Alachua County

Pre-Application Screening (PAS)



Pre-Application Screening (PAS) is now included in the Online permitting software! Along with building permit application, check status, online payment, inspection scheduling, communication with permit clerks, license registration/renewal, permit record search/report, all in one place! This software replaces E-Permit and Permit Tracker.


Before applying, please check if this is your case, the following are excluded from the PAS process:

  • Roof mounted solar (Photovoltaic or water heating) unless tree cutting is to occur.
  • Remodeling of non-lakeshore properties that is enclosed within the existing building footprint or eave line, unless minimum finished floor elevation is noted on the lot.
  • Miscellaneous permits including reroofs, doors, windows, siding, electrical repairs or upgrades and mechanical change outs.
  • Screen pool or porch enclosures on existing permitted pool and porch foundations.
  • Cell tower site upgrades not affecting the tower height or configuration with no fuel storage and contained completely within the fenced site compound.



Please follow the step-by-step guidance below:



Account
Application
Status
Search & Report


Step 1. Account Setup

How to set up an account as contractor and owner-builders who have already registered before?

Contractors and owner-builders, please check your email(the email address you registered with us as qualifier), we have sent you a notice, please follow the instruction to set up your account in our new permitting software.

The current registered contractors and owner-builders are already verified on the new permitting site, you can apply building permit directy after logging in to your account.

Only the license holder can create an account as Contractor, authorized signers cannot create an account as Contractor, they can only be added as Authorized Signer under Contractor's(License Holder's') account.



Go to My Account
How to set up an account as authorized signer?

For authorized signers, please create an account on the new permitting software with your own email address (different than your qualifier's email address), and your email address needs to be listed in the Authorized Signer Box under the Contractor's(qualifier) account(primmary account), your qualifier can add/modify this information in his/her account by clicking Update My Information.




Go to My Account
How to choose registration type?
  • For contractors, please chosse "Contractor".
  • For authorized signers, please choose "Citizen". And makre sure that your Contractor list your email address under his account as Authorized Signer.
  • For journeyman, please choose "Journeyman".
  • For owner-builders, please choose "Property Owner".


Go to My Account
Watch a video of "How to Apply for a Building Permit".



Step 2. License Registration/Renewal

How to register as new contractor and new owner-builder?

New contractors and owner-builders who wish to register with us, please go to the new permitting site and create an account then fill out all the required information online, our staff will review it and approve your registration. You will be able to apply building permit once your registration is approved and verified.

Please contact licensing@alachuacounty.us if you have any questions about license.




Register or renew a license
How to choose registration type?
  • For contractors, please chosse "Contractor".
  • For authorized signers, please choose "Citizen". And makre sure that your Contractor list your email address under his account as Authorized Signer.
  • For journeyman, please choose "Journeyman".
  • For owner-builders, please choose "Property Owner".


Register or renew a license


Step 3. Application

How to apply for a building permit?

The building permits can be applied online after logging in to your account, please click Services -> Permits -> apply online.




Apply for building permit
Can I edit my permit application/add additional documents after I submit the application?

You will be able to edit your application's information and add addtional documents before your application is reviewed by our staff. Simply log in to your account and click Edit My Permit.



Apply for building permit
Do I need to make payment at the time of the permit application?

No, you do not need to make the payment at the time of the permit application, our staff will review your application and once your application is complete, we will send you an email notifying you that the payment is due.

Apply for building permit
Do I need to apply for a Pre-Application Screening(PAS)?

When you fill out the address of your building permit application, the system will automatically notify you if this address requires a Pre-Application Screening(PAS) application. For pre-application screening(PAS), please use our new permitting software starting from March 22nd, 2021, and read the PAS instruction before applying.


Apply for a PAS
How to apply for a tree permit?

For tree permit, please read Tree permit instruction.


Apply for a tree permit


Step 4. Status & Payment

Can I check status of my application?

Yes, you can check the status of your permit application through your online account, you can also upload additional documents if our permit clerks requires any and you can also leave a message to permit clerks, they will reply you by email.



Check Status
How to make online payment?

You will receive an email notification of payment due after your application is reviewed.

Please log in to your account and make payment by credit card, the receipt will be generated instantly by third party, please make sure you download and save it. For payment by cash or check, please call our office 352-374-5243 to make an appointment before you come in to the office.

After the payment is received, you will receive an email notification of your permit issurance.



Make a Payment
How do I know if my application requires a plan review before the permit issurance?

Not all permits are being issued right after the payemnt, some applications require plan review, so your application will be routed to our plan examiners for review, this process may take a few business days. The permit will be issued once the plan review is complete, you will receive an email notification when your permit is issued.

How to print permit card?

To print the permit card, please open the permit application by clicking the permit number you would like to view, and you can find the permit card.pdf under "Documents" tab.



Print Permit Card


Step 5. Schedule Inspection

How to schedule inspections?

You can schedule inspection online after your permit is issued and Notice of Commencement is submitted(if required). The available date and time slot will be shown.

The required inspections for your permit type is listed on the job card which is now combined with the Permit card, please review it carefully.




Schedule Inspection
Why can't I schedule inspections?

When you update your license, insurance or workmans comp information it must be verified by permit staff, which can take up to 1 business day, before inspections can be scheduled.


Schedule Inspection
Watch a video of "How to Schedule an Inspection and Add a Site Supervisor".

Schedule Inspection


Step 6. Search & Report

How to search for a permit?

You can search for a permit by using the search tool. This tool replaces our old Permit Tracker.



Search for a Permit
How to use Report tool to get information by different categories?

You can also get a report of permits (by different categories) by using the report tool. After giving a date range, you will get a full report of the permits in the category of your choice.


Use the Report tool


Pre-Application Screening (PAS)

Which cases are excluded from PAS process?

  • Roof mounted solar (Photovoltaic or water heating) unless tree cutting is to occur.
  • Remodeling of non-lakeshore properties that is enclosed within the existing building footprint or eave line, unless minimum finished floor elevation is noted on the lot.
  • Miscellaneous permits including reroofs, doors, windows, siding, electrical repairs or upgrades and mechanical change outs.
  • Screen pool or porch enclosures on existing permitted pool and porch foundations.
  • Cell tower site upgrades not affecting the tower height or configuration with no fuel storage and contained completely within the fenced site compound.


Apply for a PAS
How to apply for a PAS?

The PAS can be applied online now, the PAS application is considered as the same as the building permit application, so please click "permits" under Service tab(see screenshot), and then click "apply" on the a building permit page. Next, in the application type dropdown menu, please choose "Pre-Application Screening(see screenshot)" and then fill out the required information.

You will get email notifications when your application is received and for any other future updates. You can edit your application before the application is being reviewed by our staff.

The system will remind you if the property does not require a PAS(see screenshot).








Apply for a PAS
What documents are required for a PAS?

All PAS applications require submittal of a site plan with the following information:

  • Property boundary lines with dimensions (to scale as best possible)
  • Street names and location used for property access
  • Location of any existing structures or improvements
  • Location of proposed structure(s) or improvements
  • Setbacks (distance) from proposed structure(s) to the 2 closest property lines
  • North arrow for reference

Some types of work also require additional documentation to be uploaded with the site plan:



Apply for a PAS
How to check status of a PAS application?

You can check the status of your PAS application through your online account, after logging back on to your account, and you can upload additional documents if you are required to and also leave a message to our staff, they will reply you by email.





Check Status
Are there any inspection required for PAS?

No Inspections are required for PAS review, however, a site visit may be required by Environmental Protection Department(EPD) or a flood plain permit may be required prior to PAS approval by Public Works(PW).

You will get email notification once your PAS application is approved.


Check Status





Contact Us

Building Division
352-374-5243
building@alachuacounty.us
Mon-Thu: 8am-4pm
Fri: 8am-1pm


Building Division PAS Staff
building@alachuacounty.us
Mon-Thu: 8am-4pm
Fri: 8am-1pm



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