GRAND JUNCTION, CO - The City's Planning Division has just made it easier and faster to search for existing permits and to apply for certain permits online.

This means that citizens, contractors, builders, developers and small businesses can conduct business with the Planning Division online and outside of normal business hours. Access to the Planning Division Onlines Services site is available 24/7, seven days a week. Applicants who need a home occupation permit, sign permit, temporary sign permit or fence permit will now be able to apply online through the City's website at http://www.gjcity.org.

"This is a huge step in streamlining our development review and permitting process," said Lisa Cox, Planning Manager. "Having online services provides our customers with more options when conducting business. And we'll be able to add more services over time to increase the convenience factor for our customers."

The City had outgrown the software product they were using and sent out a Request for Proposal in 2009 to find a new vendor and program that would streamline and shorten the development review process and allow applicants to use the internet to submit applications and obtain permits.

The City is working with EnerGov Solutions (http://www.energov.com), an Atlanta based company with worldwide clients that specializes in planning software that facilitates electronic plan review and online permitting services. The technical process to convert data from the old software system to the new software and the design of new, more efficient work flows was completed in 2010.

"We are committed to making it easier and more efficient to move through our planning process," added Cox. "This is a "business friendly" change and an important step in an ongoing effort to improve our customer service. Those who have used the new Online Services have been very pleased with the ease of use."

"All development applications are now submitted electronically and then routed to review agencies electronically," said Cox. "This saves time and money for our customers because they no longer have to submit multiple paper copies of applications or drive down to City Hall and we don't have to mail out bulky, heavy paper review packages." The new online services are just the latest phase of implementing the new software.

New services will be added to the system over time including the addition of applications for planning clearances in the next year.

To use the Planning Division Online Services, go online to the City's website at http://www.gjcity.org. Select the "GJ E-Pay and Online Services" link on the left side of the front page which will take you to a page featuring all online services offered by the City. Then choose "Planning Division Online Services" to search for information on existing permits or to apply for a permit online. You must create an account to apply for a permit but users do not need to register to simply search for information on existing permits.

(From original 8/27/12 press release by the City of Grand Junction, CO)