Express Permitting - the 43 Second Solution

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Citrus County, Florida’s new line of e-government services, Express Permitting, allows online self-service purchase of air conditioning (HVAC) change-out, electric service repair or replacement, reroof, window, and door replacement permits 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The online Express Permitting program has significantly cut county staff time, contractor time, and the time residents have to wait for the contractor services they need. The project was designed in-house and the necessary mechanisms were created to enable online document handling and electronic signatures, while saving the county consultation fees and the cost to purchase or develop software. Licensed contractors were frustrated they had to leave the job site and come in to the government building to obtain simple permits. On weekends and off-hours obtaining a permit was out of the question. Prior to implementation the new program was presented to the Citrus County Builders Association at one of their monthly membership meetings. The presentation of an online application submitted, paid for, approved and printed took just 43 seconds. The Builders Association members embraced the new program along with the optional county-provided training for licensed contractors. The Building Department continues to accept walk-in permit applications, while encouraging contractors to transition to the online portal. During the first six months of online Express Permitting implementation, the county tracked 50 percent fewer permits handled by staff in categories offered online. A fringe benefit has been that employees now have additional time to offer guidance to contractors who are applying for more complex permits such as nonresidential and multi-family. What does it take to please county employees, contractors and their customers? In Citrus County it’s online Express Permitting, the 43 second solution!