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Phoenix EPR — Types, Variations, and Applications
The City of Phoenix Electronic Plan Review (EPR) system streamlines the permitting and plan review process for various projects. The system integrates multiple portals and workflows, depending on the project type, from residential homes to commercial developments and specialized applications like fire or solar installations. The table below compares the key applications and types of Phoenix EPR:
| EPR Type / Application | Typical User | Scope of Use | Key Portal(s) | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Plan Review (Residential) | Homeowners, Contractors | Single-family, some residential subdivisions | PDD Online, ProjectDox, SHAPE PHX | Room additions, remodels, solar installations |
| Commercial Plan Review | Architects, Developers | Multifamily, commercial, industrial | PDD Online, ProjectDox | Office buildings, retail centers |
| Fire Permit Plan Review | Licensed Contractors | Specialized fire/protection system permits | PDD Online, ProjectDox | Fire alarms, sprinklers |
| Solar Photovoltaic Plan Review | Solar Contractors, Homeowners | Residential solar PV permits | SolarAPP+ (pre-approval), PDD Online, ProjectDox | Home solar system installations |
| Annual Facilities Program (AFP) | Facility Managers | Ongoing facility upgrades/maintenance | PDD Online, ProjectDox | School, hospital maintenance |
Everyday Usage of Phoenix EPR
How Phoenix EPR Fits Into Your Project
The Phoenix Electronic Plan Review (EPR) system is designed to streamline the submission, review, and approval of building plans through a fully-digital workflow. Whether you’re updating your home, developing a commercial space, or handling specialized installations (like photovoltaic panels or fire alarms), EPR centralizes all necessary documentation, markups, corrections, and approvals online.
What You Can Do with Phoenix EPR:
- Start and submit a new plan review application
- Upload required drawings and supporting documents
- Pay fees directly online
- Receive and address reviewer markups/corrections
- Download approved, stamped plans once approved
- Manage ongoing project documents and track status
The system is designed to eliminate the hassle of paper plans, reduce time spent in person at city offices, improve communication with city staff, and maintain clarity in the review process.
Typical Users of Phoenix EPR
- Homeowners doing residential modifications or additions
- Licensed contractors and architects
- Developers, engineers, and facility managers
- Solar and fire system specialists
- Anyone needing a permit or plan review from the City of Phoenix
Benefits of Using Phoenix EPR
Using Phoenix EPR brings several important benefits to applicants and professionals:
1. Time and Efficiency Savings
- No more physical plan drop-offs or pickups—everything happens securely online
- Simultaneous, multi-discipline review process reduces total review times
- Faster responses to corrections or clarifications
2. Clarity and Transparency
- Easy tracking of project status, reviewer comments, and next steps
- Email notifications promptly signal when action is required, keeping your project moving
3. Secure and Centralized Documentation
- All versions, markups, and approvals are stored in one secure online environment
- Reduces the risk of lost or misplaced documents
4. 24/7 Access
- Submit documents, check statuses, or make payments from anywhere, any time
- No need to plan visits around city hall hours
5. Consistency and Accuracy
- Built-in checklists and guidelines ensure your submittals meet city requirements
- Fewer errors and fewer delays due to missing or incorrect paperwork
How to Choose the Right Phoenix EPR Workflow
Determining the correct EPR workflow ensures you use the right forms, portals, and processes for your specific project. Here’s how to decide:
1. Identify Your Project Type
- Residential: Are you modifying a single-family home, duplex, or subdivision?
- Commercial: Are you working on commercial, multifamily, or industrial projects?
- Specialty: Is your project related to solar panels, fire systems, or requires annual facilities program review?
2. Use the Correct Portal and Procedure
- Residential Projects: For many newer residential projects, SHAPE PHX is integrated but you may still need PDD Online and ProjectDox for plans.
- Commercial Projects: Continue using PDD Online and ProjectDox.
- Solar PV Installations: Begin with SolarAPP+ for pre-approval before submitting through the city’s EPR.
- Fire System Permits: Obtain specialty permits through designated EPR workflows for licensed contractors.
3. Register the Appropriate User Account(s)
- Accounts may be needed for PDD Online, SHAPE PHX, and ProjectDox; ensure you register and keep your credentials secure.
- Self-certified professionals should include their certification data when creating their account to enable specialty submission features.
