Linda Nesselrod, a Community Development staff member, and Zach Henry, an information‑technology staff member, briefed council Oct. 23 on the city's project to implement a cloud‑based permitting and licensing system from Tyler Technologies.

Nesselrod said Staunton currently uses Munis (a Tyler product) mainly for payment processing while permit review workflows are handled through separate, manual processes. The new system will allow applicants to submit permit documents, pay fees, request inspections and track application status through a citizen self‑service portal; staff will use the integrated back‑office to coordinate reviews and inspections.

She said the system supports an interactive, GIS‑based map showing active permit applications and neighborhood activity; basic public permit information will be accessible without login, while detailed permit views require a user account. The city has configured workflows, is in product testing (including integration with Bluebeam for plan review) and plans pilot testing with local contractors.

Nesselrod said the project is proceeding in six phases: assess/define, configuration, product testing, training, pre–go‑live communications and go‑live. She said city staff will encourage but not require online submissions; in‑person service will remain available for applicants who need help.

Staff identified implementation challenges: a small internal team and software issues with the vendor that have delayed the schedule. Nesselrod said Tyler Technologies is addressing the software problems and that the target launch is 2026, contingent on resolution of those issues.

Council members asked about customization, pilot testing participants, account management and user guides. Zach Henry said reports and some permit templates required extra configuration to meet the city's needs and that each user will need a login tied to an email address; staff will provide user manuals and web guidance.

The update was informational; no formal council action was taken that evening.