Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Digital Government topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Staff highlights Yucaipa's digital Permit Exchange and customer supports
Summary
Associate Planner Maddie Jordan presented a two-year update on the city's Permit Exchange portal, describing a GIS-based permitting system that centralizes records, automates applicant notices, and reduces paper handling while preserving counter support for less-technical customers.
Associate Planner Maddie Jordan gave a detailed staff presentation on May 6 about Yucaipa's Permit Exchange portal, a GIS‑based digital permitting system the city launched in mid‑2024.
What staff said Jordan described the portal's shift away from a 20-year, Word-based case log to a centralized, location-based system that ties permits, plans, inspections and code cases to parcels. Staff emphasized three practical benefits: (1) automated, time-stamped applicant notifications (acceptance/incomplete/project notices) and recorded internal communications; (2) instant access to linked plans and records for staff reviewers; and (3) process automations intended to improve turnaround times and reduce printing costs.
Customer support and accessibility Commissioners asked how the portal notifies multiple parties and how the city supports less technical users. Jordan said property owners are required to be identified in applications and that the portal attempts to send emails to owners; staff acknowledged that owners who don't register an account may not receive portal notifications and described continuing concierge service at the public counter to help users submit applications. Staff said applicants may still get in-person help and that the portal was intentionally designed with front-counter support and user guides (including QR-code links) to reduce friction.
Operational outcomes Staff said the portal enables staff to run custom reports, capture communications in the case file, and perform digital markups that replace paper redlines. The planning division highlighted improved efficiency, same-day turnarounds in some cases, and an award of excellence from the Inland Empire American Planning Association tied to process improvements.
What was not resolved Staff acknowledged the portal is not always user-friendly on mobile devices and that some one-off scenarios still require counter assistance. No changes to fees or major policy shifts were proposed at the meeting.
