FAQs • Boca Raton, FL • CivicEngage

What building permit applications need to be filled out and what signatures are required?: Separate application forms are required for the main contractor and each licensed subcontractor. All building applications (Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) must be signed and notarized (or signed in person) by the qualifier. Only the main application form needs to be signed and notarized by the owner. Fire, Engineering, Environmental and Zoning applications as well as applications for total contract work under $2,500 do not need to be notarized or signed by the owner.

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E-Plan Application Submittal/Prescreening

1. What do the status application codes mean?: The following is an explanation of the application codes.
Codes:
- PS Status – Prescreen (permit librarians checking or waiting for required items from applicant)
- PC Status – Plan Check
- AP Status – Approved (all plan review has been approved, sent back to permit librarians for QC)
- IS Status – Issuance (fees being assessed, licenses being checked, NOC posted)
- PP Status – Permit Printed (after fees are paid, plans are stamped, permit card is uploaded into project)
- PI Status – Permit Issued (issued, disc ready for pickup or applicant can download approved plans)

2. How do I upload and submit files?: To obtain a copy of an easy tutorial, please contact the Building Department at 561-393-7930 or via email at [email protected]

3. What do I name the files?: To obtain a copy of the naming conventions document please contact the Building Department at 561-393-7930 or via email at [email protected]

4. When can I upload my plans?: Once you make application online you will receive an email within the next business day with instructions that will invite you to Boca E-Plans.

5. Can I start work before the permit is issued?

The Building Official may authorize a pre-permit construction agreement for interior commercial tenant build outs and multifamily interior build outs only. The application must be complete and executed by the general contractor and owner before being submitted. The application must include the project contract, the notice of commencement and written acknowledgment from the fire alarm and sprinkler companies that the work will not cause system trouble alarms or failure while under construction. The building official, fire official and zoning officer will then review the application for basic code compliance and determine whether the project may commence prior to permit issuance.

To obtain the Pre-Permit Construction Agreement, please contact the Building Department at 561-393-7930 or by emailing a request to [email protected]

6. What does PS or "prescreening" mean?: Each application type has a specific application checklist so that you know the minimum documents and plans required to start plan review. The PS or "prescreening" status means that your application is waiting for you to submit the minimum checklist items for your application type. Plan review does not start until these items are submitted.

7. Can I submit corrections on-line if the initial application was brought in over the counter?: Yes, you use the e-Plans username and password sent to your email address. Please don’t go to the City website and create another application. We would then need to revoke the newly created application and move the documents, delaying the process.

8. Can my subcontractor submit a correction?: Anyone can submit permit documents but a complete response to comments from a plan review cycle is required at one time. Incomplete responses from individuals other than the applicant will not be accepted. Once another plan review cycle starts, no additional documents will be accepted for that review cycle so it is important that the response is complete.

9. Can I still submit permit applications, corrections and revisions over the counter?: If you prefer to submit plans, corrections and revisions over the counter, only one set is required. Your plans and documents are logged and scanned into system. There will be a onetime paper processing fee and scanning fees due before issuance. There is no charge to scan City of Boca Raton application forms. Plan review corrections are accepted only after the review cycle is complete.

10. Can I put all of the documents in one multiple page pdf?: No each plan sheet needs to be its own separate file so that if there is a correction or later revision only that sheet needs to be revised and not the whole set. Some documents such as product approvals, specification cut sheets and energy calculations can be multiple page pdfs.

11. What type of electronic file formats are accepted?: The following types of file formats are accepted:
- DWF
- PDF
- TIF
- DGN

12. How are electronic signatures for architect's and engineer's signed sealed drawings handled?

You have two options for electronic and digital signatures, both meet the requirements of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's applicable licensing boards. 1. Certificate-based digital signature registration: Adobe Acrobat includes a certificate signature utility that lets you sign PDA files with a certificate-based digital ID, also known as a digital signature. With Acrobat you may create your own certificate ID which the City will maintain on file for all of your permit projects. You create this certificate ID by completing a Digital Signature Affidavit form online, signing and sealing the physical form, then hand delivering or couriering to the building division. You must purchase Adobe Acrobat in order to use this option? It is highly recommended that you review the City's tutorial before creating your certificate ID.

To obtain a copy of the Digital Signature Tutorial, please contact the Building Department at 561-393-7930 or via email at [email protected]

13. What building permit applications need to be filled out and what signatures are required?: Separate application forms are required for the main contractor and each licensed subcontractor. All building applications (Building, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) must be signed and notarized (or signed in person) by the qualifier. Only the main application form needs to be signed and notarized by the owner. Fire, Engineering, Environmental and Zoning applications as well as applications for total contract work under $2,500 do not need to be notarized or signed by the owner.

14. Can I put my entire project under one building permit application?: Accessory structures such as pools, docks, decks, screen enclosures, fences and generators/transfer switches are still separate applications with separate permit numbers. We have learned over the years that keeping certain permit applications separate reduces inspection confusion, eases project closeout and benefits future records research.

15. What are the initial fees to apply for a building permit?: The only fee needed to get started is an initial deposit -- one percent of the total contract amount or $100.00 minimum.

16. Where do I find the applications and prescreening requirements?: Application forms as well as prescreen checklists for each application type are available by contacting the Building Department at 561-393-7930 or emailing [email protected]

17. How do I know what application type to use?: Application types are divided into four categories: Same Day Service Applications, All Occupancies Applications (occupancy does not matter), One and Two Family Applications and Multi-Family/Commercial Applications.

18. What is an online building permit application?: You are able to upload and download applications, documents and plans as well as track plan review progress and pay online.

19. Can I E-Submit my application as an Owner Builder?: No. The state of Florida requires that an owner builder applicant appear in person to submit. Please visit us at the Building Department during business hours, Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., except Wednesday, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.

20. How does the 5th Edition (2014) of the Florida Building Code affect Window Replacements?: Please contact the Building Department regarding window replacements at 561-393-7930 or via email at [email protected]

21. How do I setup my computer to use Boca ePlans?: Please obtain an Uploading to ePlans Tutorial by contacting the Building Department at 561-393-7930 or emailing [email protected]