Summer often comes with increased construction activity. This inevitably leads to a surge in permit applications and more work for local governments.
The influx of applications during this period can overwhelm even the most prepared departments. This highlights the critical need for efficiency and the best software to handle the seasonal spike.
We recently shared a poll on our social media that highlighted the main challenges permit managers face during the summer and how they prioritize applications.
With 56% of poll respondents citing incomplete applications as their top concern, it's evident that missing or incorrect information can significantly delay the permitting process.
This was followed by managing inquiries at 22% and processing delays and tracking status tied at 11% of the participants. These challenges underscore the multiple challenges of permit management during peak periods.
Incomplete applications can significantly slow down the development approval process.
Many applications submitted to governments without online processes often lack complete information. This means that departments need to spend extra time chasing down missing information which leads to delays and frustration on both sides. This issue is particularly pronounced during the summer when the volume of applications is at its highest.
Online permitting software can drastically help reduce the number of incomplete applications that governments receive. Cloudpermit requires applicants to fill out all mandatory fields before submitting their application. As a result, applications are always submitted complete, which helps departments process and issue permits faster.
Managing inquiries is another critical challenge for building professionals. As the number of applications increases, so does the volume of questions and requests for status updates from applicants. This places additional demands on staff and takes up significant time.
Permit tracking software helps teams keep all information and inquiries in one place. Residents can ask their questions online on platforms like Cloudpermit by sending time-stamped messages. This reduces work at the front counter since administrative staff do not need to field phone calls, emails, and questions at the front counter. Instead, they can respond to all questions in one place and keep track of them easily.
How permits are prioritized can significantly impact how efficiently building departments can issue permits during high-demand periods.
Our poll showed that 57% of respondents handle applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Next, 29% prioritize based on application completeness, and 14% prioritize based on the project's importance.
The first-come, first-served method is simple and transparent. It is also easier for governments to keep track of what application needs to be reviewed next.
Prioritizing applications based on their completeness is practical for governments because incomplete applications cannot be processed effectively.
Platforms like Cloudpermit help governments see the order in which applications were submitted. This allows them to sort and respond to applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our community development software also allows governments to always receive complete applications. This makes it easy for departments to review complete applications and ensure they meet compliance requirements.
Tools like Cloudpermit play a key role in streamlining the permit process and addressing challenges during summer’s busy season. Learn more about how our software helps departments achieve more efficiency, reach out to us.