Purpose Statement
The Business Lookup feature allows AHJ users to search for and link an existing Business Portal business to a permit directly from the permit's Contacts section.
Linking the business creates the same Business Portal association used when a permit originates from the Business Portal. Once linked, the business appears as a Business contact on the permit, and the business email is included in notification recipients according to the existing permit notification logic.
AHJ users can also replace or remove an existing linked business when needed.
Background Information
Previously, permits created directly by AHJ users could use the Vendor Lookup, but there was no way to manually associate an existing Business Portal business with the permit. A Business Portal business association was available only when the permit originated from the Business Portal.
Business Lookup provides a separate option within the Contacts section that allows AHJ users to search the existing Business Portal business records.
Business Lookup is available for Standard and non-Standard permits, including:
- Standard
- Standalone
- Pre-Development
- Special Event
Users can search for a Business Portal business using its name, address, or email address.
Only one Business Portal business can be linked to a permit at a time. If a permit already has a linked business, including one established when the permit was created through the Business Portal, an AHJ user can replace or remove that business.
Required Permissions
No additional permission is required to use Business Lookup.
The feature is available to AHJ users who are already able to create or edit the applicable permit.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Link a Business to a Permit
- Open the applicable permit.
- Navigate to the Contacts section.
Select Business Lookup.
Note: Business Lookup is separate from the existing Vendor Lookup option.
- Search for the Business Portal business using one of the following:
- Business name
- Address
Email address
- Review the matching businesses returned by the search.
Select the appropriate business.
- Confirm that the selected business appears as the Business contact on the permit.
Save the permit as applicable.
The linked business remains associated with the permit after it is saved and reopened. The business email is also included in notification recipients according to the existing Business Portal notification behavior.
Replace a Linked Business
- Open the permit containing the existing Business contact.
Navigate to the Contacts section.
- Select Business Lookup by clicking on Change.
Search for the business that should replace the currently linked business.
- Select the new business.
Because only one Business Portal business can be associated with a permit at a time, selecting another business replaces the existing business association.
Verify that the Business contact displays the newly selected business.
- Verify the notification recipients reflect the newly linked business as applicable.
- Save the permit.
Remove a Linked Business
- Open the permit containing the linked Business Portal business.
- Navigate to the Contacts section.
- Locate the linked Business contact.
Remove the linked business using the available removal action.
- Verify that the Business contact is no longer associated with the permit.
The removed business's email address is immediately removed from the permit's notification recipients.
- Save the permit as applicable.
Best Practices
- Search using the most specific information available, such as the complete business name, address, or email address.
- Review the returned business information before making a selection to ensure the correct Business Portal record is linked.
- Remember that only one Business Portal business can be linked to a permit at a time.
- Use Business Lookup when linking a Business Portal business. Vendor Lookup remains a separate function for vendor contacts.
- When replacing an existing business, verify the Business contact after making the change.
- When removing or replacing a business, review the notification recipients to confirm that the appropriate business email is included or removed.
- Avoid replacing a Business Portal association unless the business currently linked to the permit is incorrect or needs to be changed.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why can't I find the business I'm looking for?
Confirm that you are searching using the business's name, address, or email address. Business Lookup searches existing businesses from the Business Portal business records.
Can I link more than one Business Portal business to a permit?
No. Only one Business Portal business can be linked to a permit at a time. Selecting another business replaces the currently linked business.
Can I replace a business that was linked when the permit was created through the Business Portal?
Yes. AHJ users can use Business Lookup to select a different business even when the existing business association originated from the Business Portal.
Can I remove a Business Portal business from a permit?
Yes. AHJ users can remove the linked business. Removing the association also immediately removes that business's email from the notification recipients.
What happens after I select a business?
The selected business becomes the Business contact associated with the permit. Its Business contact card is displayed, and its email is included in notification recipients according to the existing Business Portal notification logic.
Is Business Lookup the same as Vendor Lookup?
No. Business Lookup and Vendor Lookup are separate actions within the Contacts area. Business Lookup searches Business Portal businesses, while Vendor Lookup continues to support the existing vendor contact workflow.
Is Business Lookup available only for non-Standard permits?
No. Business Lookup is available for both Standard and non-Standard permits.
Does the linked business remain after I save and reopen the permit?
Yes. The linked business association persists after the permit is saved and reopened.
Do I need additional permissions to use Business Lookup?
No additional permission is required for the Business Lookup feature.