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.
Understanding Permit Workflows
What Is a Workflow?
A workflow is the path a permit follows from start to finish.
It shows:
What steps must happen
The order in which those steps must follow
When the permit can move forward
Each permit type (called a Permit Use) can have its own workflow. For example:
Building a new commercial building may have many review steps.
Installing a water heater may only require a few steps.
Workflows help users stay organized and consistent.
How a Workflow Is Assigned
When a permit is created, and a Permit Use is selected:
The system automatically assigns the correct workflow.
One workflow can be used for multiple permit types.
The Workflow tab shows all required steps for that permit.
How Workflows Move Forward
Most workflows are linear. This means:
You must finish the current step before starting the next one.
When one step is completed, the next step opens automatically.
You cannot skip ahead.
This keeps the permit moving in the correct order.
What Are Workflow Groups?
Sometimes, several steps can happen at the same time. This is called a group.
Inside a group:
All steps can be active at once.
Different staff members can work on different steps at the same time.
However:
The step after the group cannot start until all steps in the group are complete.
Groups are helpful when multiple reviews need to happen before moving forward.
What Information Is in Each Step?
Each step includes:
Step name
Status
Due date
Assigned staff member
Each step has a status.
The status shows where the step is in the process. Status options may be different for each step. For example, one step may include review statuses, while another may include inspection results. The available statuses depend on how your organization has set up the workflow. Changing a step’s status may move the workflow forward. Only active steps can be worked on.
What Happens When a Step Is Completed?
When you complete a step:
The system automatically opens the next step.
The next step moves to its default status.
The workflow continues forward.
You do not need to activate the next step manually.
Changing a Workflow on a Permit
Workflows are set up ahead of time. However, you can make small changes to an individual permit if needed.
You can add a step:
Add a new step after the last active step.
You cannot:
Add a step before an active step.
Insert a step in the middle of active steps.
This prevents the workflow from getting out of order.
You can remove a step if it is:
Not Started
Inactive
You cannot remove:
Active steps
Completed steps
You can reopen the most recently completed step.
When you reopen a step:
The current active step becomes inactive.
The reopened step returns to its default status.
The workflow moves back one step.
