The Streets Department recently modified its process for receiving and reviewing plans impacting the public right-of-way. The new process streamlines permitting across City departments, allowing Streets Department transactions previously conducted over email or in-person to be fully processed online through Electronic Plans (ePlans) using Electronic Commercial Licensing, Inspection, and Permit Services Enterprise (eCLIPSE).
Customers applying online for a zoning, residential building or commercial building permit that requires pre-approval from the Streets Department, must now use the ePlans portal in eCLIPSE to submit plans to the Streets Department for review before filing the permit application with Licenses and Inspections (L&I). The requirements for plan review remain the same. Only the procedure for submitting those plans has changed. The result is a well documented and structured process that ensures accountability and provides real-time status to applicants. Online video tutorials are available to walk users through the features of the portal.
Anyone performing work in the public right-of-way, or work on property that intrudes into the right-of-way is required to obtain pre-approval from the Department of Streets. This applies to residential dwellings and public and private businesses, facilities and institutions. This including encroachments, driveway depressed curb cuts, bicycle racks, off-street loading space requirements, parking lot layouts and permits impacting transportation infrastructure to name a few.
When a user submits a plan to Streets, eCLIPSE returns a “Streets Review job number” that is needed to complete the L&I permit application in eCLIPSE. The Streets Department pre-approval process information sheet provides guidance on the procedure change.
Remember, the new procedure described above applies only to zoning, residential building, and commercial building permits requiring Streets pre-approval. For all other permit types which may require Streets Department pre-approval (e.g. permits for signs, shelter platforms, and retaining walls), users will NOT submit a separate Streets application through the Streets eCLIPSE portal. For those types, Streets will conduct its review by accessing your L&I permit application in eCLIPSE.
Getting started
Applicants must create an eCLIPSE account to submit plans for Streets Department approval. Existing eCLIPSE users can use their existing log-in information. Once a user account is created, applicants are able to login to the system and create a profile. Next, select “Streets Plan Review” to initiate the submission process.
Forms and Documentation
Complete the application in its entirety and select the type of plan review you are requesting. Identify whether or not your project may be managed by Streets or L&I. Enter the details of your project, the location and all relevant information. This will help to determine which documents are required to accompany your application per Right of Way Improvement Standards (ROWIS) Chapter 2.2.
Ready for Review
Submit your plan through eCLIPSE. Streets Department staff will review the submission for completeness and may request additional materials be uploaded. Once determined to be complete, plan review will begin. Comments and markups to submitted plans will be organized and provided to the applicant for download where changes are needed. As necessary, additional rounds of submission, review, and feedback will occur under the same plan review application. When the plan has been approved, plans will be stamped electronically and provided for download to the applicant. Where the plan is required as an approval to a Licenses and Inspection project, this information is recorded in the system and available across Departments.
Check the Status of Your Application:
Users can login to eCLIPSE at any time to check the status and outcome of their application across departments. Users can cross-reference applications to demonstrate pre-approvals and other requirements are met.
Guidance on the use of eCLIPSE and steps involved in the application process are online. For Streets specific help, contact the Right of Way unit at (215)685-5501 or to request an appointment with staff use this link: www.tinyurl.com/rowappt
