Many cities and counties in Oregon offer builders, contractors, and other customers the ability to apply, purchase, and receive a building permit 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the state's electronic permitting website www.buildingpermits.oregon.gov. Across the state, more than 50 cities and counties are using the ePermitting system. In addition to permits, customers may be able to upload building plans and schedule inspections. City and county employees use the system to monitor permits, perform electronic plan reviews, and generate reports. The division is piloting a new service - eVideo inspections - in Deschutes County to better understand how the technology can be another option for contractors. Taking advantage of new technology is just one of several strategies to enhance customer service.

BCD can provide assistance to builders, developers, contractors, and homeowners who have concerns or need to resolve a dispute with a city or county building department. The division provides dispute resolution and mediation services to ensure state building codes are appropriately interpreted and enforced while also promoting a positive business climate. Customers can contact the division directly or use the division's eComment app to report a permitting issue. The iOS app is free from the Apple App Store.

Trade professionals can apply for and renew their licenses online 24/7. Electrical, plumber, boiler, elevator, pre-fabricated, RV/manufactured dwelling, and combination licenses are all renewable via BCD's licensing website. Documents are eligible for renewal 45 days prior to expiration. You can learn more about licensing at Oregon's Business Xpress Licensing Directory.

Local governments may periodically experience a shortage of building officials and inspectors, or have difficulty recruiting employees in rural communities where permit activity varies significantly from year to year or season to season. BCD can provide building department services to local governments for short or long periods to alleviate these challenges and ensure building activity moves forward successfully. Currently, the division has service agreements and partnerships with more than 30 local jurisdictions in Oregon. Services include permitting, inspection, plan review, project management, dispute resolution, and general consultation. In addition, the division employs regional coordinators to work directly with local jurisdictions to answer questions and address issues.

Contractors, builders, and developers can use the state's master plan services for any project in Oregon. Experts will review master plans for conformance to state building codes and issue a report that must be accepted by any local building department. Review of local planning and zoning requirements, as well as all inspections, occur at the local level. This program is especially helpful to customers who work in multiple jurisdictions or who want to duplicate building types/designs. Access to the program is limited. Contact either Regional Program Services Manager Tom Phillips or Field and Statewide Services Manager Shane Sumption for more information.

Have a customer who wants a new garage? BCD offers free building plans for detached garages, pole barns, carports, and decks that are "pre-approved" to meet state building codes. Local municipalities are encouraged to make these plans available on their websites to builders, contractors, and homeowners. Customers will need to submit the plans to their local building department to ensure they meet local zoning requirements, as well as access local permitting and inspection services. Plans are accessible on BCD's website.

Are you ready to move up the career ladder? Be sure to investigate classes offered by the Oregon Inspector Training Program. The state developed the program in 2013 to meet the demands of Oregon's growing inspector workforce. The program offers entry level and specialized inspector classes, as well as code updates during major code revisions. View upcoming classes below.