This guide explains how to create and manage permit applications in Community Development Elevate (V5). It provides an overview of each tab within the application and describes the purpose of each section. Use this article to understand where information is entered, how it is organized, and how to move an application through its workflow.
Important Note:
This article applies to Elevate V5 permit applications. If your system matches the V4 image below, you may be using a different version. Please visit the V4 permit application guide instead. V4 is the older version of Community Development. Elevate (V5) is the newest version, designed with a more modern look and improved functionality.
Create a Permit Application
Sign in to your site
Navigate to the Permitting System:
Click on the Add Permit button:
Type in your information into the Search Parcel field:
Search Parcel: Enter an address, parcel ID, owner, or occupant name, or building name to find and select a parcel for the permit
Click on the record you want to add a new permit to, then click the Select button:
Select the Permit Type and Permit Use from the dropdown menus:
Permit Type: Select the type of permit being created
Permit Use: Select the type of permit being created
Comments and Notes: Enter comments or notes about the permit, if applicable
Click the Add Permit button:
Once the permit is created successfully, you’ll see a Permit added successfully notification at the bottom of the permit workflow page:
With your application created, you’re ready to complete the remaining sections. See the categories that follow for details on each tab.
Workflow
The Workflow tab shows the current stage of the permit and tracks its progress from start to finish. Use this section to view the active step, monitor status changes, and understand where the application is in the review process.
Click on the Workflow tab:
Your workflow shows where you are in the permit application review process:
Note:
Users can move the workflow forward or back one step at a time. They may reopen the previous step or return to the next step in the process. Users cannot skip multiple steps. Once the application is approved, workflow steps can no longer be reopened or changed. Learn more about workflows.
Application
Enter and review general information about the permit. This section includes key details that define the application.
Click on Application:
Configure additional fields as needed:
Address: Displays the address associated with the permit
Application Number: Displays the system-generated application number
Permit Number: Enter the assigned permit number
Permit Type: Displays the selected permit type
Permit Use: Displays the selected permit use
Application Date: Displays the date the application was submitted
Issuance Date: Enter the date the permit is issued
Expiration Date: Enter the date the permit will expire
Close Date: Enter the date the permit is closed
Attachment: Select whether the structure is attached or detached
Max Height Above Grade: Enter the maximum height of the structure above grade
Estimated Value: Enter the estimated value of the project
Deck Square Feet: Enter the total square footage of the deck
Description of Work: Enter a description of the work being performed
Plans: Upload the required plan documents. There is a maximum upload of one file
Enter the Applicant’s Information, as needed:
Applicant Name: Displays the name of the applicant associated with the permit.
Email: Displays the applicant’s email address on file.
Phone: Displays the applicant’s phone number on file.
Address: Displays the applicant’s address on file.
Applicant Care Of: Enter the name of the person or company the permit is being submitted on behalf of, if applicable.
Property Type Description: Enter a description of the property type.
Notes (Historical): Displays historical notes related to the property or parcel.
Note:
The grayed-out fields are pre-filled with information already on file for the selected applicant or parcel. These fields are read-only and cannot be edited on this screen. If updates are needed, the information must be changed in the associated contact or property record.
Enter the Occupant’s information:
Add Occupant Contact: Select this to add an occupant contact
Occupant Care Of: Enter the name of the person or business the occupant information should be directed to, if different from the listed occupant
Enter the General or Primary Contractor’s information:
Contractor Name: Enter the name of the primary contractor for the project
Contractor Email: Enter the contractor’s email address
Contractor Phone: Enter the contractor’s phone number
Contractor Address: Enter the contractor’s business address
Class: Enter or select the contractor’s license classification
Contractor Care Of: Enter the name of the person or company the contractor information should be directed to, if applicable
Code Book Used: Select the code book that applies to the project
Selected Code: Select the specific code associated with the project
Click Update Record:
Property and Structures
View and manage property details linked to the permit. Add or update information about related structures as needed.
