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 | Apr 13, 2020
Design competition focuses on reducing urban heat island effect
Cool Abu Dhabi aims to transform urban life in the Middle East.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2020
What building science says about reducing COVID-19 transmission
Impact of temperature and relative humidity is unclear.
Codes and Standards | Apr 9, 2020
Owners retrofitting properties, monitoring performance during epidemic
Covid-19 outbreak may lead employers to reevaluate office commitments.
Codes and Standards | Apr 7, 2020
Dept. of Labor publishes guidance on paid sick leave, expanded family and medical leave
Includes fact sheets for employees, employers, and a questions and answers document.
Codes and Standards | Apr 1, 2020
Standards and codes meetings halted, postponed
ASTM International cancels in-person standards meetings; DOE’s National Energy Codes Conference postponed.
Codes and Standards | Mar 26, 2020
Ransomware attack on Canadian contractor underscores need for cybersecurity
Victimized company Bird Construction has defense, law enforcement contracts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Contractors should scrutinize contracts carefully amid Covid-19 crisis
Compliance with time-sensitive notice requirements and careful documentation required.
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Florida legislature passes bill to reduce retainage on state and local projects
House and Senate vote is nearly unanimous; law would go into effect Oct. 1.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2020
Feds prod use of eminent domain to force people out of flood-prone homes
Local officials that don’t comply could lose federal money to combat climate change.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2020
ASHRAE provides COVID-19 resources for operating, maintaining HVAC systems
Includes recently approved position document on Airborne Infectious Diseases.
