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Knowledge Center

Create and Edit Permit Type

Purpose Statement

This article explains how to create or edit a Permit Type within the Permits module. Permit Types define how permits function, including workflows, inspections, billing, automations, and user portal behavior—ensuring consistency, compliance, and efficient processing across your department.

Background Information

Permit Types are foundational to the permitting process in First Due. They control how permits are categorized, processed, reviewed, and approved.

Common use cases include:

  • Creating new permit categories (e.g., Tent Permit, Construction Permit)
  • Configuring renewal workflows for ongoing permits
  • Assigning inspections and plan reviews
  • Automating approvals based on invoices or inspections

Permit Types also integrate with inspections, invoicing, automations, and public-facing portals like Community Connect and the Business Portal.

Required Permissions

Users will need appropriate permissions within First Due to:

  • Access the Permits Module
  • Create or edit Permit Types
  • Configure Forms, Automations, and Notifications

Recommended roles:

  • admin
  • fire-prevention-officer
  • data-manager

Video

Step-by-Step Guide
 

1. Navigate to Permit Types

  1. Go to Permits Module
  2. Select Permit Types
  3. Choose one of the following:
    • Click the pencil icon to edit an existing permit
    • Click Create New Type to create a new permit

 

 

2. Complete the Information Tab

  1. Enter a Permit Type Name (required)
  2. Select an IFC Permit Class
  3. Choose a Workflow Type:
    • Project
    • Standalone
    • Renewable
  4. Set a Default Duration (days or years)
  5. Configure Inspector Signature Requirements
  6. Add Notes
  7. Set status (Active/Inactive)

 

 

3. Configure Response Settings (Optional)

  1. Enable Responses
  2. Define Business Days to Respond
  3. Optionally set Plan Review Timeframes

 

 

4. Configure Options

  1. Enable and assign Plan Reviews
  2. Enable and assign Inspections
  3. Enable Billing
  4. Configure Status Notifications

 

 

5. Custom Data Fields

  • Configure additional fields as needed
  • Refer to the Custom Data Fields knowledge base article for full setup

 

 

6. Assign Forms

  1. Navigate to Forms
  2. Select the appropriate form

 

 

7. Configure Automations

  1. Enable Automations
  2. Select automation rules:
    • Invoice-based approval
    • Inspection-based approval
  3. Configure inspection conditions if applicable
  4. Enable automatic email on approval (optional) for more information check out the Knowledge Base Article on setting these up

 

 

8. Configure Email Settings

  1. Use default or custom email domain
  2. Add and format Email Message Body

 

 

9. Configure User Portals

  1. Select portal availability:
    • Business Portal
    • Community Connect
    • High Hazard
  2. Enable attachments (optional/required)
  3. Add instructions and upload documents

 

 

10. Set Notifications

  1. Click Add Notification
  2. Assign users or teams
  3. Configure alert recipients

 

 

11. Save the Permit Type

  1. Review configuration
  2. Set to Active if ready
  3. Click Save

Best Practices

  • Use clear naming conventions
  • Select Renewable workflow if this permit type will be allowed to be renewed
  • Add default durations to streamline applications
  • Use automations to reduce manual work
  • Limit notifications to necessary users
  • Provide clear applicant instructions
  • Test before activating

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can’t I edit IFC Permit Classes?
A: Manage them in Field Management.

Q: Why isn’t my permit renewing?
A: Ensure Renewable workflow is selected.

Q: Why didn’t auto-approval trigger?
A: Check invoice payment and inspection results.

Q: Why aren’t notifications sending?
A: Verify notification settings and recipients.

Q: Why isn’t the permit visible in portals?
A: Confirm portal availability is enabled.