California County Planning Directors Association (CCPDA)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I know this question has come up from time to time, but it seems worth asking again, as permit software technology is an ever moving target.

Questions:

What permit tracking systems are agencies currently using that seem to work well? What features do they have that stand out as particularly useful? Do any of them incorporate document imaging?

Is anyone prepared to endorse a system/software that can be used by multiple departments (Countywide) that won’t break the bank?

Are there any former users of Black Bear that migrated their old information to a new system? If so, are they happy with the new program and why?

What, if anything, about any new permit tracking software seemed useful, but ended up being unneeded, unworkable, etc.? On this note, are there any software packages or systems that should be avoided outright?

Thank you in advance,

Maurice L. Anderson, Director
Lassen County

CRW TrakITButte County is using CRW TrakIT. It is a moderately priced SQL system that integrates all Land Development departments/programs into the system. We are the leaders in using the system in Development Services (Building, Planning and Code Enforcement). We also have Environmental Health, Fire, Ag and Public Works connected and actively involved in the Permit and Land Use Planning processes. Our Assessor is also an active user of the system as they track new construction. We integrate this permitting system with our GIS (ESRI) and our countywide Document Management System (LaserFiche). Our goal is to go paperless...we ARE there for our Planning Commission, but that's another story. One of the most loved features of trakIT is etrakIT, which allows our public to connect with our Planning and Permit database...they can view the status of permits. We also connect it with PayGov, which allows us to accept a dozen permit application types online and receive the payments as well. Finally, it is connected with MobileTrak, which is used by our inspectors in the field. For more information, please contact our IS staff person, Pat Stockton at 530-538-2117. Good luck, it's a big project you are undertaking. If you'd like a copy of our RFP that we sent out a few years ago, let me know...take care, Tim

Maurice - Alpine County has just purchased a web based system call BasicGov. We are in the process of getting it up and running. Mono County has been using this system for several years. Its a module based system - separate modules for building permits, planning, code enforcement, etc. Cost depends upon number of modules purchased and number of user accounts desired. Our first year cost for the building and planning modules and 1-year license for 4 users is about $15K. Annual licensing cost going forward is $1500 per user account. Contact Zach Wood in our office ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for more information.