Purpose Statement

Location-Independent Permits allow agencies to create and manage permits that are not tied to a physical address or occupancy. This enhancement expands the Permit module to support mobile businesses, pre-development projects, and temporary events while maintaining full compatibility with existing address-based permit workflows.

This feature introduces a Location Mode framework that dynamically changes the permit creation experience, validation requirements, and available functionality based on the type of permit being created.

Background Information

Historically, permits in First Due required the following relationship:

Address → Occupancy → Permit

While this workflow remains unchanged for traditional permits, it prevented agencies from creating permits for scenarios where an address does not yet exist or is not applicable, including:

• Mobile businesses (food trucks, trailers, mobile vendors)
• Pre-development projects where an address has not been assigned
• Special events occurring at temporary locations

Location-Independent Permits introduce four supported Location Modes:

This enhancement preserves all existing Standard permit functionality while enabling new permit workflows without requiring an address.

Required Permissions

Users must have permissions to:

• View Permits
• Create Permits
• Edit Permits
• View Businesses
• Associate Businesses to Permits

Additional permissions may be required depending on agency configuration and user role.

Video

Step-by-Step Guide

Create a Standard Permit

1. Navigate to Permits.
2. Select Create Permit.
3. Select the appropriate Permit Type.
4. Search for and select the Address or Occupancy.
5. Complete the remaining permit information.
6. Save the permit.

Standard permits continue to support inspections, invoices, and occupancy relationships.

Create a Standalone Permit

1. Navigate to Permits.
2. Select Create Permit.
3. Choose a Permit Type configured for Standalone mode.
4. Enter the Unit Name.
5. Select or assign the Business.
6. Complete the remaining application fields.
7. Save the permit.

Create a Pre-Development Permit

1. Navigate to Permits.
2. Select Create Permit.
3. Choose a Permit Type configured for Pre-Development mode.
4. Enter the Parcel ID.
5. Enter the GPS Latitude.
6. Enter the GPS Longitude.
7. Select or assign the Business.
8. Complete the remaining application fields.
9. Save the permit.

Link a Pre-Development Permit to an Occupancy

1. Open the Pre-Development Permit.
2. Select Link to Occupancy.
3. Search for the newly created Occupancy.
4. Select the Occupancy.
5. Save the changes.

After linking:

• The Occupancy tab becomes available.
• The original Location Mode remains Pre-Development.
• Parcel ID and GPS information are retained.
• Inspection and Invoice functionality remains unavailable.

Create a Special Event Permit

1. Navigate to Permits.
2. Select Create Permit.
3. Choose a Permit Type configured for Special Event mode.
4. Enter the Event Name.
5. Select or assign the Business.
6. Complete the remaining application fields.
7. Save the permit.

Business Portal Workflow

When submitting a permit through the Business Portal:

1. Select the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
2. Select the Permit Type.
3. Complete the location information appropriate for the selected Location Mode.
4. Complete the application.
5. Submit the permit.

The Business is automatically associated with the logged-in portal user and cannot be modified.

Location Mode Behavior

Best Practices

• Configure Permit Types with the correct Location Mode before use.
• Use Standard permits whenever an address and occupancy already exist.
• Enter complete and accurate Parcel IDs and GPS coordinates for Pre-Development permits.
• Use descriptive Unit Names for mobile businesses.
• Use official Event Names for Special Event permits.
• Link Pre-Development permits to an Occupancy once an address has been established.
• Do not attempt to use inspections or invoices with non-Standard permits.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Why can't I create an inspection for this permit?

Inspections are only supported for Standard permits. All other Location Modes intentionally disable inspection functionality.

Why are invoice options missing?

Invoices are not supported for Standalone, Pre-Development, or Special Event permits.

Why can't I search for an address?

The selected Permit Type determines the required Location Mode. Non-Standard Permit Types replace Address Search with the appropriate location fields.

Can I convert a Pre-Development permit into a Standard permit?

No. Linking an Occupancy associates the permit with an address but does not change its Location Mode.

Why doesn't the Occupancy tab appear?

The Occupancy tab only becomes available after a Pre-Development permit has been linked to an Occupancy.

Can I edit the Business on a Business Portal submission?

No. Business Portal permits automatically associate the logged-in Business and cannot be reassigned during submission.