The Database Management area helps you set up and maintain the core data used across Community Development modules like Licensing, Permitting, Projects, Fire/Safety Inspections, and Code Enforcement. Keeping this data clean and up to date helps your team work faster and improves reports.
Who can use this feature?
System Administrators | Container Administrators
Important Note:
If you do not have Container Administrator permissions in your system, you will not be able to complete the tasks in this guide. Please contact your administrator for assistance.
How to Access Database Management
Sign in to your site.
Go to Admin Tools and select Database Management.
Select the Module you want to manage.
Permits Module: Manages permit types, zoning, construction details, and other settings used during permit applications and reviews.
Parcel Module: Stores property and building information that is shared across permits, inspections, and projects.
Inspections Module: Controls inspection types, schedules, and checklists for safety and fire inspections.
Violations Module: Supports code enforcement by defining violation types, laws, courts, and judges.
Complaints Module: Manages complaint types, statuses, and how complaints link to violations.
Planning Zoning: Supports projects, meetings, variances, and zoning-related permissions.
Licenses Module: Manages business licenses, insurance requirements, and renewal schedules.
Utility Modules: Contains shared system settings such as fees, workflows, departments, and custom fields.
Manage Database Management Modules
Each Database Management Module controls the options staff use when creating and managing records. Keeping these settings up to date helps teams work more efficiently and reduces errors. Knowing where to make changes saves time and prevents rework.
Permits Module
The Permit Module controls the options users see when they apply for and process permits. Changes made here affect how permits are created, reviewed, and approved.
In the Permits Module, you can manage:
Permit Types: Define the kinds of permits users can apply for, such as building or electrical permits.
Certificate Types: Set up certificates that may be issued with permits and control where they are available.
Foundation Types and Materials: Choose the foundation styles and materials users can select.
Construction Classifications (Structure Types): Control the list of structure types, such as residential or commercial buildings.
Applicant Types: Define who can apply for permits, such as owners or contractors.
Contact Types: Create contact labels and abbreviations used on permits.
Insurance Types: Set the insurance options required for certain permits.
Zone Structure and Permit Types: Manage zoning-related permit options.
Occupancy Classifications: Define how buildings will be used for zoning purposes.
Current Zoning Types: Maintain the list of zoning categories.
Census Codes (BCC): Configure codes used for reporting and data tracking.
Parcel Module
The Parcel Module stores information about properties and buildings. This data is shared across permits, inspections, and projects.
In the Parcel Module, you can manage:
Property Types: Define property categories such as residential, commercial, or agricultural.
Zoning Districts: Create and manage zoning areas.
Basement Types: Set options like crawl space or full basement.
Exterior Types: Manage exterior wall styles.
Floor Types and Finishes: Define flooring materials and finishes.
Fuel Types: List fuel sources such as electric or gas.
Other Classifications: Track special conditions like hazardous materials or owner occupancy.
Risk Levels: Assign risk levels used for inspections and enforcement.
Inspection Cycles: Set how often properties require inspection.
Use Classifications: Identify building use, such as residential or industrial.
Building Status: Track whether a building is occupied, vacant, or demolished.
Roof Types: Manage roofing materials.
Foundation Materials and Types: Define foundation options.
Inspection Districts: Organize inspections by area.
Assets: Manage asset types, ownership, status, and inspection schedules.
Inspections Module
The Inspections Module controls how inspections are set up and scheduled. Changes made here affect inspection workflows, checklists, and inspection frequency.
In the Inspections Module, you can manage:
Inspection Types: Define the inspections staff can perform.
Occupancy Risk and Cycles: Set inspection cycles based on occupancy risk.
Inspection Cycles: Control how often inspections occur, such as every 12 or 24 months.
Safety Inspections: Configure safety inspection types, checklists, and relationships.
Fire Inspections: Manage fire inspection types, checklists, and related settings.
Violations Module
The Violations Module supports code enforcement activities. Changes made here affect how violations are created, tracked, and processed.
In the Violations Module, you can manage:
Violation Options: Define violation types, statuses, and reasons.
Violation Subtype Relationships: Create and manage violation subtypes and control portal availability.
Laws: Add and maintain laws, including sections, subsections, offenses, and penalties.
Courts: Manage the list of courts visible in the system.
Judges: Manage judges available for violation cases.
Complaints Module
The Complaints Module is used to manage complaints submitted by the public or staff. Changes made here affect how complaints are categorized and linked to violations.
In the Complaints Module, you can manage:
Complaint Types: Define the types of complaints that can be submitted.
Complaint Statuses: Track the progress of complaints.
Complaint Subtype Relationships: Create complaint subtypes and control portal availability.
Request and Concern Links: Connect request and concern types to related violation types.
Planning Zoning Module
The Planning Zoning Module supports project and meeting management. Changes made here affect planning workflows, zoning decisions, and staff permissions.
In the Planning Zoning Module, you can manage:
Project Types and Uses: Define project categories and uses.
Meeting Types: Set meeting formats and purposes.
Meeting Statuses, Topics, and Subtopics: Track meeting progress and discussion items.
Variance Types: Add and manage zoning variance options.
Signatory Titles: Control permissions for staff across permits, inspections, violations, complaints, and projects.
Licenses Module
The Licenses Module manages business and license-related settings. Changes made here affect license processing, inspections, and renewals.
In the Licenses Module, you can manage:
License Statuses: Track license progress, such as active or expired.
Business Types: Define categories of licensed businesses.
Business Subtypes: Add detailed business classifications.
Insurance Requirements: Set when insurance or workers’ compensation is required.
Inspection and Renewal Cycles: Control inspection timing and license renewal schedules.
Utility Module
The Utility Module contains shared system settings used across multiple modules. Changes made here can affect workflows, fees, and approvals throughout the system.
In the Utility Module, you can manage:
Fee Types: Define how fees are calculated and applied.
Permit Type to Use Relationships: Link permits to specific uses.
Preset Fees for Records: Set standard fees for cases and records.
Departments: Create departments and assign invoicing preferences.
Users Within Departments: Set default contacts for departments.
User Groups: Assign approval authority for permits, projects, and planning items.
Group Members: Add departments and users to groups.
Advanced Routing: Control notifications and approval workflows.
Resources: Manage shared resources and availability dates.
Workflow Statuses: Create and manage status values.
Schedules: Maintain calendars for current and future items.
Import Checklists: Upload checklist items using CSV files.
Additional Fields: Create custom fields for forms and portal use.
Knowledge Check
This Knowledge Check includes 5 questions based on this article. Select the arrow next to each question to reveal the answer. You can review the article at any time while completing the Knowledge Check.
Question 1: Why is it important to understand the purpose of each Database Management Module before making changes?
Answer: Changes may affect multiple workflows, records, and reports across the system.
Question 2: What types of information are managed in the Parcels Module?
Answer: Property and building details such as zoning, building characteristics, inspection cycles, and asset information.
Question 3: What types of system-wide settings are managed in the Utility Module?
Answer: Fees, Workflows, Routing, Departments, User Groups, Schedules, and Custom Fields.
Question 4: (True or False) License renewal cycles are configured in the Licenses Module.
Answer: True.
Question 5: What is the purpose of managing Permit Types in the Permits Module?
Answer: To control the types of permits users can apply for and how permits are categorized.