City reviews permitting software options; CommunityCore pitched as robust but cost and setup debated

Tracy Rodriguez of SafeBuilt demonstrated CommunityCore, a web-based permitting and inspection platform staff say can centralize plan reviews, contractor registrations and inspection photos. The presentation highlighted digital plan-review workflows, an inspection app (Apple-focused), document depository and reporting tools that can reduce the staff hours spent processing permits.

Tracy said CommunityCore supports online permit applications, contractor registrations, inspection scheduling and a configurable workflow for residential versus commercial permits. “CommunityCore is a web based permitting software…it allows applicants to apply for permits online…It also allows scheduling of inspections,” she told the council.

Council members asked about mobile support (an inspector app is Apple-only; Android users can use the website) and volume: Tracy said CommunityCore serves roughly 1,700 users nationwide and that roughly a dozen Texas cities of Bandera’s size use it. She said setup includes an initial data migration option and noted an implementation fee of about $25,000 and an annual city-staff subscription of roughly $7,500 for five city users; additional city staff seats cost about $1,500 each.

Staff compared CommunityCore with MyGov: MyGov’s upfront fee was described as lower but its annual subscription higher, while CommunityCore’s upfront migration cost is higher but its annual fee and responsiveness were presented as advantages. Staff estimated the city could save more than 600 staff-hours per year through automation, roughly 13 hours per week. Council asked staff to return with detailed budget and vendor comparisons and the prospect of reducing setup fees by migrating only active/open permits, which would increase manual workload for staff during transition.