A message on behalf of Michael Merchant, Commissioner, City of Chicago, 

Department of Buildings:

 

Dear Architecture and Design Professionals,

 

As you may be aware, the City upgraded the E-Plan system over the last weekend to add several enhancements to the system with minimal interruption to applicants.

 

We are pleased to report the upgrade is complete and we want to let you know we are aware some applicants are having difficulty viewing their projects on the system at this time.  If you are experiencing these issues, please be rest assured we are taking immediate action to rectify the problems. 

 

If you are still experiencing technical difficulties with E-Plan you may need to do one of the following:

 

  1. Brava Installation:  It may be necessary to Install or re-install Brava.  If a message appears on the screen asking if you wish to install Brava, please click "Install."  After you have successfully installed Brava you should then "re-boot" your computer, by shutting it down and then re-starting it again.  
  2. Refer to Initial Communication, ProjectDox User Requirements:  If the above does not resolve the matter, then please follow the attached instructions.

 

Projects submitted as of today, November 13, 2012, will be processed through the newly upgraded system.  The upgrades include:

 

  • A 'Self-Certification Project' check-box for Applicants which will assist our Project Managers in expediting the issuance of self-certification permits for self-certified architects;    
  • The creation of dual review tracks for DOB and Zoning to expedite the review process;  
  • A 'Zoning' check-box option for Applicants to request a review by DHED/Zoning only which would accommodate Applicants in situations where they may be seeking a zoning denial in order to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals or a zoning approval prior to seeking a DOB self-certification review;  
  • E-Plan will be MacIntosh compatible, which will also allow customers to utilize Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox for E-Plan in addition to, or in lieu of, Internet Explorer;  
  • Applicants will be able to delete (recall) a drawing prior to the final upload of the drawing set;  
  • A screen notification and e-mail notification will appear to Applicants confirm that the plans were uploaded to DOB;  
  • An option will be available for Applicants to sign-up to receive e-mails alerts which will track the start and completion of major steps in the plan review process;  
  • An option will be available for Applicants to invite others to the projects and providing those other invitees with read access to the files;  
  • A 'Comments' section on the E-form for Applicants to communicate and/or provide clarification to a City Project Manager or Reviewer; and  
  • A final reminder checklist e-mail with outstanding items in their application folder.

Please ensure that your application in Hansen has the minimum mandatory information to begin processing.

 

At a minimum the permit application must contain:

  • the Project Address;
  • the name of the Architect of Record; and
  • the name of the Property Owner.

 

Failure to provide any of the above three items will result in the application not being processed and the applicant will not receive an invitation to upload drawings to E-Plan.

 

E-Plan Orientation / Review Class on Mondays

 

Lastly, the Department of Buildings continues to host E-Plan Orientation/Review classes for customers new to the E-Plan program or need a review.  Please see below for details:

Dates:                  Mondays (while there is still demand for the class).

Time:                    Sign-in:         12:45 p.m.

                           Class Time:    1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Location:             30 North LaSalle Street

                              2nd Floor - CDOT Conference Center

                              Conference Room E

                              Chicago, Illinois

 

Space is limited to 25 individuals per class, so we ask that only one or two members of your firm attend per class.  You can register by clicking on this link:

 

ONLINE E-PLAN REVIEW ORIENTATION CLASS REGISTRATION

 

Please note we will continue to hold orientation sessions on Mondays, provided there is a need from the professional design community.

 

Thank you again for your patience and support of our work in this regard.  We will continue to update you on E-plan news.
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