How do I get started?   First time users should click the “Sign up using Secure Portal” link in the login page.  Then, when prompted, simply enter your email address and a secure password and then click "Sign Up" to create an account. Please note: all passwords must be at least eight characters and contain an uppercase letter, lower case letter, and number. 

 Who should fill out the application?   The entity that is responsible for the project should fill out the permit.  This is the General Contractor for most cases.  For  trade only permits, the main trade contractor should  complete the application.  We do not recommend that the homeowner fill out the permit unless they are acting as the General Contractor.   

Can other people sign in and see the application?  An application is accessed through the email and password for the account used to submit the application. However, that entity can invite guests to access the permit record by adding their name and email address.  This access to the permit record may also be revoked by the permit owner.   

Can I see all my applications in one place?  Once you are logged in, the "My Account" link in the top right corner of the website will open a dashboard that has information such as your required actions (tasks), messages, past and present applications, and permit and license documents issued to you.  

Next, click the "Sign up using Secure Portal" button.  Then, when prompted, simply enter your email address and a secure password and then click "Sign Up" to create an account. Please note: all passwords must be at least eight characters and contain an upper case letter, lower case letter, and number.

What do I do if I need help with my permit or have questions about the status?   Applications can be saved and resumed at a later time.  If there are questions, please call 919-968-2718 or email your requests to permits@townofchapelhill.org

I submitted my permit.  What’s next?   Check the status of your permit.  For all building permits, the next step is to pay the administrative review fee.  For trade only permits, the fees are due when the permit is issued.   

How do I check the status of my permit?  The user dashboard can be accessed by returning users here: https://chapelhillnc.viewpointcloud.com/login and then clicking the link for “account” in the upper right-hand corner of the landing page.  Click the permit in question to review its status. 

How will I know if I need to do anything?   The Online Permit Center system will also email an applicant about next steps in the process.   Applicants can also open the application and check the list of steps in the permit process on left hand side of the page.  Once the application is submitted, the active steps in process will turn blue.  When they are complete the steps will turn green.  Steps in Grey indicate that the steps ahead of those have yet to be completed and are unavailable. 

Can I request inspections online?   Yes.  To request an inspection using the Online Permit Center, access the permit online and refer to the left-hand side of the page to review the inspection list that applies to the project.  Click the inspection to schedule and request a date using the calendar function.  Please enter the name and phone number of who will be on site in the notes box.  Each inspection will need to be scheduled individually.  Staff will review the requests and assign inspectors.   

Can I still call/email my inspection requests?    Yes.  Inspections can be requested by phone and email.  919-968-2718 and permits@townofchapelhill.org.

Why am I receiving email notifications about the permit? The Online Permit Center automatically generates an email notification to the applicant for each step in the permit process.   

Why am I receiving so many email notifications?  There are some permits that have 10-15 steps in the process and the applicant will receive an email when the permit goes through each step.  In addition, an applicant will receive an email notification for each inspection type that the project may need.  On larger projects that number is significant and an applicant may receive between 10-20 emails about eligible inspections.   

Can I turn off email notifications?   Unfortunately, there is no way to turn off email notifications to applicants.  We have asked the software company to work on this for a future improvement.  In the meantime, one approach a user can take is to set up an automatic rule that sends all emails from “NC Town of Chapel Hill” (email address: noreply@viewpointcloud.com) to a separate folder than your general inbox.