Purpose Statement
The Business Portal allows permit applicants and service providers to add a new location when an address cannot be found while requesting a permit. This is especially useful for new construction or other locations that have not yet been added to the system.
When a new location is submitted, the permit request can proceed; however, the new location must be reviewed and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before the permit can be approved.
Background Information
When requesting a permit through the Business Portal, applicants may encounter an address that does not currently exist in the system. Rather than preventing the applicant from continuing, the Business Portal provides an option to submit the new address to the appropriate AHJ.
This workflow helps:
- Support permit requests for new construction and newly established locations.
- Reduce delays caused by addresses that have not yet been added to the system.
- Prevent duplicate locations by checking whether the submitted address already exists.
- Allow the AHJ to review new locations before approving the associated permit.
Service providers who work with multiple AHJs must select the appropriate AHJ when submitting a new location.
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 able to request permits with the applicable AHJ. 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 account.
After signing in, you may initially be directed to your ITM reports.
2. Navigate to Permits
Select the First Due logo to access the available Business Portal options.
Select Permits, and then select Permits again to open the permit area.
3. Start a New Permit Request
Select Request New Permit.
Begin entering the information required for your permit request.
4. Indicate That You Need to Add a New Location
When selecting the location for the permit, choose the option indicating that there is a new address or location you want to submit to the AHJ.
A new window opens where you can enter the location information.
5. Select the AHJ
Select the AHJ responsible for the permit.
Selecting an AHJ is required. This is particularly important for service providers connected to multiple AHJs because the new location must be submitted to the appropriate jurisdiction for review.
6. Enter the Business Name, If Applicable
Enter a Business Name if one is associated with the new location.
The Business Name field is optional.
7. Search for and Select the Address
Enter the address for the new location and select the appropriate address from the available results.
The system checks the selected address to determine whether it already exists.
8. Review the Result
If the address already exists, the system notifies you that the location is already available and returns you to the permit workflow.
This check helps prevent duplicate locations from being created, including situations where an existing address may have been entered using a slightly different format or abbreviation.
If the address does not exist, the system creates the new address and displays a confirmation that the address was successfully created.
9. Continue the Permit Request
After the new address has been successfully created, continue submitting the permit request as normal.
The permit request can be submitted using the new location, but the permit cannot be approved until the AHJ has reviewed and approved the newly submitted address.
Once the AHJ approves the location, the permit can proceed through the applicable review process.
Best Practices
- Verify that you have selected the correct AHJ before submitting a new location, especially if your service provider account works with multiple jurisdictions.
- Search carefully for the address before creating a new location.
- Select the correct address from the available address results to help the system accurately check for an existing location.
- Use the new-location workflow primarily when the location cannot already be found, such as for new construction.
- Do not attempt to create another location when the system indicates that the address already exists.
- Remember that successfully creating an address does not mean the location or associated permit has been approved by the AHJ.
- Allow time for the AHJ to review the new location before expecting the permit to move through approval.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why can't I find the address when requesting a permit?
The location may not currently exist in the system. Use the option to submit a new address or location to the AHJ.
Why do I need to select an AHJ when adding a location?
The AHJ determines which jurisdiction will receive and review the new location. Selecting the correct AHJ is especially important when your account is connected to multiple jurisdictions.
Is the Business Name required when adding a new location?
No. The Business Name is optional.
What happens if I try to add an address that already exists?
The system checks the address before creating the new location. If the address already exists, you will be notified and returned to the permit workflow. This helps prevent duplicate locations.
Can I submit my permit immediately after creating a new address?
Yes. The new address can be used to submit the permit request. However, the permit cannot be approved until the AHJ reviews and approves the new location.
Does successfully creating the address mean the AHJ has approved it?
No. Successfully creating the address submits the new location into the workflow. The AHJ must still review and approve the location before the associated permit can be approved.
What should I do if the system says my address already exists?
Return to the permit workflow and use the existing location rather than attempting to create another one.