Walk-Through Permit Process

 

DPIE offers limited walk-through service in our Virtual Permit Center (VPC). The Virtual Permit Center 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.

Customers will be assisted at the Virtual Permit Center on a first-come, first-served basis from 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. For additional information and to access the new link, view the NEW Virtual Permit Process for Homeowners page.
 

Virtual Walk-Through Permit Process

Please print and save these "Virtual Walk-Through Permit Process Instructions."
Note:  Properties serviced by a private well and/or septic system CANNOT use the virtual permit process.

 

How the Process Works:

  • Access the Momentum portal.
  • Complete and submit your online application and check the "Virtual Walk-Through Submission" option.
  • You will need to upload your plans and documents to begin the application and plan review process.
  • 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 may 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. After completing the final fee payment task, a permit will be made available to you through Momentum, and your approved plans will be available in the "Approved Permit Set" folder in ePlan (ProjectDox).

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

 

Hours of Operation

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 
Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

Permit Availability

For a better understanding of homeowner permits that qualify for the Walk-Through process, view the "Projects that Qualify for Homeowner Walk-Through Reviews" document. The Virtual Walk-Through Permit Process* is available for Homeowner case types only, as listed below:

  • Accessory Structures (Gazebo, Garage, Pergola, Shed, Carport Only) — No more than 500 sq. ft. and 15 ft. high; alteration and repair of “Addition” existing accessory structure; no change in use.
  • If new garage, no other items.
  • If new carport, max 2 items, except “Addition”
  • Rest, additional items ok.
  • 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 interior or exterior renovation of the existing house allowed for submission with walk-through addition.) (See note: ****)
  • No other items allowed with this scope.
  • Areaway — New/Replacement
Max 3 additional items
 
  • Awning — 24” deep
Max 3 additional items
 
  • Basement Finishing
Max 3 additional items
 
  • Damage Report — If drawings are NOT required
Max 3 additional items
 
  • Deck, One Level — No more than 1000 sq. ft.
Max 3 additional items
 
  • Drywall — New/Replacement
Max 3 additional items
 
  • Fence — New/Replacement
Max 3 additional items
 
  • Fire Pit
     
Max 3 additional items
  • Fireplace Inserts
Max 3 additional items
  • Interior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Demolition
Max 3 additional items
  • Interior Remodeling/Alteration and Repair — One level; no load-bearing structural work
Max 1 additional item
  • Patio — More than 500 sq. ft. requires a permit
Max 3 additional items
  • Pergola/Trellis
Max 3 additional items
  • Porch and Steps — New/Repair; no more than 500 sq. ft.
Max 1 additional item
  • Portico
Max 3 additional items
  • Ramp — New/Replacement
Max 3 additional items
  • Retaining Wall — New/Replacement; less than 5 ft. measured from top of footing
Max 3 additional items
  • Roof Sheathing Replacement — No permit required for replacing SHINGLES ONLY
Max 3 additional items
  • Shed — Over 150 sq. ft. or more than one shed on a property requires a permit
Max 3 additional items
  • Tanks, Above Ground & Underground — Removal/Installation
Max 3 additional items
  • Walkway/Stoop — New/Replacement
Max 3 additional items
  • Waterproofing — Exterior/Interior
Max 3 additional items
  • Window/Door Replacement/Repair — No permit required if in-kind (same size)
Max 3 additional items
  • Window Well — New/Replacement
Max 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 regular ePlan review.

****For the Addition category, review the "Minimum Plan Submission Requirements for New Single-Family Houses and Additions to Existing House Projects" document.