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Building department seeks new digital-permitting system; staff note permit revenue spike from Hurricane Ian
Summary
The building fund manager told council the department needs a digital permitting system estimated at $400,000–$450,000 and that permit revenues rose sharply after Hurricane Ian; staff said fee changes are constrained until October 2026 by state law.
Punta Gorda—s building department described plans June 12 to acquire a new online permitting and digital-review system that staff said is necessary to meet Florida statutory requirements for digital submissions and to improve efficiency, customer service and permit review timelines.
Building staff estimated the product under consideration costs roughly $400,000 to $450,000; the FY25 budget included $200,000 and staff asked the council to fund the additional startup cost. Ron Cowitz of the building department said the software is "desperately needed," would take roughly eight to 11 months to implement and then shift to a standard annual maintenance cost.
Department staff and finance presented a revenue overview showing a spike in permit revenue in 2023-24 driven largely by Hurricane Ian roof permitting. Cowitz noted that some permit fees, such as electrical permits priced at $25, appear disproportionately low compared with inspection time and service costs. He said a state senate bill prevents fee adjustments until October 2026, so fee rebalancing must await that statutory timeline.
The building fund also proposed a career-progression path for permit technicians to retain staff and a replacement schedule for inspector vehicles across the five-year plan. Staff said the building board will review reserves and the proposed career path as the budget moves toward adoption.