Select Property and Structures from the navigation menu:
Enter General Property Information:
Type or Improvement: Select the type of improvement or work being performed
Accessory or Structure: Select the accessory structure associated with the property, if applicable
Occupancy Classification: Select the current occupancy classification of the property
Proposed Occupancy Classification: Select the proposed occupancy classification after the project is complete
Property Type Code: Select the code that identifies the property type
Tax Parcel Group Code: Enter the tax parcel group code associated with the property
Current Zoning: Select the property’s current zoning designation
Proposed Zoning: Select the proposed zoning designation, if changes are planned
Project Cost: Enter the estimated cost of the project
Project Value: Enter the total project valuation
Neighborhood: Enter the neighborhood associated with the property
Subdivision: Enter the subdivision name, if applicable
Flood Plain: Indicates whether the property is located in a flood plain
Description of Work or Current Use & Proposed Changes: Enter a summary of the work being performed and any proposed changes
Property Type Description: Enter additional details describing the property type
Commercial Field: Toggle on if the project is commercial in nature
Enter the Lot Information:
Lot Width: Enter the width of the lot
Depth: Enter the depth of the lot
Total Area Building & Structures: Enter the total square footage of all buildings and structures on the lot
Zoning District or Map Number: Enter the zoning district or map number associated with the property
Total Area Man-Made Improvements: Enter the total area of all man-made improvements on the lot
Lot Area: Enter the total area of the lot
AC: Enter the lot size in acres
Lot Coverage: Enter the percentage of the lot covered by structures
Improved Coverage: Enter the percentage of the lot covered by improvements
General Notes: Enter additional notes related to the lot, if applicable
Restrictions or Variances: Enter any known restrictions or approved variances for the property
Enter Other Information:
Construction Type: Select the type of construction for the structure
Number of Stories: Enter the total number of stories for the structure
Total and Habitable Square Feet: Enter the total and habitable square footage of the structure
Structure Height: Enter the height of the structure
Structure Width: Enter the width of the structure
Structure Length: Enter the length of the structure
Number of Units: Enter the total number of units
Load Per Floor (lbs): Enter the load capacity per floor in pounds
Wall Construction: Enter the type of wall construction
Manufactured Truss: Toggle on if manufactured trusses are used
Sign Dimensions: Enter the dimensions of the sign
Lighted Sign: Toggle on if the sign is illuminated
Number of Bedrooms: Enter the total number of bedrooms
Number of Bathrooms: Enter the total number of bathrooms
General Capacity: Enter the overall occupancy capacity
Capacity with Chairs: Enter the occupancy capacity with chairs only
Capacity with Tables and Chairs: Enter the occupancy capacity with tables and chairs
Basement Square Feet: Enter the total basement square footage
Basement Finished Square Feet: Enter the finished basement square footage
Basement Unfinished Square Feet: Enter the unfinished basement square footage
Total Basement Area: Enter the total basement area
Enter Foundation and Setbacks information, as needed:
Material: Select the foundation material
Type: Select the foundation type
Footing Depth: Enter the depth of the foundation footing
Setback Front: Enter the required or proposed front setback distance
Setback Rear: Enter the required or proposed rear setback distance
Setback Right: Enter the required or proposed right-side setback distance
Setback Left: Enter the required or proposed left-side setback distance
Enter Utility Information, as needed:
Water System: Select whether the water system is public or private
Water System Details: Enter additional details about the water system, if needed
Sewer System: Select whether the sewer system is public or private
Sewer System Details: Enter additional details about the sewer system, if needed
Electric: Select whether the electric service is public or private
Electrical Details: Enter additional details about the electrical service, if needed
Gas System: Select whether the gas system is public or private
Gas Details: Enter additional details about the gas service, if needed
Enter Miscellaneous information, as needed:
Driveway Width: Enter the width of the driveway
Number of Off-Street Parking: Enter the total number of off-street parking spaces
Number of Off-Street Loading: Enter the total number of off-street loading spaces
Other Information: Enter any additional relevant details about the property or project
Sprinkler System: Toggle on if a sprinkler system is installed
Alarm System Provided: Toggle on if an alarm system is provided
Contacts
Add and manage people or organizations connected to the permit. Assign roles such as applicant, contractor, or property owner.
Select Contacts from the navigation menu:
View all associated contacts. You can add, update, and delete contacts as needed:
Insurance
Add, edit, or remove insurance information tied to the permit. Keep coverage details accurate and up to date.
Select Insurance from the navigation menu:
This section shows the insurance linked to the record. You can add, edit, and delete insurance as needed:
Fees
View and manage fees associated with the application. Add or adjust fees as needed during the review process.
Select Fees from the navigation menu:
Here you can view fees associated with the permit. You can assess a new fee or create an invoice:
Invoices
Create and track invoices for permit fees. Monitor payment status and outstanding balances.
Select Invoices from the navigation menu:
You can view the invoices for the permit here. You can also add, edit, pay, delete, and email invoices:
Plan Review
Track plan review steps and reviewer feedback. Monitor approvals and required revisions.
Select Plan Review from the navigation menu:
Review the permit details, update the status, and comments as needed:
Status: View the current status of the plan review
Comments: Enter comments related to the plan review
Condition: Displays any conditions associated with the permit
Add Condition: Add a new condition to the permit
Generate Letter: Generate a letter related to the plan review
History: Displays a record of plan review activity
Upload File: Upload documents related to the plan review
Conditions
Add and manage requirements that must be met before approval or issuance. Track completion of assigned conditions.
Select Conditions from the navigation menu:
Here you can view any associated conditions. You can add, edit, and delete a condition, if needed:
Inspections
Schedule and manage inspections related to the permit. Record results and track inspection status.
Select Inspections from the navigation menu:
Here you can view all inspections and their status for the permit. You can also create a new inspection:
Set up checklists, if needed
Documents
Upload, view, and manage documents linked to the application. Keep required files organized in one place.
Select Documents from the navigation menu:
Here you can view any associated documents and certificates to the permit. You can also add, edit, and delete documents and certificates, if needed:
Related Records
View and connect other records related to the permit. Track linked applications, licenses, or cases.
Select Related Records from the navigation menu:
Here you can view all related records to the permit. To view a record, click on a record link:
Communications
Send and receive messages within the system. Keep a record of questions, updates, and discussions tied to the permit.
Select Communications from the navigation menu:
Here you can manage communications regarding the permit. You can send a message and view your messages:
