Express Review

General Provisions | Overview | Express Review Process

Application Options:

Submit an Express Review application    

Beginning July 1, 2009, PDF Applications will no longer be accepted.  All applications will be submitted through the Electronic Plans Management System.  The Electronic Plans Management System assists the customer in managing projects that are submitted to the plan review process.  Click here for additional training information on the EPM system.

Express Plan Review is an optional plan review service that enables projects that are within the program's scope to accelerate the normal plan review process.  This service will speed up the review process time from weeks to a single review session and in most cases, permits can be issued within two business days.  This service does not guarantee permits if the plans do not meet the necessary requirements of respective codes and ordinances.

Note:  You may not submit a project through both the Express Review Program and the regular OnSchedule permitting system, or any other plan review stream(ie: CTAC, Rehab, Mega)

Express Review provides scheduling for plan review and approval for tenant upfits, interior alterations, change of use permits, and for certain categories of new construction (see page 2).  New Construction Express Review services include not only complete project plan review for two business day permitting, but also partial project plan review. Partial plan reviews include: staged construction (shell, footing and foundation), trade reviews only (B/E/M/P/F/Z), revisions to plans disapproved through the standard review process, and revisions to previously approved plans.  Partial Express Plan Review may not result in two business days permitting.   These services are provided as a response to the request of the construction/development community.

General Provisions

Availability:         

Tuesday:  8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:00 am, 1:15 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:45 pm

Wednesday:  8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:00 am, 1:15 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:45 pm

Thursday:  8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:00 am, 1:15 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:45 pm

Scheduling:          

The attached Express Plan Review application shall be forwarded to the Express Review Coordinator for processing and booking.  Please refer to page 3, "Express Review Process" for more detailed information for the required documentation needed to complete your booking.

Booking:               

The applicant will be contacted by the Express Review Coordinator once the application and documentation is reviewed and the proposed project is determined to be a candidate for Express Review.  A verbal confirmation as well as a faxed confirmation will be made identifying the date and time your project is scheduled for review.  A non-refundable application fee of $100.00 is required to reserve the appointment time.  This non-refundable fee is required to be paid within 2 business days.  This non-refundable fee is to be paid even if the appointment is cancelled. 

Cancellation:        

Notice must be given 5 working days in advance of the appointment time.

Note:  If cancellation notice is not given within the described guidelines above, the applicant is responsible for paying a cancellation fee.  The fee shall be based on the number of hours scheduled for the appointment.

Note:  If an appointment is booked within 2 working days of the appointment time, the same cancellation policy applies.

Fees:

Beginning January 1, 2009, the Express Review fee must be paid at the conclusion of the Express Review appointment.  Beginning March 1, 2009, the permit fee must be paid at the conclusion of the Express Review appointment as well.  Failure to remit funds to Code Enforcement for services rendered will result in a discontinuance of all future services of the Department until the fees are paid.  Fees may be paid by check, bond, or credit card (Mastercard/Visa/Discover).  A bond account may need to be set up with the Revenue Collection department prior to the Express Review appointment.  Checks are payable to: Mecklenburg County.

Cost:                      

$800.00 per hour for interior work

$950.00 per hour for exterior work

Contact: 

Cheryl Baines-Dixon Express Review Coordinator, 704-336-3837 x 3 x 1

Address:         

Land Use and Environmental Services
Code Enforcement Division
700 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202  
Phone: 704-336-4963
Fax:    704-602-6968         

Restaurants, Schools, Change of Use (requiring site plans), Conditional Zoning, Multi-Family

Projects not permitted at this time under Express Review:

High Rise, Communication Towers, Projects for DOI, Daycares, Large Assembly, Adult Establishments, Hazardous                            

Note:  Contact the Express Review Coordinator for new construction that requires review/approval from other agencies (Planning, UMUD, MUDD, Transportation, Environmental Health, City Engineering, etc.)  Approval from these agencies will need to be obtained prior to building permit issuance.

Note: Exceptions to the above project types may be evaluated on a case by case basis by the Core Process Manager of Commercial Permits if they believe the project fits the program well.

Re-Review:           

If projects are turned down, a re-review may be scheduled based on availability of appointment times.  The per hour cost is the same as the original review.  Projects may also be resubmitted for review under the regular system for revisions.  In this case, please submit drawings as outlined on the OnSchedule Re-Review form to the Gatekeeper.

Plan Submittal:                    

NOTE:  All plans (including Landscape) must be signed and sealed by the appropriate professional, licensed by the State of North Carolina.

EXCEPTION: Low Voltage fire alarm and sprinkler shop drawings are not required to be sealed.  Supply to these systems must be signed and sealed.

Requirements:

At the Scheduled Appointment

• Bring the number of sets of drawings as indicated on the Express Review confirmation fax.  Plans must be signed and sealed by the appropriate professional. Minimum size of plans is 18" x 24".  No half size sets.
• 4 Specification Manuals (if applicable)
• Each seal holder represented on the plans must be present.
• A completed Building Permit Application.
• If a project is located in a jurisdiction which oversees zoning, zoning sign off from that jurisdiction must be obtained on the Building Permit Application. (ie: Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson)
• If the project is in Huntersville, the customer must have a Letter of Submission from the Town of Huntersville Planning Department.

Express Plan Review Process >>>

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