What is the RTAC Plan Submittal Process (RTAC-EPS)?
The RTAC Electronic Plan Submittal process, implemented in January 2015, is designed for one-time
residential build projects, or custom-built residential projects, that require plan review. A list of projects
that typically require plan review is listed here. However, every project is different – if you are unsure
whether your project will require plan review, please contact our Residential Technical Assistance Center
(RTAC) at 704-432-7822. All projects must be permit-ready (meaning contractor and subcontractors have
already been selected). The RTAC-EPS process must be initiated by the contractor (general contractor,
prime contractor or homeowner-acting-as-contractor) for the project.
Customers who wish submit a residential project/plan that will be used multiple times, or contains optional
features (for example, a master plan), must submit through our E-Plan System (www.e-plan-nc.org).
Customers who are unsure where to start should contact the Residential Technical Assistance Center at 704432-7822.
How does it work?
Getting Started
The process begins with the contractor/homeowner logging into or creating his or her Mecklenburg County
Contractor Account or Homeowner Account. Note: For best results, we recommend using Internet Explorer
9 or 10.
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Once logged in, click “Permit Application” on the toolbar at the top of the page. Note: This feature is
only available in the Contractor and Homeowner logins – it is not available in Electronic Plan
Management (EPM) or any of our other online applications.
On the next page, click “New Building Permit.”
Enter the proper address for the project. If the correct address is not available in our system, you
must contact GIS Addressing to have the address created.
Complete the information on the next several screens. The system will ask for specific information
about your project.
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Choosing RTAC Electronic Plan Submittal
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If your project requires plan review, our automated system will ask you to select from a list of Plan
Submittal Options:
Please be sure to select the option that specifies the RTAC Plan Review Path (see above) and click
next.
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Continue filling out the online permit application with the requested details about your project.
Two screens later, the system will request that you enter some text about the Expanded Scope of Work.
Please provide a detailed description of the work being performed. Please also be sure to include correct
contact information, including an e-mail address for the project applicant and designer, if applicable.
Without your e-mail address, the RTAC-EPS process will not be successful.
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Note: You may notice sections in your online application called “Documents” and “Plan
Documents.” Do NOT attempt to upload your plans to these sections – they are for supporting
documentation only. You will be sent a link to a personalized page where you will upload your
electronic plans once your permit application is complete.
Once you have completed the permit application, click the “Submit” button only once. Multiple
clicks will result in duplicated permit submittals, and that will slow down your permit.
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Uploading Plans and Supporting Documents
After submitting your online permit application, you have two remaining tasks:
1. Uploading your electronic plans.
2. Completing and uploading the applicable zoning and erosion control forms.
Note: These documents should be uploaded to different places. See detailed instructions below.
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After clicking submit, the online system will display a confirmation screen with a submittal number
and a link to upload your plans. Our system will also send e-mails that include the link for uploading
plans to the applicant and the project designer (if provided). Your confirmation screen will also
display links to forms for zoning and erosion control.
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To upload the supporting documents, download the appropriate forms, depending on
jurisdiction. These forms can be found on your submittal screen, and can also be accessed at
any time by using your Contractor/Homeowner Login and opening your permit. Complete
these forms and upload them under the “Documents” section of the permit application. Be
sure to click “Submit” once you have uploaded these forms. These forms must be in PDF
format.
To upload your electronic plans, click on your personalized plan upload link. You can find
this link on your confirmation screen, in an automated e-mail that will be sent to you when
your permit is submitted, or you can click on the “Upload Plan Documents” link at the top of
your submitted permit application. Again, this is the only correct place to upload your plans.
Uploading the plans elsewhere in your Contractor/Homeowner account will cause a delay in
processing your permit.
o The plans must be in PDF and 40 MB or less in size. We do not review or approve
electrical, mechanical, or plumbing plan sheets; it is not necessary to submit
anything but building plans.
o Your personalized plan upload link will display a webpage similar to the image
below. To upload your documents, click “Add Submission” and browse to the file on
your computer.
Once all files have been uploaded, please be sure to click on the “Release for Review” button to
make these plans visible to our staff. If you do not receive an error message, your submittal was
successful.
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What happens next?
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We will check your submission for compliance with Code Enforcement requirements before
accepting the plans. If your submission contains sufficient information to perform a thorough code
review, the plans will be accepted and you will receive an e-mail telling you this, along with a
project number and permit number that allows you to track your project’s progress.
If your submission lacks information, you will receive an e-mail requesting additional information,
including a description of what is needed.
Once the plans have been reviewed, if your plans have code deficiencies, the system will send an email to the permit applicant and the project designer (if provided), notifying them that revisions are
required. This e-mail will include a link to upload the revised plans. The link will also allow the
project designer to access the redlined plans, identifying in detail the corrections needed.
Once the plans are approved, the permit(s) will be issued and the approved plans will be accessible
through the Contractor/Homeowner account, under the permit name.
If you have questions or difficulties about this process, please contact the
Residential Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) at 704-432-7822.
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