General Information

The City of Plantation is pleased to announce electronic plan submission and review through the Digital Plan Room (DPR). As of November 14, 2022, all new applications are accepted in digital format ONLY and shall be submitted thru the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal; existing applications/permits will remain and continue to submit (if applicable) in paper format thru completion and will not be converted to
digital.

The Digital Plan Room is fully integrated with Accela Citizen Access allowing you to use the same system to submit applications and upload plans at the same time eliminating unnecessary trips to our office.

City hosted an Accela/ePermitHub Public Training session on how to use the Digital Plan Room (DPR) for online application submission and review for Building permits, Tree Removal permits, Planning & Zoning and Local Business Tax Receipts.

Training session covered the following topics:

Complete the customer submission process
Upload and process plans and documents
Define document types
Perform sheet verification
Review and respond to issues
Review conditions and notes
Submit corrections and revisions

Please click this link to access recorded session. URL: https://plantation.granicus.com/player/clip/1727?redirect=true

You may also view the step-by-step video tutorials with instructions on submitting your application/package for review:

Key Features

Easily submit plans, specifications, and other supporting documents electronically
Automated digital signature and file validation ensures your documents are ready to be reviewed
Automated sheet versioning and simple file uploads
Seamlessly access mark-ups and view issues or conditions documented by each reviewer
Quickly resubmit revised plans using slip sheeting
Readily download approved, stamped plan set

Electronic Plan Review

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Minimum Submittal Requirements

The following are the minimum requirements* in order to submit applications through Citizen Access.

Citizen’s Access Account
Desktop Computer (application and document submission is not supported on mobile devices)
Google Chrome Browser (please ensure all pop‐up blockers are turned off)

^{NOTE: *Application and document submission is not supported on mobile devices and Chrome is the recommended browser. While submission might work outside of these parameters, any issues that might occur during submission will not be investigated if these requirements have not been met.}

Standards for Plans & Supporting Documents

Professional Digital Drawing and Document File Standards

These are the document standards that are required for best uploading performance. Please follow these guidelines in your document design to ensure correct processing in the Digital Plan Room (DPR). Professional drawings, plans and other supporting documents must be submitted with the following file standards.

General Standards (Including Supporting Documents)

All files must be submitted as PDF files
Do not submit portfolio PDF files
Do not use encrypted or password-protected files
All documents must have a minimum resolution of 300 DPI
All layers must be flattened (including seals, signatures, notations)
If submitting multiple pages (more than one) in a single PDF file, you must include a table of contents (TOC). Include sheet titles, page labels, page numbers, bookmarks within the TOC. (TIP: include “Create bookmarks” setting in AutoCAD when exporting/publishing to the PDF index page.)
Do not combine supporting documents in the same PDF file with any plan sheets; plans and supporting documents must be uploaded as separate files.
All items must be in the correct orientation so that the top of the page appears at the top of the computer screen when opened. Page MUST NOT require rotation in order to be read.
All submitted documents must have the required file name and numbering convention. Files that are not named correctly will be rejected.
When uploading files, make sure to select the correct corresponding document category from the dropdown list to avoid validation issues or rejection.

Supporting Documents

Documents should be submitted as individual files, named accordingly and have a brief description of the contents of each file in the appropriate field
When submitting corrections/revisions, the PDF file shall be uploaded to include all pages.

Signed and Sealed Plans/Surveys

All plans prepared by a design professional (i.e., Architects and Engineers) should be “digitally signed & sealed” (refer to the Digital Signature Policy).If not, an affidavit (signed & notarized) shall be submitted by the designer of record which should include, but not limited to, the property address and scope of work.
Plans uploaded as Digitally Signed & Sealed shall be submitted as one PDF file per designer of record.The digital signature must be placed on the first page/sheet only; it is not necessary to sign each page/sheet thereafter.
Documents shall have a 4” w x 4” h space reserved in the top right corner for the City’s digital approval stamp.
Ensure that sheet numbers are unique and consistent for each version of submitted plan sheets.
For scanned drawings, where only a scanned image can be used, ensure the resolution is 300 DPI or higher. Documents must be legible on a computer screen and/or printed.
Plans must be drawn to scale (e.g., 1/4" = 1’, 1/8” = 1’ or 1:10) according to application requirements.
Any annotations in the PDF will be removed during the submission process.
When submitting corrections/revisions, do not resubmit the entire plan set.Only upload the page/sheet containing changes from the previous submission; keep the page/sheet number the same as the original to be replaced to ensure proper versioning.

