Make sure your documents meet the following standards:

• Saved in PDF format that can be edited.
  
  
• All sheets that are alike should be in a single file. For example, all architectural sheets combined in a single PDF.
  
  
• All pages should be rotated to be viewable. They should not be upside down or rotated on their side.
  


• Files should be unlocked and not secured.
  
  
• Files should not contain digital signatures. Engineers and architects should send files containing a computer-generated image of seal with handwritten signature. Salem cannot accept files that are digitally signed as the final approved plans are combined into one file.
  
  
• Saved with the correct file names that comply with our file naming standards.
  
  
• Include the checklist items referenced on the applicable checklist for the proposed work.

Initial Plan Uploads

The City of Salem’s naming standards are as follows:

• File names should be named with a short description of the type of document, e.g., Civil Plans Set, Architectural Plans Set, Calcs, etc.
• Limit the number of characters in the file name to 35 characters or less– abbreviations are acceptable.
• Do not include special characters (&, %, #, etc.) in the file name.
• Do not add address or project information in the file name.

Example File Names for Initial Plan Uploads

Commercial and Multifamily plans

• CIVIL PLANS SET
• LANDSCAPING PLANS SET
• ARCHITECTRUAL PLANS SET
• STRUCTURAL PLANS SET
• FIRE PROTECTION PLANS SET
• GEOTECHNICAL REPORT
• STRUCTURAL CALCS
• COMCHECKS
• STORMWATER REPORT
• SPECIFICATIONS
• SPECIAL INSPECTION FORM

Residential Plans

• Site Plan
• Plans
• Drawings
• Architectural Plan Set
• Truss Packet
• Joist Calcs
• Beam Calcs
• Engineering Calcs
• Geotechnical Report
• Erosion Control Form
• Water Meter Worksheet

Fire System Plans

• Fire Sprinkler Plan
• Fire Alarm Plan
• Fire Underground Plan
• Data Sheets
• Sprinkler Calcs
• Project Manual
• Specifications
• Equipment Submittal

Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing Plans

• Electrical Plan
• Mechanical Plan
• Plumbing Plan
• Layout
• Project Manual
• Specifications
• Cut Sheets

Secondary Drawing and Document Uploads

Drawings or documents that have been revised and need to be uploaded during the review process have a slightly different naming convention. Any plan file submitted after the initial uploads is considered a secondary file.

If plan review comments result in revised sheets:

• The entire discipline file set should be uploaded unless otherwise indicated by the plan reviewer.
  
  
• Verify that all changes are clouded on the plans with a revision delta and the revision recorded in the revision block, as applicable.
  
  
• The revised set should be named the same as the original files with a -SEC and a number appended to the end of the file name.
  
  
• Ex. First revised set file name to end with -SEC-01. Second revised set file name to end with -SEC-02 and so forth.
  
  
• If a file is uploaded with the same name as the original, it will overwrite the existing file without a prompt. The file will be deleted and need to be re-uploaded.

Example File Names for Secondary Drawing and Document Uploads

• ARCHITECTURAL PLANS SET-SEC-01.PDF
• ARCHITECTURAL PLANS SET.SEC-01-NARRATIVE.PDF
• FIRE SYSTEM PLANS-SEC-01.PDF
• FIRE SYSTEM-SEC-01-NARRATIVE.PDF

Revisions to Issued Permits

Changes made to the approved plan set will require a revised plan submittal application and a new review.

Application Submission

• Complete and submit the applicable electronic permit application.
• The application will be reviewed for accuracy, and you will be notified by email if additional information is required.

Plan Review Fees

Once the application is accepted, you will be notified by email to log into the PAC Portal to pay the review fees.

Uploading Plans

Upload electronic drawings and documents through the PAC Portal following our File Naming Standards. 

What to Expect During Plan Review

• The plan review process starts one to two workdays after the plans are uploaded and accepted for completeness.
• Plans and documents are not accepted by email.
• Plan review will not start until applicable fees are paid.
• All City departments review plans at the same time.
• You will receive a plan review letter by email when all departments have completed their reviews. The letter will specify if any additional information is required.

Secondary Plans Upload and Response

To make the review process more efficient, adhere to the following:

• Wait until all reviews are completed to upload additional files.
• Upload files with all changes clearly identified, preferably clouded. Plans and documents are not accepted by email.
• Follow the File Naming Standards for secondary uploads.

Plan and Permit Approval

Once plans have been approved, the final permit fees must be paid.

• An email notification containing the final permit fees will be sent to the applicant.
• You can pay the fees online through the PAC Portal or in person.

Once the fees have been paid, the permit will be issued, and the approved plans made available for download through the PAC Portal.

• Both drawings and documents will need to be downloaded and printed.
  
  
• Approved plans must be readily available on the construction site.