The process of managing community development services can be time-consuming. Whether handling permits, inspections, or planning meetings, these tasks take time and energy. Here are three ways software can help local governments streamline their community development work.
1. Streamline Community Development Permit Services
One of the biggest tasks in community development is managing permits. Whether for building, zoning, or other types of projects, permits are essential to ensure everything is done safely and according to regulation. However, handling permit applications manually is slow. Tracking down paperwork, completing forms correctly, and following up with applicants is time-consuming. Online permit software speeds up the process, reduces errors, and helps you keep everything organized.
Using software can change this. Many community development platforms allow residents and businesses to submit permit applications online. This means no more piles of paperwork or endless back-and-forth emails. The software automatically checks for missing information and ensures the application is complete before submission. It can also send updates to applicants so they know where their permit is in the approval process.
Local government employees can review and approve permits faster, and it’s easier to keep track of which applications are in progress. By reducing manual tasks, employees can spend more time focusing on other, more nuanced projects.
2. Adopt a Mobile Inspection App
Inspections are a huge part of community development, whether it’s for new buildings, renovations, or safety checks. However, manually organizing inspection schedules, forms, and reports can slow things down. Inspection software helps manage schedules, reports, and tracking, saving time and reducing errors.
With the right software, inspections can be scheduled, tracked, and completed more efficiently. For example, some community development software allows inspectors to access schedules on their mobile devices. They can check their schedule, view details about each inspection, and even upload reports while in the field. This reduces the time spent going back and forth between the office and inspection sites.
Mobile apps can also automate notetaking, allowing inspectors to take photos and notes directly on their mobile devices. Additionally, inspectors can use checklists or templates to help ensure all parts of the inspection are covered, reducing the chance of mistakes or missed items.
3. Improve Communication with a Resident Portal
Communication is key to community development. Residents want to know the status of their projects, and employees need to keep everyone informed about important updates. However, answering phone calls and emails all day is time-consuming. A resident portal keeps residents informed and reduces the need for constant communication, freeing time for other important work.
A resident portal helps solve this problem. Many community development software platforms have a portal where residents can log in and check the status of their permit applications, schedule inspections, or ask questions. Instead of calling or emailing, residents can get real-time updates through the portal, saving them and the employees time.
Citizens can also use the portal to share documents, submit forms, or upload project plans. By having all this information in one place, residents are better informed, and they don’t need to contact your department to ask for updates.
By cutting down on the number of phone calls and emails you receive, you’ll have more time to focus on your other tasks, like managing projects and ensuring the community’s development is running smoothly.
About SDL
Community development is important for growing and improving resident well-being, but it doesn’t have to be a slow and difficult process. Implementing software in your community development initiatives is a smart way to speed up operations and deliver better service to residents.
Ready to save time and simplify your community development processes? Schedule a quick chat with one of our experts to discover how SDL Connect can help streamline your workflows. Click the link below to learn about the best solutions for your department.