User Guide: Application Submission
Last updated: January 15, 2026
Overview
This guide walks you through the complete process of submitting a permit application through the Citizen Portal. Whether you're applying for a building permit, electrical permit, or any other permit type, this guide covers everything from finding the right application to tracking your submission status.
Before You Begin
Before starting your application, ensure you have:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| User Account | Active Citizen Portal account (see User Accounts & Profile guide) |
| Professional License | If required, registered and approved license (see Licensed Professional Approval guide) |
| Property Information | Address or parcel ID for the work location |
| Project Documents | Plans, drawings, or specifications as required |
| Payment Method | Credit card, debit card, or e-check for filing fees |
Finding the Right Permit Type
Step 1: Navigate to Permit Applications
- Log in to the Citizen Portal
- From the home screen, click "Apply for Permit" or "New Application"
- You'll see a list of available permit categories
Step 2: Select Permit Category
Common permit categories include:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Building | New construction, additions, renovations |
| Electrical | Wiring, panel upgrades, fixtures |
| Plumbing | Piping, fixtures, water heaters |
| Mechanical | HVAC, ventilation, ductwork |
| Fire | Sprinklers, alarms, suppression systems |
| Grading | Land grading, erosion control |
| Sign | Commercial signage installation |
Step 3: Choose Specific Permit Type
After selecting a category, choose the specific permit type that matches your project:
- Review the permit type descriptions
- Check any requirements listed for that permit type
- Click "Start Application" or "Apply"
Tip: If unsure which permit type you need, contact Permitting Support before starting your application.
Completing the Application Form
Application Sections
Most permit applications include these sections:
| Section | What to Provide |
|---|---|
| Property Information | Address, parcel ID, property owner details |
| Applicant Information | Your contact details (may auto-fill from profile) |
| Contractor/Professional | Licensed professional information if required |
| Project Details | Scope of work, project description, specifications |
| Documents | Required plans, drawings, and supporting documents |
Property Selection
- Enter the property address or search by parcel ID
- Verify the property details displayed match your project location
- If the property isn't found, contact Permitting Support
Note: The APO (Assessor's Property Online) system provides property data. If information appears incorrect, it may need to be updated at the source.
Applicant Information
Your profile information may auto-populate. Verify:
- Name matches official documents
- Contact email and phone are current
- Mailing address is accurate
Licensed Professional Information
If your permit type requires a licensed professional:
-
If you are the licensed professional:
- Select your license from the dropdown
- Only approved/active licenses appear
-
If hiring a contractor:
- Search for the professional by name or license number
- Select from search results
- If not found, the professional must first register their license
Important: Permits requiring a licensed professional cannot be submitted without valid license selection.
Project Details
Provide clear, complete information about your project:
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Project Description | Brief summary of the work to be performed |
| Scope of Work | Detailed description of all work included |
| Estimated Value | Total project cost (may affect permit fees) |
| Start Date | Anticipated project start date |
| Completion Date | Estimated project completion date |
Tip: Be thorough in your descriptions. Incomplete information may result in application return or delays.
Uploading Required Documents
Document Requirements
Each permit type has specific document requirements. Common documents include:
| Document Type | Typical Requirements |
|---|---|
| Site Plans | Property boundaries, building footprint, setbacks |
| Floor Plans | Room layouts, dimensions, egress paths |
| Structural Drawings | Framing, foundation, load calculations |
| Electrical Plans | Circuits, panel locations, outlets |
| Plumbing Plans | Fixture locations, pipe routing |
| Mechanical Plans | HVAC layouts, duct sizing |
| Specifications | Materials, equipment, methods |
| Engineering Letters | Stamped calculations or certifications |
Upload Process
- Click "Upload Documents" or "Add Attachment"
- Select the document type from the dropdown
- Click "Choose File" and select your document
- Wait for upload confirmation
- Repeat for all required documents
Supported File Formats
| Format | Best For |
|---|---|
| Multi-page documents, plans, specifications | |
| JPG/JPEG | Photos, single-page scans |
| PNG | High-quality images, diagrams |
| DWG/DXF | CAD drawings (if supported) |
File Size Limits: Check the portal for maximum file size. Large files may need to be compressed or split.
Document Quality Requirements
Ensure your uploads meet these standards:
- Legible - All text and dimensions readable
- Complete - All pages included
- Current - Latest revision of documents
- Correct Scale - Plans drawn to stated scale
Filing Fee Payment
Fee Calculation
Filing fees are calculated based on:
- Permit type
- Project scope/value
- Square footage (for some permits)
- Number of fixtures/units
The system automatically calculates your filing fee based on the information provided.
Viewing Your Fee
Before submission, you'll see a fee summary:
| Fee Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee | Initial application processing fee (due at submission) |
| Plan Review Fee | May be included or due later |
| Permit Fee | Due upon approval, before issuance |
| Inspection Fees | May be included or due separately |
Note: The filing fee is typically due at submission. Additional fees may be due later in the process.
