Fairview staff streamline building permit process with new online application system

The City of Fairview is set to enhance its application processing efficiency following a recent Board of Commissioners work session on February 6, 2025. During the meeting, officials discussed the implementation of a new online portal designed to streamline the submission and review of residential construction applications, code complaints, and planning applications.

The new system, referred to as GovWell, aims to significantly reduce the time staff spend on administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on more critical responsibilities. This shift is expected to alleviate the burden of handling routine inquiries, such as password resets for long-time contractors, which previously consumed valuable staff hours.

Ethan, a representative from the development team, outlined how the online application form will be tailored to meet Fairview's specific requirements. The form will include mandatory fields to ensure completeness, thereby minimizing the need for follow-up communications regarding missing information. This proactive approach is anticipated to enhance the overall user experience for applicants.

The portal will also feature a chat function, providing real-time assistance to users who may encounter difficulties during the application process. For staff, the system offers various modules for building, planning, and zoning, along with sophisticated reporting tools to track application progress and outcomes.

As applications are submitted, notifications will be automatically sent to applicants, keeping them informed at every stage of the review process. This transparency is a key component of the new system, ensuring that applicants are aware of their application's status and any necessary actions they may need to take.

The Board's discussions highlighted the importance of adapting the workflow to fit Fairview's operational needs, with the flexibility to modify processes as required. This initiative not only promises to improve efficiency but also aims to enhance service delivery to the community.

As Fairview moves forward with the implementation of the GovWell system, residents can expect a more streamlined and user-friendly experience when engaging with city services. The Board of Commissioners remains committed to leveraging technology to better serve the community and improve overall operational effectiveness.