How To Apply For a Building Permit

Build-Here.jpg You have determined that you need a permit.  It's time to gather the necessary paperwork and complete the application.

There are three major permit categories: commercial, residential, and others to include demo, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and manufactured home.

Typical turnaround time from application to permit issuance for residential permits is 14 days.  Commercial permit turnaround time averages six to eight weeks once all required information has been submitted.

Your Building Safety Department offers a Master Permit Program.  This program provides a five day turnaround from application submittal to permit issuance on all previously approved plans.

Your project may qualify for the Express Permit Program.  This program typically provides same day permit issuance or as little as a three day turnaround.

The tabs below contain general application instructions for each type of permit.

 

Commercial

Step 1.Review Submittal Guidelines

This document provides guidelines for applicants submitting commercial plans.  Required documents will vary from project to project.  Each project is unique.  As such, all items listed in the guidelines may not be necessary for every submittal.  There also may be additional information required.  Building Safety staff will work with you to assure your submittal is complete.  The document Commercial Building Permit Submittal Guidelines can be found on the Commercial Permits Forms tab below.

Step 2.Gather your documents and information

Review the submittal guidelines for all forms that relate to your project.  Be Sure to check the Plan Submittal Guidelines tab for plan submittal instructions and examples.  When in doubt, email or call Building Safety staff.

Step 3.I have all of the required documentation and am ready to submit

So now it's time to submit your application.  Instructions can be found here.

 

Residential

Step 1.Review Submittal Guidelines

The Residential Submittal Guidelines will provide information for submitting an application and associated documentation for residential new, remodel, and addition projects.  Required documents will vary from project to project.  Each project is unique.  As such, all items listed in the guidelines may not be necessary for every submittal.  There also may be additional information required.  Building Safety staff will work with you to assure your submittal is complete.  The Residential Submittal Guidelines form  can be found on the Residential Permit Forms tab below.

Step 2.Gather your documents and information

Review the submittal guidelines for all forms that relate to your project.  Be Sure to check the Plan Submittal Guidelines tab for plan submittal instructions and examples.  When in doubt, contact Building Safety staff for assistance.

Step 3.I have all of the required documentation and am ready to submit

So now it's time to submit your application.  Instructions can be found here.

 

All Others

Other forms include permit applications for demolition, electrical, fire alarm/sprinklers, excavation, mechanical, plumbing, and solar projects.  Forms that can be used for both commercial and residential projects can also be found under the Other Forms tab below.

I have all of the required documentation and am ready to submit

You believe you have everything you need and are ready to submit your application, if you have any questions or are unsure if your packet is complete, please email or call Building Safety staff.

So now it's time to submit your application.  Instructions can be found here.

 

 

Commercial Building Permit Submittal Guidelines(PDF, 233KB): Documents required to be submitted may vary from project to project.  This document overviews the minimum requirements and provides other general information.

Commercial Building Permit Application(PDF, 186KB) (Fillable) and Tenant Property Use Description forms(PDF, 653KB): This application is required for projects that include interior and exterior structural work.  The Tenant Property Use Description form (A or B) is also required.

Accessibility Compliance Form(PDF, 340KB)

Acknowledgment for Non-Conditioned Buildings(PDF, 88KB)

Alterations and Application of the 25% Cost Limitation(PDF, 537KB)

Architect-Engineer Requirements(PDF, 103KB): Some projects require a licensed design professional that will provide stamped and signed plans,  specifications, calculations, diagrams, and any other applicable data.

Commercial Design Criteria(PDF, 195KB): This form contains criteria code reference for earthquake, wind, soils and foundations, live loads, rainfall, etc.

Commercial Kitchen Hood Verification Form(PDF, 93KB)

Commercial Mechanical HVAC Equipment Checklist(PDF, 83KB)

Deferred Submittal Form(PDF, 93KB): Some project items may be deferred such as, but not all inclusive, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.    

