Going into 2025, a top priority for state and local governments around the country is figuring out how to boost permitting efficiency. With hundreds of software options available, it can be daunting for teams to try and thoroughly evaluate all of them. We’ve put together a helpful list of the most important features to look for when vetting a permitting platform, as well as a running list of some of the top providers in the space. We will update this list periodically throughout the year.

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Features to Look For

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Online Portal

The future of permitting is cloud-based software that can create a more streamlined and transparent permitting process for staff and applicants. In 2025, most cities are moving towards cloud-based software for permitting. Look for a system that offers a simple, intuitive portal that your residents will be able to navigate easily.

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Built-in Electronic Plan Review

Your staff shouldn’t have to switch back-and-forth between different programs to review plans, which can create additional administrative work and increase the likelihood of errors. Look for permitting platforms that allow you to review plans in the same place as where you manage your projects.

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Excellent Customer Support

Vendors differ widely in the level of support provided. Some vendors on the lower end of the cost spectrum can seem like a great deal but ultimately require you to do the hard work of implementing the software and making ongoing modifications, such as changing workflows and fees. Other vendors can take days or weeks to address simple issues.

If you don’t have a lot of extra bandwidth or can’t designate someone on your team as a system administrator, make sure your permitting software vendor offers a dedicated point of contact such as a Customer Success Manager that can guide you through the overall implementation process and provide long-term support.

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Support for Citizens

Chances are not everyone in your community is tech savvy. Make sure your vendor offers direct support to your residents in case of things like system bugs, forgotten passwords etc. If you are responsible for tech support and training your community on a new system, your rollout might create a lot of extra work for staff.

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Project History / Correspondence Tracking

The best permitting programs can reduce back-office work by automatically collecting a history of all activity and correspondence related to projects, including emails / notifications sent to applicants.

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Mobile Inspections

With inspectors spending most of their time in the field, the software they use should be able to function there. Mobile inspection functionality allows inspectors to log their inspections from anywhere, without having to go back to the office to re-enter data.

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Questions to Ask

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It’s important to do your research when it comes to evaluating software, but it’s even more important to ask software providers questions! Here’s a few that can help you start the conversation and decide whether a certain platform is right for your department:

• Can you explain how the implementation process will work and what support will look like throughout it and the life of the contract?
• What is your pricing based on?
  • Do you charge by seat?
  • Are there any caps on data?
  • Do you charge for additional support?
  • What changes are included for free and what do I need to pay for?
• Will the vendor make edits on your behalf, or will you need an internal administrator or external consultant to make changes to workflows and documents?
• What size customers do you normally work with?

To help get you started on the software journey, here’s an idea of some of the companies in the space and their offerings.

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