Web-based permit application systems

[Eric]

I caught this article about a new web-based permit application system being used in Florida (https://www.govtech.com/computing/florida-counties-find-efficiencies-in-upgraded-permitting-system) and was curious about what other web-based application platforms are currently out there. I've come across several different systems used by different building and planning departments (e.g., this sleek one by Sonoma County: https://prmd.sonomacounty.ca.gov/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx) but they all seem quite different. Based on the article, the new Florida system definitely seems to be increasing efficiency and it looks like the software's ability to automate calculation of fees is a big part of that.

Most building departments don't have a system like this yet, so it'd be great if we could all share notes about what systems are working/not working for different purposes, to help with adoption of these systems/efficiencies across permit programs.

Does anyone reading this have any thoughts they can share about experiences with these types of web-based application systems?

 

[Ληδяέ]

I caught this article about a new web-based permit application system being used in Florida (https://www.govtech.com/computing/florida-counties-find-efficiencies-in-upgraded-permitting-system) and was curious about what other web-based application platforms are currently out there. I've come across several different systems used by different building and planning departments (e.g., this sleek one by Sonoma County: https://prmd.sonomacounty.ca.gov/CitizenAccess/Default.aspx) but they all seem quite different. Based on the article, the new Florida system definitely seems to be increasing efficiency and it looks like the software's ability to automate calculation of fees is a big part of that.

Most building departments don't have a system like this yet, so it'd be great if we could all share notes about what systems are working/not working for different purposes, to help with adoption of these systems/efficiencies across permit programs.

Does anyone reading this have any thoughts they can share about experiences with these types of web-based application systems?

Here's an example of one from dozens i could find specific to New Zealand.

Projects & consents

Information to help you plan your building project, get consent, build to the consent and legally complete your project.

www.building.govt.nz

 

[Eric]

Thanks for sharing! Interesting to see this well-explained permitting guide from your side of the ocean. I really am impressed by how user friendly and readable the website is, and how well it explains the whole process. Also interesting is the fact that building permitting appears to be administered at a national level in New Zealand, whereas in the U.S. it's completely decentralized with pretty much every town, city, and county having their own building department with its own unique set of rules. Yours is probably much more efficient and easier for contractors working in different areas...in the U.S. we're all about our federalism and letting people do whatever they want as much as possible (e.g., there are no building code requirements whatsoever in some parts of the country).

 

[Ληδяέ]

Yeah i couldn't honestly comment on how NZ & USA stack up relatively in this respect, and from what i had to scroll through to find that particular govt.nz agency link, would suggest NZ is possibly more similar than it may initially appear on the surface perhaps.

There were far more local & regional council permitting websites, which was surprising.

Federalism sounds quite nice.
NZ's practically little-China in terms of governance.
i've long noticed the international news media-pfft even the local govt controlled news media-generally present wildly distorted fictions of this country's democratic-Socialist overlords.

We've got Maori now able lodge claims of ancestral -anything- without any actual proof beyond fabricated stories and viola—essentially just by pointing a finger, the existing land owner is expected to just happily go away. It's crazy.

Then there's the issue of national assets and infrastructure which the dichotomous puppet government has been selling off for scraps, even now they're maneuvering to literally hand over control of the entire nations water supply infrastructure...

...to...

...a few ultra wealthy self proclaimed elite Maori tribe's corporations.

Yet it's even more insane than that.
Not only are they giving it all away, taxpayers are expected to continue paying for maintaining it all—and also pay more for the supply...

 

[Nomad]

In my place, local governments have created websites and mobile applications to expedite the application process for various kinds of services, including getting permits for various things. However, these websites and apps are so poorly designed that it is not only difficult to navigate but also most of the time are out of order.

 

[Korner6]

Having computers calculate permit costs for applicants will not only save time, but possible prevent human error. Humans entering the wrong codes into the system is still possible and could be problematic, but for the most part, it would be a more efficient process.

What happens when "the cloud" gets hacked? We all know it's not a true cloud, but a server elsewhere.

Do you think that the fees collected are also part of the process of this automation?