Oregon Launches Multi-Jurisdictional Permit Portal

No one will stand in line to use this system. That's the idea, anyway. Oregon state officials have unveiled a new, one-stop e-permitting portal, BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov, to allow electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors to apply and pay for permits from multiple building departments -- through one convenient Web site.

BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov will be hosted by the Oregon Department of Consumer & Business Services, and is a collaborative effort of the DCBS Building Codes Division, the cities of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, and Portland, and Clackamas and Washington counties.

"We're pursuing hundreds of projects throughout state government to streamline business regulatory processes," Governor Ted Kulongoski said. "E-permitting is an important part of this effort, and shows our commitment to industry to make Oregon an even better place to do business."

"BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov is a partnership of state and local government and industry, and is a great example of how we can work together to streamline the regulatory process while delivering better customer service," said Mark Long, administrator of the Building Codes Division.

Jim Ferris, president of Portland-based Red's Electric, was issued the first permit as he demonstrated the system at a Wednesday news conference in Portland. "It's encouraging to work with government that is responsive to the needs of the business person," Ferris said. "E-permitting means less frustration for contractors trying to determine which building department is responsible for issuing a permit, and it offers the convenience of getting a permit from home, the office, or a jobsite at any time."

Using the site, contractors may now:

• Obtain over-the-counter plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits from the participating jurisdictions.
• Purchase minor labels (permits for minor electrical and plumbing installations) that can be used anywhere in the state.
• Locate the correct building department for a project by entering an address in the "Address Locator."
• Link to permit forms and contact information in the pilot jurisdictions.

The Web site is a pilot that officials hope to expand to include more building departments in the tri-county area and statewide as resources allow. "Oregon's cities are looking forward to continuing our work with the state to enhance the service building departments provide," said Dave Barenberg, of the League of Oregon Cities. "By removing barriers, red tape, and extra costs to Oregon's industry, we can help speed Oregon's economic recovery."

The Oregon Building Codes Division is part of the state's Department of Consumer and Business Services. The division facilitates safe building construction through regulation, licensing, and enforcement of the construction industry. The division is responsible for the administration and interpretation of the state building code, licensing and certifying tradespeople and inspectors, and providing plan review, permitting, and inspection services.