What is Permitting Software?

Permitting software is used to track workflows associated with both individual and business applications for permits. There are many different types of licenses and permits, including ones for alcohol sales, agriculture, short-term rentals, firearms, radio and television broadcasting, fish and wildlife, and more.

Permitting software also helps governments track whether activities in a jurisdiction are adhering to local laws and regulations. Software allows for digitized data collection that makes government processes more efficient and the overall experience better for residents and businesses.

From a computer screen in the office to a tablet in the field, permitting software expedites planning, review, and enforcement procedures, saving time for all parties involved.

Benefits of Permitting Software

A good answer to a question like “What is permitting software?” wouldn’t be complete without mentioning some of the benefits. In short, permitting software can help reduce human error, limit agency liability, track all plans and permit issues, reduce paper waste, increase revenue, and give government agencies data to make better decisions.

Reduce Human Error

Permitting software reduces human error by decreasing the number of repetitive manual data entries. This means faster permitting with fewer mistakes since the software can automate escalation procedures and required operational steps while providing accurate jurisdictional Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and analytics to help agencies make data-driven decisions.

Reduce Paper Waste

Permitting software also makes it easier to manage the wide variety of permits governments process on a daily basis and gives them an easy way to keep track of all of them. This is partly because of all the paper processes that permitting software replaces.

Permitting software gives governments the power to review, forward for internal approval, and approve or deny requests online. With more citizens invested in conservation, environmentalism, and eco-friendly practices, these new streamlined, paperless practices will reduce a government’s carbon footprint and improve community satisfaction.

Increase Productivity

Permitting software can also improve productivity. For example, when citizens can spend less time waiting on permit applications to be processed and approved, they can dedicate more time to the actual project in question. Streamlining workflows with software can also help government staff speed up the process, saving time and resources.

The Rise of Digital Services

Additionally, with the technological advancements in software over the last 20 years, and the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic that caused many businesses to digitize services, citizens have come to expect this kind of convenience. As more governments undergo digital transformation, permitting software should be a part of the plan.

With all of the benefits, it should be clear why permitting software is important for local governments. Agencies shouldn’t just be asking, “what is permitting software?” but also, “how can we incorporate permitting software into our operations?” in order to improve efficiency and help better serve citizens’ needs.