As part of ongoing efforts to improve the customer's experience of researching and applying for permits, Portland Permitting & Development and the Digital Services team at the Bureau of Technology Services revised four web pages to make it easier for customers to receive permits for common construction projects. This effort was recently recognized by U.S. Digital Response for its innovation in focusing onhuman-centered technology work.
These streamlined web pages feature a simpler format that walks a customer through the steps involved in seeking a building permit and directs readers to additional information when needed. The pages help customers navigate the permitting journey, from research to inspections. Customers receive the information they need at the relevant phase of their project.
Elements of the new format include:
- The research needed to understand what is involved with a particular construction project
- How to prepare for a permit application
- Information on the steps in the permit application process and the fees that will need to be paid at certain stages of the process
- Getting a permit and starting construction on the project
- Receiving inspections to ensure the work is safe and meets code requirements
Tool tips help define unfamiliar words and phrases without having to navigate to new pages. Customers can also answer a series of questions about their project through an interactive tool that guides them through the permitting process to the forms needed for their permit application.
The four newly revised web pages are:
- Food carts: Food carts are a mainstay of Portland's dining scene, yet food carts, and the pods on which they are located, can require permits from multiple sources for food handling, signage, propane use, grease management and other needs. The new web page walks a food cart vendor through the steps they need to follow to ensure their operations are safe for themselves and their customers.
- Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) conversions: Many homeowners are interested in converting existing space in their homes and garages to an ADU to help meet Portland's housing needs, but there are code requirements to meet for ceiling heights, exits, insulation and ventilation, floor plans and other needs. This new web page helps a customer research the information they need before starting an ADU project.
- Residential bathrooms: Remodeling or adding a bathroom can be one of the best ways to add value to a home, but these projects require careful planning and different types of permits depending on the scope of the project. This web page walks through the steps to get a bathroom project completed.
- Changing a commercial space: Businesses are taking root in Portland and moving into new spaces, or expanding existing spaces, all the time. Different businesses have different occupancy needs for their remodeled spaces. This web page helps walk a business owner through the steps of the permitting process and know what to expect.
These pages, along with the residential decks page that launched last summer, are the latest examples of continuing efforts to simplify and streamline web pages to make the permitting process easier to navigate.