Using Phoenix EPR: Tips for Success
Optimizing your experience with the EPR system helps avoid common mistakes and ensures quicker approvals. Here are essential user tips:
1. Prepare Your Materials
- Read and strictly follow the city’s EPR submittal guidelines and plan checklists
- Ensure all required fields, forms, and documents are ready
- Use compliant file types and naming conventions (typically PDFs, specific sheet sizes)
2. Leverage Built-In Checklists
- The system provides current checklists and guidelines for every submission type; review them before beginning
- Missing required items will cause your submission to be rejected, leading to unnecessary delays
3. Make Use of Markup and Corrections Features
- Review all city staff comments and markups promptly
- Address all corrections in a timely and thorough manner
- Upload new or corrected plan sheets as required
- Always include a response-to-comments sheet summarizing your changes
4. Understand the Step-by-Step Workflow
- Online Application Submission: Fill out project details and scope using the PDD Online portal
- Drawing Upload: Use ProjectDox to upload plans and supporting documents
- Fee Payment: Pay review and permit fees online through the portal
- City Staff Review: Plans are reviewed by relevant disciplines in parallel
- Corrections & Resubmittals: Respond to markups with corrected plans, as needed
- Approval & Stamping: Once approved, plans are digitally stamped and released
- Download Approved Plans: Download and print stamped plans for jobsite or records
5. Payment Tips
- Fees must be paid before the review starts and prior to release of the permit
- Plan and budget for application and permit fees up front to avoid delays
6. Technical Readiness
- The EPR system supports most modern web browsers (Internet Explorer 11 (32-bit), Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari)
- Avoid unsupported browsers and keep your browser updated for security and compatibility
Practical Tips & Best Practices
- Keep Your Account Information Organized: Use a single email and keep passwords safe for each required portal.
- Read Every Instruction: City guidelines are updated regularly; always consult current checklists on the portal.
- Save All Transaction Receipts and Communications: For documentation and proof of compliance in the event of inquiries or field inspections.
- Utilize Help Resources: If you have questions or issues, contact city support via the provided email or phone promptly.
- Respond To City Requests Quickly: Delays in responses can stall your project timeline.
- Check Status Regularly: Log in frequently to track project progress and address issues in real time.
- Include All Participants: If you have a team (engineers, contractors, owners), make sure all have access to the correct portal and project.
Comparison Table: Key Technical Features & Attributes
Here’s a summary of Phoenix EPR workflows and portals, highlighting technical and functional distinctions:
| Attribute/Feature | PDD Online | ProjectDox | SHAPE PHX | SolarAPP+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Usage | Application, payments, inspection scheduling | Plan uploads, markups, plan review | Residential permitting, info mgmt | Solar PV permit pre-qualification |
| User Account Needed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| File Uploads | No (except some app forms) | Yes (plans, corrections) | Limited (initial project info, residential only) | Yes |
| Payment Processing | Yes | No | No | No |
| Plan Review Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes (Release 1 items) | No (only approval receipt) |
| Applicable To | All project types | All project types | Specific permit categories (residential, future commercial) | Solar PV installs only |
| Reviewer Markups/Comments | No | Yes | No (direct messaging) | No (pre-approval only) |
| Historical Project Data | Yes | Yes | Yes (for linked projects) | No |
| Notifications | Yes (email/status) | Yes (tasks, markups) | Yes (basic updates) | Yes (after approval) |
| 24/7 Availability | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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Conclusion
Choosing and using Phoenix EPR for your building, remodeling, or specialty permit project brings significant advantages in convenience, efficiency, and transparency. By following city-provided guidelines, using the correct workflow based on your project, and leveraging best practices for document preparation and upload, you’ll streamline the approval process and reduce delays. The key to success is preparation: understanding the project requirements, using the correct portals, and maintaining clear communication with city staff. With Phoenix EPR, your next project—whether it’s a kitchen remodel, a new office building, or a rooftop solar installation—can move from idea to reality with less hassle and greater confidence.
FAQ
What is the Phoenix Electronic Plan Review (EPR)?
Phoenix EPR is a digital system that allows applicants to submit, track, and receive approval for building plans entirely online, eliminating the need for paper plans or in-person visits to city offices.
Who should use Phoenix EPR?
Homeowners, contractors, architects, engineers, property managers, and anyone seeking building, remodeling, or specialty permits from the City of Phoenix should use EPR for applicable projects.
Which portal do I use for my project—PDD Online, ProjectDox, or SHAPE PHX?
Residential projects often start in SHAPE PHX or PDD Online and route to ProjectDox for plan uploads. Commercial and specialized permits remain primarily in PDD Online and ProjectDox. Solar PV projects start with SolarAPP+ pre-approval before city submission.
What documents do I need to submit?
You’ll need complete, city-compliant plans (usually in PDF), supporting documents, and any required forms/checklists per your project type. Always consult the current checklist available in the EPR portal before submission.
How do I pay required fees?
Fees are paid online through PDD Online. The system will notify you when payment is due, both before plan review begins and prior to permit release.
How long does the review process take?
Timing depends on project scope and volume, but digital submission and simultaneous multi-discipline review typically lead to faster turnarounds than paper-based submissions.
What happens if my plan is rejected or needs corrections?
City staff will mark up your plans in ProjectDox and notify you of corrections needed. You will then upload revised plans and a response sheet addressing each correction before resubmittal.
Are there system/browser requirements for using Phoenix EPR?
Yes. Supported browsers include Internet Explorer 11 (32-bit only), Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. Outdated browsers or unsupported devices may hinder access.
Can multiple team members access and work on the same project?
Yes, as long as each member has the necessary user account and permissions. Proper role assignment and communication help teams work efficiently.
Where can I get help if I have questions or technical issues?
Contact the city’s Electronic Plan Review support team via the provided phone number or support email. For technical platform issues, timely communication with support ensures minimal delays.
