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ProjectDox EPlans

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1. How do I get started?

In order to use ePlans, you will need to submit a Building Permit application or a Site Plan Review Application. As soon as you submit your notarized application and it has been reviewed for completeness, an ePlans project # will be created and you will get an Invitation email and an Applicant Upload Task email to proceed with your project. Building Permit applications can be submitted to BPonline@ormondbeach.org Site Plan Review applications can be submitted to comdev@ormondbeach.org

2. I did not get a permit number when I submitted my application. What happened?

If you are a new customer or applicant, your permit application will be delayed until the contact information can be verified. Once the intake staff has confirmed the new contact information, they will complete the processing of your permit and you will get an email with your ePlans project information. This process may delay your application for a few days.

3. Do I need special software to use ePlans?

For Internet Explorer users, you will need Internet Explorer version 6 or greater in a windows environment. Also, you will need to install the ProjectDox Component prior to use. This can be done from the ePlans login page. Once there, you will notice in the bottom left-hand corner of the page that there is a link to "Install ProjectDox Components."

For non Internet Explorer users, such as Safari, Firefox or Chrome, you will need both Flash and Silverlight installed on your computer. As long as you have Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight installed on your computer, the system should work properly once you log in.

However, ePlans is optimized for use with Internet Explorer, so we do recommend using that browser for the best ePlans experience possible. We also have a link on the ProjectDox ePlans web page to a System Use Requirements manual. You may want to read through it for any useful hints for the type of system you are using.

4. I am a Mac user - can I run ePlans in a Mac environment?

Yes, ePlans does run in a Mac environment.

5. Who can view my project?

Only you (the person listed as the applicant) and our review staff can view your projects.

6. If I have multiple projects, do I need multiple log-ins?

No, you will need only one log-in for all the projects that you manage. Projects are created with the email that is submitted as the applicant on your application. If you anticipate having multiple ePlans projects, or if you have several people who will be working on a project, we recommend you create a generic email for yourself or your company that can be used by the entire project team.

7. What are the business hours for ePlans?

ePlans hours are 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, and can be accessed at any time and anywhere for uploading and viewing your drawings. Just keep in mind that your application and creation of a new project will only happen during City of Ormond Beach business hours.

8. What is the cost to use ePlans?

The ePlans service is absolutely FREE; plan review and permit fees still apply and are the same as paper plan reviews.

9. Is ePlans 100% paperless? Do I still need to print paper copies?

During the submittal and review process, ePlans is entirely paperless for agencies using ePlans.

However, if your plans need to be reviewed by agencies who are not using ePlans, you will have to take a hard copy to them for review. You will need to provide proof of their approval by uploading their approval signature or letter to the "Approved" folder in ePlans.

When your plans are approved by all departments, you will receive an email indicating that your plans are approved and after payment, they will be ready for download.

You will be responsible for printing out a set of plans for your job site.

10. Will I get my permit faster if I use ePlans?

For uploading drawings, revisions, and downloading approved drawings, ePlans is definitely faster. In addition you will save time because you will not have to drive to our permit center and stand in line to submit your plans or revisions.

However, the primary factors in the length of the plan review is the adherence to the submittal requirements, quality of the drawings, and the complexity of the project.

11. Are my plans secure?

Yes, your plans are held on a secure server. Only you and the review staff have access to the drawings, and all drawings are read only and cannot be altered.

12. Do I have to use ePlans?

Effective October 1, 2015, all building and site plans requiring a design professional are required to be submitted electronically. No paper submittals shall be accepted for projects requiring a design professional.

13. Digital Signatures & the Florida Statutes

Plans, specifications, plats, reports, or other documents submitted in electronic format for review must be signed and sealed electronically pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 471.025, 481.221, and 668.001-006. Specifically, with reference to Florida Statutes Chapter 481 and Florida Administrative Rule 61G1-16.005 for Architects, or Florida Statutes Chapter 471 and Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G15- 23.003 (2) for Engineers. Scanned copies of signed and sealed documents are not an accepted electronic submittal method (See Subsection (1) of 61G15-23.003) There are many different accepted methods for digitally signing and sealing a plan using commonly accepted public / private key technology provided by various vendors. Some are listed on our ePlan web site. It is important that any method that is utilized be accompanied by a signed and sealed statement from the professional that the method and software that have been utilized to sign and seal the plans complies with the intent of the Board Rules. Plans examiners cannot approve plans without the appropriate Electronic Signature and Seal. This would be done through ProjectDox which is our electronic plan review software. Although the Florida Statutes cover electronic plan submittals and digital signatures, the city has broad home rule authority under Article VIII, Section 2 of the Florida Constitution and Chapter 166, Florida Statutes to regulate in many areas. Sections 166.222, 553.791 and 553.80 Florida Statutes specifically authorizes municipalities to provide a schedule of reasonable inspection fees in order to defer the costs of inspection and enforcement of building codes. In particular, section 553.80(7(a) as it relates to the enforcement by local governments of the building codes recognizes that the term enforcement includes the review of building plans, inspections, permit processing, etc. So, the city has broad home rule powers to establish an EPlans system as a means of deferring the costs associated with the submittal and review of plans, conducting inspections, etc.

14. Can I see the comments while my project is being reviewed?

While you can't see the actual markups on the drawings until all the reviews are complete, you can use the reports in ePlans to see the text of the markups as they are completed. In addition, you can use the reports to track the status of your project 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

15. I've uploaded revisions, but my project is not being reviewed. What is wrong?

This usually happens when you upload revised drawings, but forgot to complete the actual re-submittal task. Always be sure that when you are ready for your revisions to be reviewed that you click the 'Complete' button at the bottom of the eForm window.

16. What file types are allowed?

Our preferred file type is a searchable, vector PDF file, but you can upload over 150 file formats (including DWG, DGN and PDF).

17. How does ePlans treat plans and drawings?

Plan and document files that are uploaded into ePlans are published immediately into a "read-only" screen format that is used throughout the review and approval process. The plan files themselves, once published, are archived away in order to ensure they are never altered or modified in any way. All red-lines, markups and annotations applied to the plan file renditions occur on virtual layers in ePlans.