Tag: permitting system

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Thursday, August 1, the city of West Hollywood disclosed it is launching a new, comprehensive enterprise permitting and licensing management system in August 2024. This advanced software will transform the city’s permitting, planning, regulatory licensing, and code enforcement processes, making these more user-friendly.

The new permitting system will replace multiple software platforms that have been previously used in isolation, which will streamline operations and improve service delivery for residents, businesses, vendors, and stakeholders who interact with the City’s permitting processes.

The following areas and functions will be improved: Building & Safety Permitting, Plan Check Review and Inspection Services, Current Planning and Historic Preservation, Long-Range Planning, Engineering, Neighborhood and Business Safety Code Enforcement and Business Licensing/Permitting, Revenue, Film Permitting, Special Event permitting, and more.

From Wednesday, August 14, to Monday, August 19, to accommodate the upgrade, certain services will be taken offline and there will be a temporary pause in application acceptance and permit issuance, impacting:

-Planning and Building & Safety – At West Hollywood City Hall, Planning and Building & Safety counters will remain operational during the upgrade to provide limited services, but staff will not be able to accept new applications or issue permits. In addition, applications submitted by email on or after Friday, August 9, 2024 may be delayed until after the new system is launched on Monday, August 19, 2024.

-Neighborhood and Business Safety, Code Enforcement, Business Licensing/Permitting – At West Hollywood City Hall, Neighborhood & Business Safety/Code Enforcement counters will remain operational during the upgrade, but staff will not be able to process applications or issue permits, such as Regulatory Business Licenses, Extended Hours Permits, Special Events Permits, and Encroachment Permits.

All applications and permitting services are anticipated to resume on Monday, August 19, at 10 a.m., once the new system is launched.

City staff members will be available to discuss questions and concerns from community members before, during, and after the upgrade; call West Hollywood City Hall at (323) 848-6400.

The City’s new permitting system, developed in partnership with Tyler Technologies, results from an extensive proposal evaluation process. The platform will consolidate multiple systems, enabling City Divisions to share information more efficiently. The system will feature an online portal as a central communication hub between the public and City staff.

From initial application submissions to permit/license issuance, it will provide a robust workflow, outlining each step of the process allowing applicants and City staff to track progress in real-time.

Highlights of the new permitting system include:

-Customer portals to track application and project submittals;

-Fully electronic plan submittals and reviews;

-Guided assistance for applicants through the application process;

-Integration with the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office for updated parcel information;

-Mobile responsive interface to support City staff in the field; and

-Seamless payment options offered within the platform.

For more details about West Hollywood’s Permitting and Technology Upgrade call Eugene Tsipis, West Hollywood Information Technology Manager, at (323) 848-6399 or at etsipis@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing call TTY (323) 848-6496.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, July 24, the city of Santa Monica noted in a press release that the City Council unanimously voted to move forward with an initiative that will benefit businesses, home renovators and property owners by providing an updated, streamlined and comprehensive online system to secure building permits.

They approved a $3.8 million, five-year contract with Speridian Technologies, LLC to adopt and implement the Clariti permitting and land use management system. The new system is expected to be fully implemented in the next 18 months.

The move is a direct result of staff input and an extensive evaluation of the existing permitting system and processes.

“Opening a business can be complicated, so any way we can help to make the process smoother on the city side is a huge win for everyone,” said Mayor Phil Brock. “This new system will help us attract businesses to open here and thrive for years to come.”

The new system covers permitting processes: from application to review to issuance to fee assessment to inspections. The modern platform will enable efficiencies, enhance the applicant experience, and provide a “one-stop shop” for land management, along with the corresponding planning, licensing, permitting and enforcement functions.

“We all have the same goal, which is to get projects in and out of our queue as quickly and efficiently as possible while ensuring safety, environmental and other requirements are met,” said Community Development Director David Martin. “I’m proud that we took the initiative to look at our existing practices and are now taking concrete steps to improve and innovate.”

In addition to improving customer experience, the new permitting system will:

-Streamline application submittal and permit approval processes.

-Provide intuitive systems that are simpler to navigate via an online portal with a single sign-on user experience.

-Reduce manual processes and improve efficiencies through use of increased automation.

-Improve reporting and availability of permitting metrics, such as number and type of permits, for city staff and the public.

-Provide reports and dashboards for city staff to better monitor permit processes and status.

-Improve integration with other city technology systems.

For more details on building permits and plan review visit the city of Santa Monica website.

By Trevor