Making life easier for developers
City of Charlottetown investigating automated permit software that would allow developers to get information faster
The City of Charlottetown is looking at an automated permit system that aims to make life easier for developers, residents and staff.
Council approved $100,000 for automated permit software in its capital budget last week.
Coun. Greg Rivard, chairman of the planning committee, said the new automated system will give staff an opportunity to provide an enhanced service to customers by providing them with instant tracking ability.
It’s currently in the review process and could be in use sometime late this summer.
The software would allow the customer to check the status of a permit online.
It tells the user where the permit is in the process.
“This feature frees up staff from answering numerous inquiries from customers that presently take a considerable amount of time because planning staff have to literally walk around from desk to desk trying to track down a particular permit,’’ Rivard said.
He said the new system also brings with it more accountability for staff who have to explain to the public and managers as to why a particular permit is not moving in the process.
“Initially, we are only purchasing the application for building permits. The portal to the public would be purchased at a later date to allow the public to apply for permits online.’’
Mobile applications can also be used by building inspectors to connect to the planning office and access the National Building Code and check whether building permits have been applied for. This tool can be extended to a planning officer to track and record complaints in the community.
“It’ll help developers understand what the turnaround time will be for building permits. Time is money, and that’s really important to the development community. Just the uncertainty of getting a building permit was a concern we brought forward to City Hall on a number of occasions. We’re pleased to see that investment in the capital budget.’’ Penny Walsh McGuire
It also connects all of the various departments involved in building permits that are located in different buildings.
Penny Walsh McGuire, executive director of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber is thrilled to see the automated program.
“It’ll help developers understand what the turnaround time will be for building permits. Time is money, and that’s really important to the development community,’’ said Walsh McGuire. “Just the uncertainty of getting a building permit was a concern we brought forward to City Hall on a number of occasions. We’re pleased to see that investment in the capital budget.’’
The $13.4 million capital budget was brought down last week.
It was noted during Wednesday’s operational budget address that building permits in Charlottetown are up 50 per cent. And, in media interviews afterwards, the need for affordable housing came up.
Walsh McGuire said developers can help.
“The development community can bring solutions for that so, again, (it’s) good to see those building permits going in the right direction. I think now, as we work together, let’s figure out how we can continue to smooth out the process for developers,’’ she said.