Permitting
Baltimore is innovating its permitting system to revitalize housing
The city recently launched a service that automatically issues a permit for certain construction projects to help expedite the housing development process and reduce staff workloads.
California cities turn to AI to streamline permitting
Lancaster and San Jose both said they would use the technology to make it easier and faster to get a building permit by pre-screening and validating applications.
Alaska signs first-of-its-kind permit streamlining deal with feds
The state agreed to receive assistance from the federal Permitting Council to work together on certain projects in a bid to move them through the process more quickly.
How a national lab is using data and AI to try to speed up permitting
The work to get better environmental permitting data began under Biden and is continuing under Trump.
Lawmakers introduce bill to digitize government permitting
Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., called the paper-based permitting process “an archaic waste of time.”
Minneapolis automates food permitting, removes ‘two-feet high’ paper stack
Having previously relied on handwritten permit applications and taking payment by phone, the city now uses cloud-based software to automate much of the process and make it more efficient.
California city turns to AI to meet housing goals
By automating parts of the housing permitting process, officials in the city of Corona hope to reduce administrative burdens for staff and encourage development among consumers.
Pennsylvania is an efficiency north star, expert says
A permitting reform effort in Pennsylvania could serve as a model for other states looking to streamline operations and improve service delivery, according to a fellow at the Institute for Responsive Government.
LA’s push for modernization looks to spur housing development, reduce agency costs
A centralized portal for permitting services, experts say, will help the city streamline the application and approval process and could set the stage for other municipalities to follow.
Too many cubicles, too few homes spur incentives to convert offices to housing
States are stepping in with tax breaks and zoning changes to help replace the unwanted cubicle farms with much-needed housing.
Featured eBooks
Government software that shines: Solar permitting’s bright future in 2024
COMMENTARY | By automating the permitting process for rooftop solar, cities and counties can save time and money for their building departments and homeowners.
Plans to install EV charging stations are about to run into an ugly wall of permitting and utility delays
COMMENTARY | We must overhaul dysfunctional municipal permitting systems and utility connection processes if we expect to install close to 7 million electric vehicle charging stations by 2035.
‘I felt so naughty’: New open carry alcohol laws boost downtowns
Some places see promise in areas allowing visitors to shop, sip and stroll.
US water infrastructure ‘unsustainable’ amid rapidly evolving crisis, report warns
The United States is facing an unsustainable demand for water and lacks the security posture to defend the nation’s water systems from emerging threats, according to a new report.
Feds announce funds for renewable energy facility planning
State and local governments can apply for funds to support the complex decision-making processes around large-scale renewable energy planning, siting and permitting.
Mayors Oppose a GOP Bill to Speed Up Broadband Permitting
The proposal would put a “shot clock” on permit approvals in an effort to streamline the process to build broadband around the country. But mayors say it preempts their ability to make crucial construction decisions.
County sees huge performance gains when permitting moves to the cloud
Cloud-based permitting speeds workflow for staff, eases pressure on IT and gives customers automatic permitting and virtual inspections options.
Why a Power Line Project Can Take 14 Years to Permit
Amid a push to greatly expand the nation’s clean energy infrastructure, key grid upgrades require approvals that can take years to complete. Can regulators strike the right balance between speed and environmental protection?
Clash Over Infrastructure Permitting Heats Up on Capitol Hill
Despite objections from fellow Democrats, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says he will press ahead with a deal to attach an overhaul of energy project permitting to a must-pass spending bill. Meanwhile, Republicans have a plan of their own.
A State Provides an Online Option for Driver's License Tests
Prospective drivers in Minnesota can now take their learner's permit knowledge test online, one of several state initiatives deployed during the coronavirus pandemic.
