HomeMy WebLinkAboutTipsheet Applying for Franchise Permitrentonwa.gov/permitservices | developmentengineering@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7240 12/18/2023 | Page 1 of 4
CITY OF RENTON Ι PERMIT SERVICES
APPLYING FOR A FRANCHISE PERMIT
City of Renton is utilizing permitting.rentonwa.gov to apply for City of Renton Franchise permits. The following guide is
intended to provide information on how to submit along with FAQ’s regarding the process and tips for how to use the
permitting portal.
REGISTER AN ACCOUNT
Any person wishing to view, update, and/or apply for permits must be registered. In the upper left hand corner of the
screen, use the drop down arrow to login or register.
For assistance in the registration process see the Online Registration Tipsheet.
STEP ONE: VERIFY ACCOUNT WITH CITY STAFF
•Upon creating an account, email account username to franchisepermits@rentonwa.gov
Note: City staff must link the account to the Master Service Agreement (MSA) in order for the user to apply for
a permit under the MSA. Without being a registered contact, the user will not be able to access the MSA and
apply for permits.
STEP 2: REQUEST APPLICATION
•After logging in, select My Dashboard.
•Under the heading My Permits, select Active.
Note: This will list all active Master Service Agreements which you are listed as a contact. If there are none
listed, contact franchisepermits@rentonwa.gov to request being added and see the FAQ below.
•A new page titled My Work will open and by default lists all active permits. To select the MSA you wish to apply for
a permit for, click the blue MSA number.
•A new page will open containing all information about the MSA and associated sub-permits. In the Tab Elements
section select Sub Records.
•Scroll down to the heading Remaining Sub-Permits where a list of available permit types will be listed. Select Apply
next to the permit type desired.
Note: There may be multiple options for the same permit type. It does not matter which one is applied for. If
no types exist, contact franchisepermits@rentonwa.gov.
STEP 3: APPLY
•Following the on screen prompts, enter all required information:
1.Location: Enter project location then select Next.
2.Type: Enter permit details then select Next.
Note: The field Permit Type is required and pre-filled out. This cannot be changed. The field Description is
required and pre-completed. It is highly encouraged, but not necessary, to update the description such
that it reflects the project scope.
3.Contacts: All contacts listed on the MSA will be loaded by default. At a minimum applicant should add
contractor but other contacts may be needed based on project scope. When complete, select Next.
Note: All contractors must have a valid state license and valid City of Renton business license.
rentonwa.gov/permitservices | developmentengineering@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7240 12/18/2023 | Page 2 of 4
4. More Info: Enter application information then select Next.
Note: The field Job Number is the applicants internal job number used for reference.
5. Attachments: Upload required plans ensuring they are site specific then select Next.
6. Review and Submit:
a. If ready to submit, select Submit.
b. If corrections are needed select, Back to navigate to prior step.
c. If you don’t want to submit the application and wait to submit it at a later date, select Save Draft. To
return to a saved application, go to My Dashboard and select Draft under the heading My Permits. This
will open all permits in draft status, navigate to the appropriate permit and select Resume.
7. Once submitted, a MFP permit number is assigned and will be sent to City staff. Applicant has the option
to pay, return to their dashboard, or exit the portal.
Note: the permit status will be listed as Pending Payment and City review period will not start until
payment has been received (see step 3 and step 4).
STEP 4: PAYMENT
• There are two methods to pay for the permit intended to facilitate applicant’s business practice. First, upon
completing the submitting in step 2 the permit can be paid for immediately; or second, the applicant may defer
payment from the time of submission.
1. If electing to pay for the time of submission:
a. Upon selecting submit in step 2, the permit will open. Select Pay Now.
b. An invoice summary will appear, select Pay Now.
c. A payment details page will appear, complete the requested fields and select Pay Now.
d. The payment will be applied to the permit. This will change the permit status and initiate the review
cycle with City staff (see step 4).
2. If electing to defer payment from the time of submission:
a. Log into the portal and select My Dashboard.
b. Scroll down to My Invoices and select View My Invoices.
c. A table with all pending invoices will appear. Check the box next to all invoices to be paid and select
Add to Cart.
d. The cart will open allowing the applicant to review and modify the selection. To remove invoices select
Remove by each appropriate invoice, to add select Back or Top Menu and navigate to the pending
invoices page. To pay, select Check Out.
e. A payment details page will appear, complete the requested fields and select Pay Now.
f. The payment will be applied to the permit changing the permit status and initiating the review cycle
with the City staff (see step 4).
