City of Eugene - Planning and Development

eBuild Help: FAQ

Help Topics

Here you'll find answers to frequently asked questions about eBuild.

If you have a question you don't find answered here, email us at permitinfo@ci.eugene.or.us or call 541-682-5505.

What is eBuild?: The eBuild Permit System is the City of Eugene's online building permit application system. Everything you need to do to get a building permit can be done online.
Who can use eBuild?: Anyone who needs to apply for a build permit in the City of Eugene is welcome to use eBuild. You don't have to be an architect or building contractor.
Do I have to use eBuild?: Yes. Submitting your application for a construction permit through eBuild is now mandatory.
Are training and assistance available?: Yes. Our goal is to make your project as successful as possible. The eBuild User's Guide provides information about the process and submittal standards. Staff are available to provide assistance if needed. You can contact our Intake staff at 541-682-5505, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Do I have to have an eBuild account in order to use eBuild?: Yes. If you don't already have an eBuild account, go to Getting Started to get started. If you have previously used Eugene's online inspection scheduling website (or mobile inspection scheduling app), then you already have an eBuild login. The same login credentials are used for both eBuild and inspection scheduling.

What kind of permits can I apply for through eBuild?: You can apply for any type of building permit through eBuild. If you are applying for a trade permit that does not require plan review (electrical, plumbing or residential mechanical), be sure to choose from the Trade Permits options. Your application will be processed and be available for payment and issuance within three business days.
If you have a phased permit project or a multi-building project, our commercial staff can work with you to provide guidance on how to submit your application.
What is a trade permit vs other types of permits (Commercial, Multi-family, Residential)?: Trade permits are permits that do not require plan review. This type of permit is electrical, plumbing, and residential mechanical. For example, if you are repalcing a heat pump, that requires a residential mechanical permit so choose from the Trade Permits options. You can combine any of the three types of permits but anything requiring a structural permit should be submitted through the regular plan review process as a commercial, multi-family or residential project.
Can I apply for an express permit through eBuild?: Yes. All express permit applications must now be submitted through eBuild. You will be given an opportunity to choose an appointment time that works for you. If appointments are available, you can submit your application up until 3:00 PM the day before the appointment.

When do I need to pay fees for my project?: When your application is accepted for review, you will be assessed plan check fees that can be paid at any time. When your application is approved and the permit(s) are ready to be issued, you must pay all outstanding fees prior to permit issuance. During the construction process, if changes are submitted for your project, you will be assessed fees for the review but drawings will be released to you as soon as they are approved. You will be required to pay all outstanding fees prior to requesting any final inspections.
I want to pay only part of the fees shown, but I'm not offered that option. What can I do?: The online payment system does not suuport partial payment of fees, but you can make partial payment by phone (using a credit card) or in person at the Permit Information Center at 99 West 10th in Eugene.
I would like to put my System Development Charges (SDC) on contract. How do I do that?: The owner of the property will need to sign the SDC contract. Contact Intake staff at 541-682-5505 to discuss coming into the office to sign the contract. Contacting us in advance will enable us to have a completed contract ready for a signature.

When submitting revisions to a drawing, should I add an indicator to the file name so that it will be obvious it is a revision?: No. When submitting revisions to a file that has previously been submittted, it is important to name the revised file the exact same name as the original file. This will facilitate the plan review process and enable us to approve your revisions as quickly as possible.

Am I still required to have a paper copy of the approved plan set at the job site?: Yes. You need to download the approved copy of the files, print them and have them available for the inspectors at the job site.
Where do I find the link to my approved plan set?: When your permit(s) are issued, your will receive a Notice of Permit Issuance. In that notice is a link to your approved drawing set that will enable you to print the drawings. You can also access apprvoed drawings through eBuild at any point in time. Simply sign into eBuild, go to your Project Details page, and click the Approved Plan Set Download link.

What if I'm not a licensed contractor, but I intend to do some of the work myself?: Call us at 541-682-5505.