The Most Time-Consuming Aspect of Managing Permits

This summer, like most summers, has been a busy season for most, if not all, local governments. More homeowners are starting renovations and new construction projects now, leading to more permits.

As a result, the summer usually means an increased workload and more demand for government staff time.

Most Time-Consuming Aspect of Managing Permits

In our recent social media poll, we found that 60% of respondents see data entry as the most time-consuming aspect of managing permits during busy periods.

Another 20% identified communication with applicants as the most time-consuming, while another 20% cited coordinating with other departments.

Data entry can be time-consuming even in low demand periods, especially when governments rely on paper-based or on-premises permit systems. Manually inputting paper applications into another system can take up significant, valuable time.

Online platforms like Cloudpermit drastically reduce the administrative work required from local governments. Staff do not need to spend hours on data entry since all information is submitted online. Instead of doing the same work twice—applicants completing it once and then again by the government—it is only done once by the applicants themselves. This saves valuable time that governments can spend doing other tasks.

It is also important to note that all applications are submitted complete with all relevant information filled out before submission. This drastically reduces any need for manual data entry, or eliminates it altogether.

Digital tools can also help save valuable time spent communicating with applicants and coordinating with other departments by centralizing all information.

Applicants and government staff can send time-stamped messages online, avoiding the need for phone calls, emails, or front office visits. This streamlined communication is especially helpful during the busy season when staff take vacations, as it allows any team member to pick up and continue the conversation easily.

Centralized information is key for coordination between departments. They can access the same information at the same time to avoid any confusion or delays receiving data.

Desired Improvements in Future Permit Management

In our poll, we also asked what improvements respondents would like to see in the permit management process during peak times.

The results were more divided in this question, but the leading response was a reduced administrative workload at 40% of respondents.

The other respondents were split between better tracking and updates at 33%, with 13.5% each citing faster processing times and improved accuracy and compliance.

Moving to online permitting software like Cloudpermit can alleviate the administrative workload by streamlining the application and review processes. With digital tools, applicants take on the responsibility of inputting their own information, which reduces the need for staff to handle manual data entry and follow up on incomplete applications. This minimizes errors, ensures complete information, and drastically reduces the administrative workload for staff.

Centralized information online can help with better tracking and updates, faster processing times, and improved accuracy and compliance. Online tools provide a single source of truth for all stakeholders, ensure data is always up to date, and allow easier access to relevant records.