Submit Plans Online (Single PDF Process)

Overview

The Single PDF Process refers to the fact that all drawings must be together in a single PDF file, named appropriately. Calculations, application, and other documents required for your permit application must still be uploaded as their own PDFs separate from the drawings.

Applicants uploads a single PDF containing all the drawings, along with separate individual uploads for the application and any supporting documentation. Permit request submissions 35 pages and under may qualify for the Single PDF Process. Submissions over 35 pages will be processed through a different process.

We want to make the process as simple as possible for applicants and reviewers. The applicant just uploads a single PDF containing all the drawings, along with the application and supporting documentation. Since Reviewers are only viewing and not making comments in ProjectDox, this also makes it easier to view the drawings.

For additional information, please review the documents below.

Stages of the Single PDF Process

There are three stages for acquiring a permit. Please review the stages and documents below. 

1. Intake 

This section provides information about starting the permit intake process to submit your application and drawings. You will need to setup an account in DevHub  to submit, check the status of your permit submittal and respond to request for additional information during the intake process. Follow the steps below. 

1. Upload your application, plans and supporting documents (calculations, reports, and other non-drawing files) as searchable PDFs into DevHub.  
2. Permit Technician reviews project qualification, plan readiness, and emails instructions for uploading drawings & documents.  
3. Applicant follows email instructions and uploads submittal. 
4. Permit Technician screens plans for submittal requirements and provides next steps if any information is missing or requires clarification. If project is accepted, Permit Technician notifies review groups (Planning & Zoning and Life Safety).
5. Screening accepted by all prescreen review groups, applicant will be notified of intake fees and payment instructions.
6. Reviewer emails Checksheet (instructions for corrections) to applicant if any additional clarification or corrections are needed. If there are no corrections needed, the Reviewer will approve submittal. 

For additional information, please review the documents below.

File Naming Standards for Single PDF Process

Apply or Pay for a Building or Trade Permit 

2. Corrections

After the City of Portland has completed its review of your application and/or drawings, you may be asked to submit corrections according to the steps below.

1. Email a request to submit Checksheet corrections to SinglePDFCorrections@portlandoregon.gov.  How to Prepare and Submit Permit Application Corrections Electronically has detailed instructions.
2. Instructions for uploading corrected plans and documents will be emailed to you. 
3. Following instructions provided, applicant uploads corrected plans and documents. 
4. Permit Technician reviews corrected plans and documents. If corrections are accepted, Reviewer will be notified that corrections have been received. 
5. Reviewer emails Checksheet to applicant if additional clarifications or corrections are needed. If there are no corrections needed, the Reviewer will approve submittal. 
6. Cycle repeats as necessary. Once all technical reviews are approved, the project can proceed to issuance. 

Checksheet: How to Prepare and Submit Corrections to your Permit Application Electronically

3. Issuance 

The final step in the Single PDF Process is issuance of your permit. This will occur according to the steps below.

1. A final plan review is completed prior to issuance. Reviews are completed in chronological order based on the sign-off date of the last technical review.
   
   Review the current list of permits in pre-issuance.
    
2. Plans are approved to issue. 
3. Permitting Services emails link with approved plans to the applicant. 
4. Permitting Services contacts applicant to arrange payment of outstanding fees and provides next steps. 
5. Applicant downloads approved plans and inspection card and prints for posting at jobsite.  
6. Once all fees have been paid, construction can begin. 

Still need help? Schedule a 15-minute appointment

If you have questions after reviewing the information on this page, we recommend you book a free 15-minute appointment with us.

This is an optional step. We're here for you if you have questions about the information and materials you need to apply.