Payment Methods
| Method | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Credit Card | Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover |
| Debit Card | Cards with Visa/MC logo |
| E-Check/ACH | Direct bank account payment |
Completing Payment
- Review the fee amount displayed
- Select your payment method
- Enter payment details
- Click "Pay" or "Submit Payment"
- Wait for payment confirmation
- Save or print your receipt
Important: Do not navigate away during payment processing. If payment fails, check your account before retrying to avoid duplicate charges.
Reviewing and Submitting
Pre-Submission Checklist
Before clicking submit, verify:
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Property address correct | Yes / No |
| Applicant information accurate | Yes / No |
| Licensed professional selected (if required) | Yes / No |
| Project details complete | Yes / No |
| All required documents uploaded | Yes / No |
| Filing fee payment ready | Yes / No |
Submission Process
- Review the application summary screen
- Read and accept any terms/conditions
- Click "Submit Application"
- Complete payment if not already done
- Wait for confirmation screen
Confirmation
After successful submission, you'll receive:
| Confirmation Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Confirmation Number | Unique application reference number |
| Confirmation Screen | Summary of your submission |
| Confirmation Email | Sent to your registered email address |
Important: Save your confirmation number. You'll need it to track your application.
Tracking Your Application
Application Status
After submission, your application progresses through these stages:
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Submitted | Application received, awaiting initial review |
| Under Review | Staff is reviewing your application |
| Accepted | Application complete, moved to plan review |
| Additional Info Required | Staff needs more information from you |
| Returned | Application returned (see reason in portal) |
| Plan Review In Progress | Department reviewers examining your plans |
| Approved | All reviews complete, ready for payment/issuance |
| Issued | Permit issued, work may begin |
Checking Status
- Log in to the Citizen Portal
- Navigate to "My Applications" or "My Permits"
- Find your application by confirmation number or address
- Click to view detailed status and history
Status Notifications
You'll receive notifications when:
- Application is accepted or returned
- Additional information is requested
- Reviews are completed
- Payment is due
- Permit is ready for issuance
Tip: Ensure your email and phone number are current to receive timely notifications.
Responding to Requests
Additional Information Requests
If staff needs more information:
- You'll receive a notification with the request details
- Log in to the Citizen Portal
- Navigate to your application
- Review the specific request/comments
- Upload additional documents or provide information
- Submit your response
Common Requests
| Request Type | How to Respond |
|---|---|
| Missing Document | Upload the requested document |
| Clarification | Add a comment or revised document explaining the issue |
| Plan Revision | Upload corrected/revised plans |
| Additional Detail | Provide requested specifications or calculations |
Response Timeline
Respond promptly to avoid delays. Applications with pending requests may:
- Be placed on hold
- Experience extended review times
- Be returned if no response received
Application Return
Why Applications Are Returned
Applications may be returned for:
- Incomplete information
- Missing required documents
- Wrong permit type selected
- Property issues
- Professional license not verified
After Return
- Review the return reason in your portal
- Address the identified issues
- Gather any missing items
- Resubmit as a new application (or continue draft if available)
Note: Filing fees may or may not be refundable for returned applications. Check the fee policy or contact Permitting Support.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Q: I can't find my property address. A: Try searching by parcel ID, or contact Permitting Support. The property may need to be added to the system.
Q: My license doesn't appear in the dropdown. A: Ensure your license is registered AND approved. Pending licenses cannot be used on applications.
Q: Payment failed but my card was charged. A: Wait a few minutes and check "My Applications." If the application shows as submitted, payment succeeded. If not, the charge should reverse within 3-5 business days.
Q: I need to edit my submitted application. A: Contact Permitting Support. Some changes may be possible; others may require a new application.
Q: How long until I hear back? A: Initial review timelines vary by permit type and volume. Check your status online or contact Permitting Support for estimates.
Q: I submitted the wrong permit type. A: Contact Permitting Support immediately. They may be able to help correct this before processing begins.
Best Practices
For Faster Processing
- Complete all fields - Don't leave optional fields blank if they apply
- Upload quality documents - Clear, legible, complete
- Double-check before submitting - Errors cause delays
- Respond quickly - Address requests within 24-48 hours
- Keep contact info current - Ensure you receive notifications
Document Preparation Tips
- Scan at 300 DPI minimum for legibility
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Include revision dates on plans
- Ensure all pages are included
- Verify scale bars are visible on drawings
Related Guides
- User Accounts & Profile - Account setup and management
- Licensed Professional Approval - Registering your professional license
- Citizen Portal Permit Lifecycle - Full permit lifecycle overview
- End-to-End Payment Lifecycle - Payment processing details
For assistance with your application, contact Permitting Support during business hours.