Walk-Through Permit Process

Welcome to the DPIE Virtual Permit Cafe, for Homeowner Walk-Through Permits 2B

DPIE is now offering limited walk-through service in our new Virtual Permit Center Café, located in the Permit Center. The Virtual Permit Center Café allows homeowners to walk their homeowner permit applications through the plan review process in a virtual, contact-free environment. When necessary, customers have the ability to have interactive conversations with plan reviewers through video and audio services. At the end of the process, homeowners are issued their permits — within the same day, in most cases.

Homeowners are no longer required to make an appointment for Walk-Through Permits. Customers will be assisted at the Virtual Permit Café (VPC) on a first-come, first-served basis Mondays–Fridays, from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.  For additional information and to access the new link, view the NEW Virtual Permit Process for Homeowners page.

Virtual Walk-Through Permit Process Portal picture

Virtual Walk-Through Permit Process

Please print and save these "Virtual Walk-Through Permit Process Instructions."

Here is how the process works:

  • Access the DPIE permitting platform to start your application.
  • Complete and submit your online application and check the "Virtual Walk-Through Submission" option.
  • Print and bring a copy of your application, along with your plans on a flash drive, to DPIE.
  • You will be seated at a terminal and asked to check in to the Virtual Permit Café.
  • You will be required to upload your plans.
  • During the virtual session, you will receive email and text messages with updates of the plan review process.
  • IMPORTANT:  You need to monitor these notifications as you will be required to join a video/audio session with plan reviewers.
  • At the end of the review, you will receive a notification to pay for your permit, and a permit will be emailed to you.

REMEMBER:  DPIE is currently offering virtual review for HOMEOWNER PERMITS ONLY.  We plan to expand the walk-through process in the future.

Virtual Permit Café Manual

For detailed step-by-step instructions with visuals, view the "Virtual Permit Café Manual."  The manual contains images and helpful hints to guide you through the virtual Walk-Through Permit process.

Hours of Operation

Mondays–Fridays, from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Permit Availability

The Virtual Walk-Through Permit Process* is available for Homeowner case types only. 

Effective Monday, December 19, 2022, VPC walk-through customers can include more than one scope of work in their permit application as indicated in the chart below.

ItemCombining VPC Scope of WorkCombine with Items
A.
Accessory Structures (Gazebo, Pergola, Shed, Carport Only) — No more than 500 sq. ft. and 15 ft. high; alteration and repair of existing accessory structure; no change in use.
  • If new garage, no other items.
  • If new carport, max 2 items, except item B.
  • Rest, additional items ok.
B.
Addition to Single Family Dwelling — No more than 500 sq. ft. and no more than one story high at ground level; no party walls
No other items allowed with this scope.
C.Areaway — New/Replacement
Max 3 additional items
D.Basement Finishing
Max 3 additional items
E.Deck, One Level — No more than 500 sq. ft.
Max 3 additional items
F.Drywall — New/ReplacementMax 3 additional items
G.Fence — New/ReplacementMax 3 additional items
H.Fire PitMax 3 additional items
I.Fireplace InsertsMax 3 additional items
J.Interior Non-Load-Bearing Wall DemolitionMax 3 additional items
K.Interior Remodeling/Alteration and Repair — One level; no load-bearing structural workMax 1 additional items
L.PatioMax 3 additional items
M.Porch and Steps — New/Repair; no more than 500 sq. ft.Max 1 additional items
N.Ramp — New/ReplacementMax 3 additional items
O.Retaining Wall — New/Replacement; less than 5 ft. measured from top of footingMax 3 additional items
P.Roof Sheathing Replacement — No permit required for replacing SHINGLES ONLYMax 3 additional items
Q.Shed — Over 150 sq. ft. or more than one shed on a property requires a permit.Max 3 additional items
R.Walkway/Stoop — New/ReplacementMax 3 additional items
S.Waterproofing — Exterior/InteriorMax 3 additional items
T.Window/Door Replacement/Repair — No permit required if in-kind (same size)Max 3 additional items
U.Window Well — New/ReplacementMax 3 additional items

*Applicants will be limited to one application, per address, per day.

**Above scope is only for VPC homeowners, MHIC contractors and homeowner representatives to apply for existing residential (one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories) projects.

***DPIE staff reserves the right to change application from virtual walk-through review to file for review.  

Please Note:  Properties serviced by a private well and/or septic system cannot use the virtual permit process.