Council consents now totally online
Southland District Council building consents applications are now fully online, signalling the end of the old paper building forms.
Council manager building solutions Julie Conradi said new GoGet software went live on May 6, which gave the building team the final tool for full electronic submission and processing of building consent application. ‘‘This means the old paper building forms are being phased out,’’ Conradi said.
Electronic processing of building consent applications meant better service and support, she said.
Conradi said the benefits of included: electronic form guidance about what needed to be included in submissions, the ability to create a template submission and re-use it, and visibility of the processing clock as it was seen by the council.
Another benefit was an immediate electronic receipt of requests for information sent by the council, and ‘‘indisputable’’ council receipt of people’s response to requests, preventing time delays, she said.
From July 1, the council would charge a $70 fee for scanning paper building consent applications, Conradi said. ‘‘From July 1, electronic submission and processing will be Southland District Council’s primary way of doing business. If you have some doubts or concerns about submitting forms electronically, we’re offering you the option of booking a support phone call or video conference with a member of our team who will talk you through the process.’’
The council’s inspection record process had also changed, and customers would now receive a site notice for inspections that either passed or failed, Conradi said.
Earlier this month, the council sent an open letter to the building industry,0 saying it was struggling to keep up with demand. ‘‘As a result of us reaching out, some contractor companies were able to offer us extra help.’’