Brownsville planning department publishes first year of permit-review data and previews 'GWiz' application wizard

City planning and redevelopment staff presented a year-long report on permit-review performance and described several technology and customer-service changes intended to shorten review times and reduce applicant confusion.

The department reported fiscal-year 2024 averages using Acela case-management data: single-family building permits averaged 8.7 business days from submission to approval (staff review 3.2 days; applicant correction 2.6 days; time to submit a complete application 3 days). Commercial new construction averaged about 65 days (staff review 16 days; applicant correction 42 days). Most permit types cleared in two review cycles: 95% of single-family permits and a majority of commercial permits were approved in the second review cycle.

Staff outlined recent investments and trainings: Acela implementation (2023), DigiPlan plan-review software, Selectron inspection scheduling, Digiplan contractor events, and translation support for Spanish speakers. The department previewed GWiz, a $60,000 “wizard” tool that will guide applicants through a dynamic Q&A to identify the correct application, reduce mis-submittals, and present an end-of-application survey. Staff also said they will expand in-person assistance at the counter, offer Spanish translation, and coordinate a survey of user experience once GWiz is rolled out.

Department leaders said they will use the data to benchmark performance, meet with other reviewing departments (fire, PUB, health) to standardize comment formats, and provide periodic reports to the commission. Commissioners and staff discussed outreach to BCIC and other business-facing partners so small-business applicants can receive hands-on help before they submit plans. There was no formal vote; staff said they will continue implementation and report on progress.