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Permitting software upgrade
Denver will implement new permitting software June 4-8, 2015. Here's what you need to know.

Why is Denver implementing new permitting software?

Accela is a software system used by municipalities across the United States to automate permitting processes. This system will streamline Denver's permitting process behind the scenes, while improving the level of customer service we provide to the public. It will link more than 200 record types and active permits -- making many processes that are still done on paper electronic. The system will also improve project tracking, measuring and monitoring, while opening doors for more information to be made available online.

The city's current permitting system is slow, buggy and cannot meet current permitting demand. Without upgrading, productivity would eventually grind to a halt as the old system could no longer be maintained.
Plan Ahead!
Permit Counter will be Closed Friday, June 5
To prepare for launch of the new software, Denver's Development Services permit counter will be CLOSED on FRIDAY, JUNE 5.

On Thursday, June 4 beginning at noon, no permits will be issued. Staff will be available Thursday afternoon for consultation and plan log-in.

The permit counter will open at the normal time on Monday, June 8. Customers may experience longer wait times the week of June 8 as our teams become accustomed to using the new system.

Thank you for your patience and for working with us to create a better Denver.

 

How will the upgrade affect customers in the short term?
Permit counter customers may experience longer wait times in the first days and weeks after the target launch date -- June 8. Most business process changes associated with the new system will be invisible to customers. In the rare cases where minor business processes changes apply, additional customer guidance will be provided.

How will the upgrade affect customers in the long term?
This step to replace an old, dying software system is laying the groundwork for better, faster, more efficient city services and public-facing features.
  • When fully implemented later in 2016, customers will be able to:
    • Check their permit status online
    • Get faster, more efficient inspections from inspectors carrying synced mobile devices 
  • It will expand opportunities down the road for further offerings, like:
    • Permit data available online
    • Electronic permitting
    • Scheduling inspections online
    • Renewing licenses online
    • Online payment
Why do this in the midst of the largest permit volumes in years?
It's precisely because of the peaking permit volumes that we need to upgrade the technology we use to serve customers. We don't want to continue to patch up an old system that gets slower, more buggy and more obsolete every day. We need greater capabilities to meet our customers' needs for more efficient service and more online options. This will accommodate rising volumes and set us up for future success. Given the volume of construction and development going on in Denver right now, there's really no good time to make the switch, so we're ripping off the Band-Aid now.

What about those customers who have already experienced volume-related delays?
We understand that some of our customers have experienced delays lately. We know they're concerned, and so are we. And that's why we've devoted so much effort to this project, to streamline permitting behind the scenes, to improve customer service and to expand our capabilities down the road. It's short-term pain for long-term gain.

What city services are included in this upgrade?
The spring 2015 upgrade affects the following services:
 
  • Right-of-way land use: encroachments, relinquishments, vacations, dedications, utilities
  • Transportation Engineering plan review
  • Sewer use and drainage (SUDP)
  • Storm and sanitary plan review
  • Street occupancy permits
  • Sewer cutoffs and repairs
  • Address assignment
  • Floodplain
  • Capital improvement projects
  • Survey
  • Erosion control
  • Building permits
  • Fire permits 
  • Zoning permits
  • Landmark preservation approvals
  • Site development plan review
  • Contractor licensing
  • Cashiering
How can customers learn more?
Information will be posted at the Development Services website. You can also follow us on Twitter at @DenverCPD and @DenPublicWorks. Permit customers will also see signage at the permit counter prior to launch. 
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