The Virtual Counter functions in a similar manner to our over-the-counter process, except all interactions are conducted online. 

Does your permit qualify for an over-the-counter review?

Select building and fire permits are eligible:

Building Permits

• Patios
• Swimming Pools
• Individual Trade Permits - Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical
• Commercial Remodel/Tenant Improvements under these guidelines

1. Group A (assembly) occupancies under 1500 square feet 
2. Group B (business) occupancies under 3000 square feet  
3. All other occupancies that are not ineligible under 10,000 square feet
4. Group H (High Hazard), Group I (Institutional), Dry-cleaning business, and projects requiring a life safety report are not eligible.
5. Projects requiring structural plan, structural calculations and/or plans with more than 20 plumbing fixtures on one set of plans are not eligible.

Fire Permits

• Sprinklers (5 heads or less)
• Miscellaneous Fire Equipment
• Fire Monitoring

How does this process work?

Customers will apply for one of the above virtual counter approved permits through DSC Online and then schedule a Virtual Counter appointment through our Booking Portal.

Customers must supply their application / permit number to book the appointment. Appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance and the booking window will be open for 7 days. There will be four (4) thirty (30) minute appointments per day (10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM PST). No appointments will be made over the phone. One appointment per contractor per day will be accepted. 

A Permit Technician will review the booking and perform a completeness check on the submitted application / permit. If the submitted application / permit does not pass the completeness check, the appointment may be cancelled.

On the day/time of the appointment, customers will join a Microsoft Teams meeting with a Permit Technician and the required Plan Reviewers. A web version of Microsoft Teams is available in the event the customer does not have Teams installed. A microphone and speakers will be required. Customers who are more than five (5) minutes late will have their meeting cancelled.

During the virtual counter review, if any Plan Reviewer does not approve the plan, the customer will be notified during the meeting and will have the opportunity to ask the Plan Reviewer questions. Once the customer has electronically submitted corrected/missing documents, they can either book a new virtual appointment or wait for regular processing.

If approved, fees will be invoiced and upon payment of fees, the permit will be issued.

The DSC will evaluate the possibility of opening the Virtual Counter to additional permit types and time slots.