The city of Boston is piloting a Web and mobile app that lets citizens track their permit applications online. This is the latest move in a nationwide trend to make government operations accessible by phone or tablet.
The app called Permit Finder could free city employees from having to respond to the 30 to 40 permit status-related calls they receive each week. For some, that means they could spend more time reviewing architectural drawings and construction plans instead of responding to inquiries.
Boston was able deploy the app about three months after the prototype was designed because its permitting database is electronic and mostly automated. When permit applicants enter their building- or business-permit number, the app reports on the status of their request and includes contact information for the city employee handling it.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2017
EPA's 2017 Construction General Permit now in effect
The regulation governs compliance with effluent limits.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2017
Concern grows for high tide flood vulnerability in Mid-Atlantic states
Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, Md., could flood every three days by 2045.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2017
Green building saves operating costs and boosts asset value
A new report shows 14% cost savings and a 7% increase in value when green standards are met.
Codes and Standards | Feb 24, 2017
Scant data hampering energy, water efficiency at sports venues
New NIBS report says baseline information needs further development.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2017
Plans for WELL Building Standard include linkage with other green building standards
The planned updated version will be customizable for any building type.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2017
Aging building code inspectors and government belt-tightening could cause crisis
Inspectors are edging toward retirement with no understudies in place.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2017
AISI publishes three new cold-formed steel framing research reports
Seismic simulation, roof trusses, steel-to-steel and sheathing-to-steel connections are examined in the reports.
Codes and Standards | Feb 17, 2017
New energy design guide for metal building systems now available
The second edition incorporates more recent IECC and ASHRAE standards.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Paper outlines how BREEAM credits can be used for WELL standard compliance
The paper provides guidance on how to streamline pursuit of dual certification.
Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2017
Evidence mounts on health, productivity benefits of sustainable work spaces
High-performance green buildings are linked to better job performance.