STEP 5: STAFF REVIEW STATUS AND APPLICANT ACTION
• Upon submitting in step 3 and making payment in step 4 the permit status will change to In Review and staff will
begin the review cycle. After review, staff will change the permit status to Issued (for approved permits) or
Corrections/Resubmit.
1. If approved, an automated email will be sent to the applicant and contacts on the permit notifying of the
approval status and permits assigned MFP number.
FRANCHISE PERMIT PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
rentonwa.gov/permitservices | developmentengineering@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7240 12/18/2023 | Page 3 of 4
2. If corrections are required, automated email will be sent to the applicant of a document being uploaded to
the portal..
To see the corrections:
a. Log into the portal and select My Dashboard
b. Under My Permits select View My Permits.
c. In the table that opens, select the permit number referenced in the email.
d. In the Tab Elements for the permit, select Attachments.
e. The redline file will be attached and can be downloaded.
To resubmit plans:
a. Log into the portal and select My Dashboard.
b. Under My Permits select View My Permits.
c. In the table that opens, select the permit number referenced in the email.
d. In the Tab Elements for the permit, select Attachments.
e. Select Add Attachment and attach each file being resubmitted
Note: files being resubmitted shall be named with a V1, V2, etc. corresponding to the revision number.
(i.e. if resubmitting for the first time, all file names shall end with a V1).
STEP 6: PRINT PERMIT AND START WORK
• Once the permit status is set to Issued the applicant can print the permit by:
1. Log into the portal and select My Dashboard.
2. Under My Permits select Active.
3. In the table that opens ensure the Display dropdown menu is set to All.
4. Select the MFP permit to be printed.
5. In the permit select the printer icon.
• Prior to starting work the applicant (or contractor) must call in a sob start by either:
1. Scheduling online through the portal:
a. Log onto the portal and select My Dashboard.
b. Under My Permits select Active
c. In the table that opens ensure the Display dropdown menu is set to All.
d. Select the MFP permit for which an inspection is being requested.
e. In the Tab Elements section select Inspections.
f. Select Request Inspection.
2. Calling the inspection line at 425-430-7203 and leaving a detailed message with permit number and job
location.
FAQ’S AND TIPS FOR USING THE PORTAL
• Who has access to the portal, the MSA permit, and how do I grant other access?
Anyone who has created a login (see Register an Account above) has access to the portal. Only those who have
been listed as a contact on the MSA permit will have access to it. Only City staff can add contacts to the MSA
FRANCHISE PERMIT PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS
rentonwa.gov/permitservices | developmentengineering@rentonwa.gov | 425-430-7240 12/18/2023 | Page 4 of 4
permit. To grant permission to a new contact outside of the signatory company, the company contact must
provide a signed letter to franchisepermits@rentonwa.gov authorizing additional users.
• What happens if my site work changes?
Minor changes may be authorized by the site inspector. If the site inspector requires new plan review then
plans shall be resubmit in the same manner as Step 5 bullet To resubmit plans.
• Should I flatten or unprotect my document when submitting?
Yes. This will facilitate faster review times for City Staff.
• When is an overhead variance letter required?
City code RMC 4-6-090 requires undergrounding of aboveground utilities and lists specific exemption criteria.
If the applicant does not meet the exemption criteria but wishes to install aboveground then a variance
pursuant to RMC 4-9-250.B is required.
• Who can I hire as a contractor?
Only contractors with an active Washington State Business License and an active City of Renton Business
License may perform work within the City right-of-way. If contractor does not have a City of Renton business
license one can be obtained by going to the City Website here. City Staff will verify that contractors have
appropriate licenses during the plan review.
• Do I need to show existing utilities on the site plans?
Showing the existing utilities helps speed up the review process by allowing the applicant to minimize conflicts
and select the most economical path. Existing City utilities can be seen by using the City’s online mapping tool
CORMaps and ensuring the Utility layer is turned on.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact Development Engineering at 425-430-7240 or by email at franchisepermits@rentonwa.gov. You may
also stop by the City of Renton Permit Center on the 6th Floor of City Hall Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am-
11:30am or 1pm-4pm. (Closed Tuesdays and Fridays).
FRANCHISE PERMIT PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS