Trending
The City of Minot's new online licensing and permitting system enters 2024 with more than 800 registered users and at least some of the kinks worked out, according to the city's Engineering Department.
City Engineer Lance Meyer said efforts to utilize the Cityworks software to perform asset management and later licensing and permitting began in 2020.
"Even before that, I had this vision of trying to get us into an asset management program and eventually onto online permitting, primarily just to help us to be more efficient, have better data management and then eventually we need to be more innovative in how we program some of our public infrastructure replacement. It's been a long road to get us to this point," he told the Minot City Council Tuesday.
Assistant City Engineer Emily Huettl said online licensing and permitting is being rolled out gradually. Currently, online licensing and permitting is available for contractors, tobacco establishments, remote alarms and issuance of approved alcohol licenses.
In early 2024, the system is expected to add building permits, trade permits, right of way, site plan and flood plain development reviews, gaming site authorizations and permits for special event alcohol, gaming, events/parades, tents and animal performances. Additional permits for purposes such as parklets, pawnbroking and taxi cab licensing could be added at mid-year. More license and permit types could be added in the future.
Huettl said efficiency gains are expected over time with the system, as the city and users adapt.
"Every year it will get easier," she said.