Purpose Statement
The Business Portal Permits feature allows service providers and businesses to submit permit applications directly to an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
This feature streamlines the permitting process by allowing businesses to select an applicable permit type, review instructions provided by the AHJ, enter application information, and submit the permit request directly through the Business Portal.
Background Information
When registering for the Business Portal, service providers and businesses can select the types of work they perform. Permit is available as a work type for businesses that will be submitting permit applications.
Users registered for permit work can access the Permits area of the Business Portal. From this area, users can:
- View previously submitted permits.
- Filter permits by information such as address, business name, permit number, permit type, or assignee.
- Customize the columns displayed in the permit list.
- Request and submit new permits.
- Select from permit types made available by the AHJ.
- Review instructions and attachments provided by the AHJ.
- Answer custom application questions when configured by the AHJ.
- Provide notes to the AHJ with the permit application.
- Review the status of submitted permits.
The permit types, instructions, attachments, and application questions available to a business may vary based on the configuration established by the AHJ.
Required Permissions
The transcript does not identify specific First Due permissions required for this workflow.
The user must have access to the Business Portal and be registered for Permit as an applicable work type to access the permit submission functionality. Additional permissions or configuration requirements may apply based on the AHJ's Business Portal setup.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sign In to the Business Portal
Sign in to the Business Portal using your service provider or business account.
Your available areas within the Business Portal are based on the work types associated with your account.
2. Open Permits
Select Permits from the available Business Portal options.
Open the Permits subcategory to display the list of permits you have submitted to the AHJ.
3. Review or Filter Your Existing Permits
Use the available filters to narrow the permit list as needed.
Permits can be filtered using information such as:
- Address
- Business Name
- Permit Number
- Permit Type
- Assigned To
As the number of submitted permits grows, these filters can help you quickly locate a specific application.
4. Customize the Permit List Columns
Use the column options to choose which information appears in the permit list.
The displayed columns can be adjusted based on the information you need to review. Examples shown include Address, Business Name, Permit Number, Permit ID, Project Name, and Assigned To.
5. Start a New Permit Request
Select Request New Permit.
A new window opens where you can begin entering the permit application information.
6. Select the Address
Enter and select the address for which you are requesting the permit.
After selecting the address, the associated Business Name automatically populates when applicable.
7. Select the Permit Type
Select the appropriate Permit Type.
The permit types available in the Business Portal are determined by the AHJ. Only the permit types the AHJ has made available for Business Portal submissions will appear for selection.
8. Review AHJ Instructions and Attachments
Review any instructions provided by the AHJ.
If the AHJ has included documents or other attachments containing instructions for the permit process, they are available from this area. Download and review applicable attachments before proceeding with the application.
9. Continue the Application
After selecting the address and permit type, select Next.
The next portion of the permit application opens.
10. Complete the Permit Application Information
Complete any required information displayed on the application.
If the AHJ has configured additional questions, they appear as custom fields in this section.
The Application Received Date automatically populates with the current date.
11. Add Notes for the AHJ
Enter any applicable information in the notes field that may assist the AHJ when reviewing the permit.
For example, notes can be used to provide additional context about the work being performed or the purpose of the permit request.
12. Request the Permit
Confirm that all required fields have been completed.
Select Request Permit.
13. Review and Confirm the Application
Review the confirmation indicating that you have checked the application and that the submitted information is accurate and complete.
After confirming the information, select Submit Permit.
14. Confirm the Permit Was Submitted
A success message displays when the permit has been successfully submitted.
Return to the permit list and ensure the Status column is displayed if you want to review the application's current status.
A successfully submitted permit displays a status of Submitted.
Best Practices
- Select Permit as an applicable work type when registering for the Business Portal if your business will submit permit applications.
- Verify that you have selected the correct address before proceeding with the application.
- Select the permit type that most accurately represents the work being performed.
- Review all instructions and attachments provided by the AHJ before completing the application.
- Complete all required fields and AHJ-specific questions before requesting the permit.
- Use the notes field to provide useful context that may assist the AHJ during its review.
- Review the entire application for accuracy and completeness before selecting Submit Permit.
- Customize the permit list columns to display the information most useful for your workflow.
- Use filters to quickly locate permits as your list of applications grows.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why don't I see Permits in the Business Portal?
The Business Portal account must be set up for permit-related work to access the permit submission functionality. During registration, Permit is available as a work type for businesses or service providers that will submit permit applications.
Why don't I see the permit type I need?
The AHJ determines which permit types are available for submission through the Business Portal. The available options may therefore vary by AHJ.
Why did the Business Name populate automatically?
When an address with associated business information is selected, the Business Name can automatically populate based on the location information in the system.
Where can I find instructions from the AHJ?
Instructions provided by the AHJ are available during the permit request process. If the AHJ has provided documents, they can be downloaded as attachments for review.
Why am I seeing additional questions on my permit application?
The AHJ can configure custom questions for the permit application. When configured, these questions appear as custom fields during the application process.
Do I need to enter the Application Received Date?
No. The Application Received Date automatically populates with the current date.
What should I enter in the notes field?
Use the notes field to provide additional information that may help the AHJ review the permit application, such as details about the project or work being performed.
How do I know my permit was submitted successfully?
After selecting Submit Permit, a success message confirms the submission. The permit will also appear in the permit list with a Submitted status.
Can I change which information appears in my permit list?
Yes. Use the column options to customize the information displayed in the permit list.