Permit Application

When uploading the permit application, please include a Description using the format below:

Start by using the two-letter abbreviation: BD=Building, EL=Electrical, EN=Engineering, ME=Mechanical, PL=Plumbing and RS=Revision/Supplemental

Followed by a hyphen (–) and a brief description for what the permit is for.
Below are some examples:
- BD-New Construction, BD-Roof, BD-Driveway, BD-Windows/Doors, BD-Deck, etc.
- EL-Addition, EL-Fire Alarm, EL-Low Voltage, EL-Generator, etc.
- EN-Drainage, EN-Sealcoat, EN-Sitework, etc.
- ME-Alteration, ME-Hood, ME-Fire Suppression, ME-Replacement, etc.
- PL-Fire Sprinklers, PL-Irrigation, PL-Water Heater, etc.

How to Resolve File Validation Issues

If you are experiencing or having difficulties uploading a file that is Digitally Signed & Sealed, you can see the details explaining the error (see examples below). A list of possible error messages that may display during the Upload and Validation process. with a list of the common error messages, details and solutions:

Hover over image instruction

Error Message	Details		Comments / Solution
Unknown error.	An unexpected error occurred. This error could signal an error on the Plan Room server or an issue with the PC or connection used to submit it. Please try resubmitting a second time and if the problem persists, please contact agency.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove Icon. Then upload the file again to reprocess. If the error occurs again, please contact agency.
One or more signatures have problems.	One or more signatures have problems. Please make sure that all of the signatures have meet all of the digital signature standards.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again. Then upload the file to continue with review package. If the error occurs again, please contact agency.
Document has been modified since it was signed.	This means that the file has been signed with a valid digital signature, but the file has been modified after that, which makes the signature of the file invalid.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Signature date is in the future.	The signature date on the document is in the future. A timestamp was not applied to the signature and the clock on your computer is set to a future date.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again making sure you include a valid timestamp. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Certificate was expired at date of signature.	The certificate with which these signatures were signed has expired. Each certificate has an expiration date. Make sure that the certificate is valid before signing the file.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again with a valid certificate. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Certificate was issued after signing date.	There can be one of two reasons for this error. The certificate with which these signatures were signed was not valid at the time the file was signed. Make sure that the certificate is valid before signing the file. You might need to have your Certificate Authority re-issue your certificate. Otherwise, you did not apply a timestamp to the signature and the clock on your computer is set to a past date.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again with a valid certificate or make sure you apply a timestamp to the signature. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Invalid certificate on signing date.	There can be one of two reasons for this error. The certificate with which these signatures were signed was not valid at the me the file was signed. Make sure that the certificate is valid before signing the file. You might need to have your Certificate Authority re-issue your certificate. Otherwise, you did not apply a timestamp to the signature and the clock on your computer is set to a past date.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again with a valid certificate or make sure you apply a timestamp to the signature. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Invalid certificate.	The certificate with which these signatures were signed is not valid. Make sure that the certificate is valid before signing the file. You might need to have your Certificate Authority re-issue your certificate.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again with a valid certificate. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Certificate has invalid date.	The certificate with which these signatures were signed contains invalid dates. There can be one of two reasons for this error. The certificate with which these signatures were signed was not valid at the me the file was signed. Make sure that the certificate is valid before signing the file. You might need to have your Certificate Authority reissue your certificate. Otherwise, you did not apply a timestamp to the signature and the clock on your computer is set to a past date.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again with a valid certificate. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Certificate has been revoked.	Your certificate has been revoked by the certificate authority (CA). Either your identity or certificate has been compromised or there is another reason your CA has revoked your certificate. You will need to contact your CA to find out why your certificate is revoked and have your certificate re-issued.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again with a valid certificate. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Root certificate is not trusted.	A certificate authority (CA) is a trusted entity that issues electronic documents to verify the identity of a digital entity. The CA that issued the certificate with which these signatures were signed is not trusted by the agency because it does not meet the professional board rules security standards. Self-signed documents are not accepted.	Currently accepted certificate authorities are: DigiCert GlobalSign IdenTrust ACES IdenTrust Global Common Entrust Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again with a certificate. issued by one of the certificate authorities listed above. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Revocation checks could not be completed.	The system was unable to validate the certificate with the certificate authority (CA). The CA system may be down, or there was an error communicating with the CA.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Then upload the file again to reprocess. If the error occurs again, please contact agency.
Signature does not have a valid timestamp.	Signature does not have a valid timestamp from a TSA (Timestamp Authority). The timestamp is used as a reference point for checking validity of the signature.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again making sure you include a valid timestamp. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Certificate issuance date is in the future.	The certificate with which these signatures were signed have a date in the future. There can be one of two reasons for this error. Make sure that the certificate is valid before signing the file. You might need to have your Certificate Authority re-issue your certificate. Otherwise, you did not apply a timestamp to the signature and the clock on your computer is set to a past date.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again with a valid certificate or make sure you apply a timestamp to the signature. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
Certificate is expired.	The certificate with which these signatures were signed have expired. Each certificate has an expiration date. Verify that the certificate is valid before signing the file.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the signature field from the document and sign the document again. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
File is not signed.	A digital signature is required for this document type. Please add a valid digital signature to the file.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Add digital signature to file. Then upload the file to continue with review package.
File is corrupted.	File is inaccessible, unusable or damaged and system is unable to open it.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Then upload another copy of the file to continue with review package.
File is encrypted.	File is password protected. System cannot process password protected files.	Please remove the file by clicking the Remove icon. Remove the password protection from the file. Then upload the file to continue with review package.

