No one wants long delays in permitting. A slowdown in the process can add to staff workloads and frustrate citizens and contractors who just want the work to start.
Still, rushing through this important process can miss crucial details before it’s too late — and that can lead to structural and safety issues that will affect the community for years to come.
That’s why today’s building officials are looking for ways to speed up permit reviews without taking shortcuts. For many local governments, harnessing the power of modern permitting software is the answer they’ve been looking for.
Automating and Digitizing Workflows
One of the biggest reasons for permitting slowdowns is simply not having enough time to keep up with the workload — and that can create a ripple effect that will delay applications that haven’t even been submitted yet.
Time-consuming steps and repetitive work to get through low-risk applications for things like fences or sheds can lead to costly delays for the big projects that are trying to get off the ground in your community.
That’s why the right permitting software gives building officials new ways to automate things like applicant updates, renewal reminders, and even auto-approval of simple permits — giving everyone more time to instead focus on the bigger picture.
Manual or outdated processes can also cause unnecessary holdups, whether it’s trying to track down information buried in filing cabinets and separate property databases or slow sharing of reviews across departments.
Digitizing the process with online building permit software enables municipalities to speed up the sharing of this crucial information, giving employees access to the data they need, when and where they need it. Instead of waiting days or weeks for an answer, everyone can work together to get through the application all at once.
Tapping into Built-In Tools
Today’s permitting software should help building departments get more done in the office and out in the field. To speed up everything else, it’s essential to maximize efficiency no matter where the staff is working.
Mobile inspection apps that work whether staff are online or offline can eliminate the need to waste time re-entering notes and pictures back in the office. Instead, inspections can be completed right at the site, ensuring accuracy and safety while also cutting out duplicate work.
Built-in code reference tools can also make a big difference in the job, giving reviewers instant access to GIS property information and locally adopted building codes out of the office.
Cloudpermit’s permitting software offers both of these mobile-friendly features through the comprehensive Cloudpermit Inspections mobile app and seamless integration with ICC Code Connect, arming staff with the best digital tools today as they get through reviews.
Keeping Everyone in the Loop
No matter how good the local workflow is, delays can happen if applicants are confused by unclear requests for information or if they’re not aware of status changes for their permits.
Ignoring these problems means citizens and contractors are left unsure about their applications. They can contact the department or send an email to seek information, but this only adds to the administrative burden of already-strained staff members and doesn’t speed up the process.
Even if they try to stop by the office to figure things out, building professionals and inspectors are often out in the field — and that only adds to the frustration for everyone involved.
Adopting better permitting software can unlock the ability to instead rely on auto-notifications and streamlined in-platform messaging that stops these problems in their tracks.
This easy sharing of information and changes as they happen also boosts transparency, giving applicants a real-time view of where their permit is and what else they need to do before they get to work.
This level of transparency also gives supervisors a way of spotting potential slowdowns before they snowball, helping everyone become proactive in their work rather than reacting to problems after it’s too late.
Get the Right Permitting Software for Your Community
The challenges facing building departments require innovative thinking and an eye toward efficiency whenever possible — all without skipping out on crucial steps that ensure everyone’s safety.
With Cloudpermit, you can go faster and still keep residents safe while removing unnecessary hurdles from development.
Speed and safety can go hand in hand — but only if you have the best permitting software for local governments.
Learn why hundreds of municipalities have transformed their permit reviews with Cloudpermit by booking a demo with us today.
