Governor Signs E-Permitting Legislation to Streamline Construction Permitting Oregon's Statewide Electronic Permitting Program is First of its Kind in the Nation

Governor Ted Kulongoski today signed into law House Bill 2405, creating the nation's first statewide online permitting program. A priority bill of the Governor's, HB 2405 will allow Oregon contractors to electronically submit and manage building-related paperwork with any city or county across the state.

"This groundbreaking program will save contractors' time and help complete projects more quickly - a win for businesses and for consumers," said the Governor. "This program is a prime example of business and government working together to find creative, innovative ways to improve service and Oregon's economic competitiveness."

Creating the online program, contractors will now be able to use the internet to apply, pay for and receive permits; submit building plans for review and tracking; and schedule, track and receive inspection reports with 132 cities and counties across Oregon.

The statewide program will build on the existing e-permitting pilot project at www.BuildingPermits.Oregon.gov. Currently the site, hosted by the Department of Consum er and Business Services' Building Codes Division, allows contractors in fifteen cities and counties across the state to apply and pay for simple permits.

"In less than two years of the pilot's operation, contractors have purchased more than 10,000 permits online - and both contractors and local governments have praised the new system, saying it saves both parties a significant amount of time and makes each of them more efficient on the job," noted Governor Kulongoski during the signing ceremony.

HB 2405 is one of 31 regulatory streamlining bills submitted at the request of the Governor to make it easier to do business in Oregon. The Governor has already signed into law SB 89 and HB 2614, which respectively allow the temporary transfer of water rights in certain irrigation districts and permitting wineries to sell malt beverages at licensed special events off premises.

Over the past four years, state agencies h ave co mpleted nearly 200 projects and the Legislature has enacted more than 100 measures to simply regulations on business, while preserving protections for the public.

"As a result, our improved regulatory climate has helped us turn our economy around - and Oregon is now a national model in regulatory streamlining," the Governor said. "Looking at the diverse group of business, labor and government officials here today just goes to show how much we can accomplish when we collaborate and stay focused on a common goal."

Oregon's e-permitting program has received national attention. During the legislative hearing process, the Alliance for Building Regulatory Reform in the Digital Age, a national public-private sector partnership, hailed the statewide e-permitting program as a streamlining model other states can replicate. Many states have requested information on Oregon's program, specifically how it can reduce construction costs and delays and speed economic recovery after a disaster.