Permitting platform extends and scales to accommodate needs
Automated platform predicts and extends forms, allows for seamless functionality extensions and scales to accommodate new applications and unlimited users
In this edition, we explore the challenges that special event offices have in scaling their permitting process to accommodate expanding demand. We listened to the concerns of large and small event offices and searched for a nimble solution that is flexible, yet capable of achieving unlimited scale.
THE CHALLENGE
Special event offices have long grappled with inflexible solutions that are difficult to scale, offer limited functionality and are designed for niche applications that cannot be configured for other uses. Those longstanding issues are more pronounced as we emerge from COVID-19 and offices that were eerily silent are now seeing demand grow to volumes exceeding pre-pandemic levels. As city staff cope with expanding workloads, they’re searching for answers to their permitting woes. Anticipating that a return-to-normal may mean processing huge pent-up demand for concerts, festivals and fundraisers, event offices are also looking ahead at ways to obtain scale.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Implementing an automated platform makes the permitting process more manageable by facilitating collaboration amongst reviewers, approvers and external departments. With the right tool, the platform should accommodate a variety of added demands. For offices contemplating scale, here are four important considerations:
- Can the forms dynamically extend depending upon an applicant’s response?
- Can flexible module extensions be added to allow for added functionality?
- Does the platform support all ancillary permitting for special events and other uses?
- Does the platform support unlimited applicants, users or approvers?
FORM EXTENSION
Forms, such as those found in Eproval, dynamically extend depending upon an applicant’s response. This ensures cities receive complete information and applicants only answer relevant fields. Prior to implementing Eproval, cities found they had errors or omissions in 85% of their permit applications. Smart forms ensure cities are getting the right information, applicants are made aware of their responsibilities and are only required to answer relevant fields.
SEAMLESSLY ADD FUNCTIONALITY
Are you looking for a permitting solution that can integrate with other processes like your billing system or public calendar? If you require additional functionality, chances are Eproval has a module for that. For example, Eproval allows for flexible module extensions including calendar, payments & invoicing, eCommerce and reports. Modules have the ability to expand the platform’s capabilities in real-time.
UNLIMITED USERS, REVIEWERS AND APPROVERS
Changes to the approval process may mean that additional reviewers, approvers or external departments need to be added. Similarly, as the complexity, size or number of events changes a steadily growing number of applicants or collaborators may need to be added. Tools such as Eproval scale to as many applicants, users or approvers as necessary.
PLATFORM SUPPORTS ANCILLARY PERMITTING NEEDS OR NEW USES
Eproval can be extended to support ancillary permitting needs such as tenting, pyrotechnics, temporary structures, health or alcohol. When cities realize just how easy Eproval is to implement and configure, they quickly realize there are a variety of other uses for the platform. These have included race permits, grant applications, block parties, film permits among others.
SCLAES AS PERMITTING NEEDS CHANGE
In summary, Eproval scales to the needs of your city in ways not possible with paper or large eGov platforms. Whether you need added functionality or just additions to the current form, Eproval is flexible and extendable. In addition to special events, Eproval has also been used for processing permits for races, block parties, film productions, grants and more.
Click HERE for a demo of how Eproval extends and scale to accommodate your permitting needs.