Existing Building Supplemental Permit Form(PDF, 120KB)

Fabricator's Certificate of Compliance(PDF, 47KB)

Fats, Oils, and Grease Permit Application(PDF, 68KB)

High Piled Storage Form(PDF, 252KB)

Phased Submittal Form(PDF, 161KB): This form allows projects to be phased for items such as site excavation, foundation, etc.

Re-Roof Permit Application(PDF, 60KB)

Seismic - Statement of Contractor Responsibility(PDF, 90KB)

Statement of Special Inspection Agreement(PDF, 162KB): Projects requiring special inspections and/or testing must read, sign, and submit this form.

Special Inspector Application(PDF, 361KB): This is the application that, if approved by City Building Safety, authorizes applicant to perform special inspections on relative commercial development.

 

 

Residential Submittal Guidelines(PDF, 1MB): This document provides an overview of the residential permit application process and provides sample plans and the Maximum Allowable Span Chart for #2 Douglas Fir-Larch.

Residential Permit Application(PDF, 148KB)ONLINE FILLABLE FORM - This application is required for projects that include interior and exterior structural work. 

Residential Permit Application(DOC, 228KB)PRINTABLE FORM - This application is required for projects that include interior and exterior structural work.

2023 (PDF, 2MB)Residential Energy Additional Measure Selection(PDF, 2MB):  This form is required with all new residential builds - April 1, 2024 and beyond. 

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) System Development Charge (SDC) Reduction Request Form: An ADU project may qualify for a reduction in SDC fees if the homeowner agrees to restrict use to short-term rental only for a period of 10 years.  This form is used to request participation in this program.

Fire Wall Construction: Two Dwellings - Same Lot(PDF, 243KB): Firestop all pentrations of 1-hour, fire-rated assembly with an approved firestop material per ASTM E814 OR UL1479.

Manufactured Home Installation Permit Application(PDF, 30KB)

Moisture Content Acknowledgement(PDF, 105KB): Required with each application for new residential construction.

Owner Release(PDF, 147KB): This form is required for all residential building electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits that the property owner will be doing the work on.

Pool Submittal Guidelines(PDF, 435KB)

Property Owner Pool Barrier Acknowledgement(PDF, 96KB): This form is required with all pool projects.

Residential Re-Roof Policy(PDF, 97KB)Re-Roof Permit Application(PDF, 52KB)

 

 

Additional Energy Measure #6 Calculator(XLSX, 123KB)

Affordable Housing Construction Excise Tax Exemption Form(PDF, 29KB)

Alternate Method Ruling Application(PDF, 117KB)

Blower Door Test Measure #8

Copyright Release Form(PDF, 286KB):  This form is for Design Professionals should they wish to release the copyright on drawing and/or other materials.

Demolition Permit Application(PDF, 228KB)

Electrical Permit Application(PDF, 302KB)

EV Charging Station Requirements(PDF, 331KB)

Fire Alarm/Sprinkler Permit(PDF, 55KB)

Geotechnical Policy(PDF, 167KB)

Letter of Owner Authorization(PDF, 103KB): This form must be submitted by the owner of the property to authorize a contractor to secure permits for the property.

Mechanical Permit Application(PDF, 248KB)

Plumbing Permit Application(PDF, 286KB)

Refund Request(PDF, 62KB): If requesting a refund for plan check or permit fees, please submit this form to the Building Safety front counter when complete.

Request to Energize Electrical Installation(PDF, 416KB) for Emergencies: In case of emergency, within Medford city limits only, a supervising electrician may request to energize through the utility company using this form.

Revision Request Form(PDF, 36KB)

School Excise Exemption Form(PDF, 308KB)

Solar Heating/Photovoltaic Systems(PDF, 172KB): For design and criteria requirements.

Swimming Pool Safety(PDF, 291KB):  Swimming Pool Barriers

System Development Charge (SDC) Deferral Form: For qualifying projects, SDC fees may be deferred from time of permit issuance to sale of occupancy or sale of property.  This form must be submitted at time of permit application.