FAQ's

What do I need to apply for a Building permit? (General Public / Residents)

If you are applying as an Owner Builder, you will need visit the Building Department in person; you will need to bring proof of ownership (i.e., Warranty Deed, Settlement Statement, Tax Bill, Driver’s License, Utility bill, etc.).
If you are not applying as an Owner Builder or Licensed Contractor, you will need visit the Building Department in person or contact our office for additional details.

What do I need to apply for a Building permit? (Licensed Contractor)

You will need to have a Citizen Access account. If you do not already have one, CLICK HERE for details.
Obtain a digital signature from a Certificate Authority. (Architects or Engineers)

While we cannot recommend which third-party company to use, we have narrowed down the list to some of the following companies that meet the requirements for signing construction plans and are already in use by other local Professional Engineers.
- Identrust – http://identrust.com/fdot/
- Entrust - https://www.entrust.com/document-signing-certificates/
- Globalsign – https://www.globalsign.com/en/digital-signatures/
- DigiCert - https://www.digicert.com/document-signing

What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?

An electronic signature is a method of signing a document in a virtual environment and is treated with the same authority as a handwritten or wet signature. A digital signature differs from an electronic signature in that it’s backed by a certificate authority that has verified the signer’s identity, the same way a notary would verify a signer’s identity before certifying a signature.

This allows the Digital Signature to act as a verified signature in a virtual environment. Documents prepared by design professionals, such as architects or engineers, are required to be signed and sealed using a digital signature.

What documents do I need in order to apply for a permit?

All submittals shall include a Broward County Uniform Permit Application. You may require a survey, plans and other supporting documents depending on the type of permit being applied for. Please see Standards for Plans & Supporting Documents section above and go to the General Forms section on the Forms/Permit Requirements page for additional requirements.

How do I submit if I am applying for a permit/project that will include multiple applications?

You only need to apply for the main/master permit; sub permits will be created by permit staff after you submit. When you go to upload the documents, select Permit Application and add each application separately. Please go to the Standards for Plans & Supporting Documents section above for additional details regarding Permit Application upload standards.

Can I resubmit changes or corrections while my application is in Review status?

The current plan review cycle must be completed before any plans or documents can be uploaded; mid-cycle uploads are not permitted. At the conclusion of the plan review cycle (Hold status), you will receive a notification via email that the plan review cycle has been completed and is ready for you to address Issues.

What is the different between Issues and Conditions?

Issues is a comment(s) made by the reviewer which will need attention and shall be corrected before approval.
Conditions is a comment(s) made by the reviewer that is for awareness to the applicant, inspector, etc. which needs attention, however, does not cause the plan review to be rejected.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact our office.

Building Department

401 NW 70 Terrace

Plantation, FL 33317

Phone: 954-797-2765

Fax: 954-797-2270 (Contractor Registration/Update)

Email: helpmebuilding@plantation.org

City of Plantation, Florida

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General Information

Electronic Plan Review

Professional Digital Drawing and Document File Standards

General Standards (Including Supporting Documents)

Signed and Sealed Plans/Surveys

Permit Application