Accela Citizen Access (ACA)
Effective January 6, 2025, Code Enforcement has expanded its Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal. Accela is now the preferred portal for all customer projects.
This one-stop solution has long been a request from our customers, and we are pleased to be able to offer this streamlined access to Code Enforcement services.
Resources for customers
User Guides
The following user guides provide step-by-step information on setting up your user login and managing your account:
- Accela Citizen Access Registration User Guide for Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement
- Temporary Utility Application Guide
- Resetting an Accela (ACA) Account Password
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Single- or Two-Family Plan Review Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Townhouse Permit Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Townhouse Plan Review Application
- Scheduling a RESIDENTIAL Inspection
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Equipment Changeout Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Trade Permit Application
- Requesting a RESIDENTIAL Inspection by Appointment (IBA)
- Requesting a RESIDENTIAL Overtime Inspection (OTI)
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Addition Application
- Requesting a RESIDENTIAL RDP Inspection
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Accessory Structure Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Pool-Spa Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Solar Photovoltaic Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Alteration Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL In-Home Daycare or Residential Care Home/Facility Plan Review Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Roofing Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Demolition Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL New Construction Application
- Submitting a RESIDENTIAL Master Plan Application
- Submitting a Homeowner-Access Inspection Request (Morning Hours)
- Submitting a Homeowner-Access Inspection Request (Afternoon Hours)
Which projects can utilize the Accela portal?
Effective Jan. 6, 2025, the following projects should submit using Accela:
- Residential projects, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Single-family or two-family structures
- Accessory dwelling units (ADU’s)
- Garages
- Residential master plans
- Residential repairs, renovations and upfits
- Equipment changeouts (also known as Trade Internet Permits/TIP)
- Commercial projects, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Small commercial projects
- Large commercial projects/OnSchedule
- Mega projects
- Special projects
The following specialty service streams will be moved to Accela in the coming weeks:
- Demolition
- Townhomes
- Live Remote Inspections (LRI)
- Homeowner Internet Permits (HIP)
What about projects that have already been submitted?
Customers with projects already in progress will continue using our legacy portals, Electronic Plan Management (EPM) and POSSE Outrider, also known as the contractor dashboard. These portals will not remain open indefinitely; all customers with new projects should submit using Accela.
Important Information for Our Customers
Jan. 6th, 2025: Accela becomes the preferred portal for our customers. All customers are encouraged to create a free Accela account in preparation for the sunset of our legacy portals in the coming months.
Week of Feb. 24th, 2025: The following types of projects and permits can no longer be applied for via POSSE Outrider, also known as WebPermit or the contractor dashboard:
- Small commercial projects
- New trade permits
- Equipment changeouts
- Trade Internet Permits (TIPS)
Customers should submit applications for these project types and permits using Accela.
April 24th, 2025: The following types of projects and permits can no longer be applied for via POSSE Outrider, also known as WebPermit or the contractor dashboard:
- Residential projects requiring plan review
- Residential projects not requiring plan review
- Residential master plan projects
Customers should submit applications for these project types and permits using Accela.
Our customers have been using Accela for select project types for some time now. As more of our customers engage with us using Accela, and as we prepare to expand Accela in the coming weeks to become the preferred customer portal for all projects, we wanted to add one important item to every contractor customer’s to-do list:
All contractors should create an Accela account/login as soon as possible.
Here’s what you need to know about creating an Accela account:
- Having an account set up is critically important; it will not only allow contractors to submit projects to Accela, it will allow GC’s to designate subcontractors for various projects. If a subcontractor’s account is not set up in Accela, a GC will not be able to attach the subcontractor to the project.
- Contractors can use the same surety bond they already use with Mecklenburg County, as well, of course, as the same license.
- When account setup is complete, customers will have the same “X-number”, also known as account number.
- Setting up an account is not a lengthy process, and can be done anytime online.
- First, set up an create an Accela account here. You will have an opportunity to add your license information – please do so.
- Then, once your professional license has been verified by the agency, you will have the opportunity to add your bond/trust account, which will allow facilitation of payments for permits and other services. We have provided a detailed tutorial on adding bond/trust account information here.
That’s it! Once this process is complete, contractors are ready to obtain permits using Accela. We are delighted to have you on this journey with us.
Questions? Contact our Customer Service Center at 980-314-CODE or [email protected].
Customer Training Opportunities
The following trainings for residential customers have been scheduled. These sessions will be in-person at our offices at 2145 Suttle Avenue, Charlotte. Commercial trainings will be scheduled soon.
Topic: Setting Up Your Accela Account
- 9-10:30 a.m., Wed., July 16th, Fraser Fir Conference Room, Fourth Floor, 2145 Suttle Avenue
Topic: Residential Plan Review and Permitting (including Master Plans)
- 9:30-11:30 a.m., Thurs., July 24th, Fraser Fir Conference Room, Fourth Floor, 2145 Suttle Avenue
Topic: Submitting Applications for Residential Equipment Changeout and Trade Permits
- 10-11:30 a.m., Tues., July 29th, Fraser Fir Conference Room, Fourth Floor, 2145 Suttle Avenue
Topic: Residential Permitting That Does Not Require Plan Review
- 9-10:30 a.m., Wed., Aug. 6th, Fraser Fir Conference Room, Fourth Floor, 2145 Suttle Avenue
Topic: Townhouse Plan Review and Permitting
- 9:30-11:30 a.m., Tues., Aug. 12th, Pine Conference Room, 2145 Suttle Avenue
Topic: Navigating Residential Inspections
- 9-11 a.m., Fri., Aug. 22nd, Fraser Fir Conference Room, Fourth Floor, 2145 Suttle Avenue
Advanced registration is not required, but please be aware that space is limited.
All customers are welcome to attend these sessions, but the trainers will focus on residential projects only. Commercial project trainings will be scheduled in the near future.
For questions about these sessions or Accela, please contact Code Enforcement's Customer Service Center at 980-314-CODE(2633).
Need help?
We're here to help! Call our Customer Service Center at 980-314-CODE(2633) and press 1, or e-mail [email protected].