With a focus on improving customer service, the City of Reno launched on July 1 the first phase of a program that allows for those applying for residential construction, residential solar, and sign building permits to submit applications and plans electronically rather than submitting hard copies in person at City Hall.

The service is expected to be expanded to other building permit types later in 2019.

“We are excited to begin to offer this service to our customers. It’s going to be a real game changer for the City and the entire development community,” Building and Safety Manager Chris Pingree said. “This streamlined approach will improve communication and increase efficiency of the permitting process for the City and our customers. We expect the process to result in cost savings in both time and materials as customers will not have to make trips to City Hall as often and plans will not have to be reprinted over and over again.”

The electronic submittal process allows users to:

• Submit applications via email;
• Upload required plans and other documents 24 hours a day from anywhere; and
• Check the status of the permit review process online.

Applications, forms, and other materials about the electronic submittal process are available online. Applicants are encouraged to review the Electronic Permit Submittal Rules and Process Guide revised 10-07-2019 for details on how to prepare the application and plans. 

The City of Reno will be holding workshops to provide training and additional information on the electronic building permit application and plan submittal process. Beginning July 11, 2019 through to the end of the year, these workshops will be held every Thursday from 2:30-4 p.m. at Reno City Hall in the large conference room on the 6th floor.

“In alignment with the priorities set out by the Reno City Council, the Community Development Department is focused on enhancing our customer service and improving our processes to ensure they are efficient and consistent. Electronic submittal related to building permits is one exciting step in our roadmap of continuous improvement,” Community Development Director Arlo Stockham said.