Step 1: Prepare
Initial file uploads
Make sure your documents meet the following standards:
- Saved in PDF format that can be edited.
- All pages of building plans should be in a single file.
- All pages should be rotated to be viewable.
- Files should not be secured.
- Files should not contain digital signatures. Engineers and architects should send files containing a computer-generated image of seal with handwritten signature. Salem cannot accept files that are digitally signed as the final approved plans are combined into one file.
- Saved with the correct file names.
- File names should describe the document, e.g., Mechanical Plans, Electrical Plans, Electrical Specifications.
- Limit the number of characters in the file name to 35 characters or less– abbreviations are acceptable.
- Do not include special characters (&, %, #, etc.) in the file name.
- Include the information listed on the applicable checklist for the work you are doing:
Secondary Drawing and Document Uploads
Files that have been revised or added and need to be uploaded during the review process have a slightly different naming convention. Any plan file submitted after the initial uploads is considered a secondary file.
If plan review comments result in revised sheets:
- The entire discipline file set should be uploaded.
- Verify that all changes are clouded on the plans with a revision delta and the revision recorded in the revision block, as applicable.
- The revised set should be named the same as the original files with a -SEC and a number appended to the end of the file name.
- Ex. First revised set file name to end with -SEC-01. Second revised set file name to end with -SEC-02 and so forth.
- If a file is uploaded with the same name as the original, it will overwrite the existing file without a prompt. The file will be deleted and need to be re-uploaded.
Revisions to Issued Permits
Changes made to the approved work which require plan review are processed as a separate project by submitting a revised plans submittal form and emailing it to eplans@cityofsalem.net for processing.
Step 2: Apply
Application Submission
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire work can be applied for online on the Permit Application Portal:
Fees - A fee based on the value of work will be assessed when you submit your application. Plan review will not begin until this fee is paid. The fee may change after plan review begins if the project scope requires corrections,
Contractor authorization
Best practice is to have a contractor selected and include the appropriate license numbers available when you submit your application. If you do not have a contractor, you can type "TBD" (to be determined) for the license numbers.
If the permit applicant is NOT the contractor, a contractor authorization form must be signed by the actual contractor doing the work before the permit can be issued.
The application will be reviewed for completeness, and you will be notified by email if changes or additional information is required.
Step 3: Review
Drawing and Document Upload
Upload electronic drawings and documents through the PAC Portal.
What to Expect During Plan Review
- Plan review will not start until fees are paid.
- Plans and documents are not accepted by email.
- The plan review process starts one to two workdays after the plans are uploaded.
- You will be notified by email if corrections or more information is needed.
Secondary Plans Upload and Response
You may receive requests for changes or additions from each department review listed on your permit.
To make the review process more efficient, adhere to the following:
- Wait until all reviews are completed to upload additional files.
- Upload files with all changes clearly identified, preferably clouded. Plans and documents are not accepted by email.
- Follow the File Naming Standards for secondary uploads.
Step 4: Build
Once plans have been approved, the final permit fees must be paid.
- An email notification containing the final permit fees, if any, will be sent to the applicant.
- You can pay the fees online through the PAC Portal or in person.
Once the fees have been paid, the permit will be issued, and the approved plans made available for download through the PAC Portal.
- Both drawings and documents will need to be downloaded and printed.
- Approved plans must be readily available on the construction site.
You have 180 days from the day the permit is issued to get your first inspection in order to keep your permit active. Each time you request an inspection, your permit expiration date will be extended for another 180 days.
