.
- If you work in areas where more than one jurisdiction has responsibility for a particular address; you will be able to purchase all your permits for that address in one transaction – even if the permits need to come from more than one jurisdiction.
Why am I having difficulties finding an address?
There may be a couple of reasons why an address cannot be located. We have found that using a partial address works better than using a detailed one. For example; when trying to locate 1234 SW Main Street, all you need to enter is 1234 M. ePermitting Basic Services will bring back all the addresses in the system with this number, and street names that begin with M. Another reason for having difficulty locating an address occurs when the address is in a jurisdiction that is not participating in the ePermitting program. When this happens, the system will notify the contractor the address cannot be found and direct them to the Local Building Department Directory (Local Bldg Dept Dir).
Why can't I locate my license within the system?
When entering your electrical or plumbing license into the ePermitting Basic System, you must use capital letters or the system will not find the license. Example: 20-202C. You will need to enter your electrical contractor license or your plumbing business license in order to make a purchase. Also, the supervising electrician license will need to be entered each time you purchase an electrical authorization.
After I have found my license, how do I add it to my account?
Just click on your license number and the system will ask you if you want to associate the license to your account.
The information showing on my license is incorrect. How do I make a change?
License information is obtained through a download of information from the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) and Building Codes Division (BCD). If the information showing is incorrect, you will want to contact the licensing authority to make the change
Why does my account not show electrical or plumbing services available to purchase?
If you have not associated a particular license type to your account, the system will not show those services as an option to be purchased. To purchase electrical services, you must associate an electrical license to your account. For plumbing services you need a plumbing license. For mechanical services you must have a CCB license.
Why can't I find the service I want to purchase?
Each jurisdiction decides what services they would like to offer online. For example, one city might decide to sell permits for sanitary sewer systems online and another city might decide not to offer that service. If you don’t find what you are looking for, you will need to contact the jurisdiction directly to make your purchase. You will find all the contact information for the jurisdictions on the Local Building Department Directory.
How can I add more services to my existing permit online?
After an authorization has been purchased, you must contact the jurisdiction directly to add additional services.
I need to void a transaction. How can I do that?
You must contact the jurisdiction directly to void a transaction. If you contact the jurisdiction on the same day you make your purchase, the transactions can be voided. If you need to cancel your purchase at a later date, you will need to request a refund.
There is no phone number on my authorization, how do I request my inspection?
Inspections must be scheduled through the jurisdiction after the permit has been issued. You can find all the phone numbers for contacting the jurisdiction on the Local Building Department Directory (Local Bldg Dept Dir).
