County Community Planning & Economic Development to simplify permit acquisition process

In a move towards modernizing their permitting services for Thurston County, the Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) department, led by Director Joshua Cummings, has unveiled plans to launch a new set of plans and technologies to bring new opportunities.

Scheduled for a mid-year release, the Accela Permit Database and Customer Service technology are becoming accessible to the general public. This strategic expansion aims to usher in a new era of self-service capabilities, encompassing streamlined e-inspections, comprehensive permit submission tracking, and an online portal for paperless transactions.

This transition is motivated by CPED's move to simplify the complicated permit acquisition process.

The need for an overhaul became evident during a recent commissioners meeting on August 22nd, when many Thurston County residents expressed frustrations about their challenges while seeking permit approvals.

Vivian, a resident who took the podium during the meeting, shared, "There's got to be a way that we can be very clear with people when they request a permit. Exactly what is going to be required for them. And it goes into being very transparent and I guess that would be what I think we should look to improve along the way, is making it easier."

During the meeting, CPED discussed its accomplishments over the past five years, including unveiling plans for new permit database projects aimed at streamlining the permit acquisition process.

In a bid to further enhance permit and planning procedures, CPED introduced the Project Review Timeline and Communication Matrix aimed at providing collaboration between CPED, environmental health, public health, and public works through a unified communication platform.

"This is that time right now that we as an organization are working to set our new foundations and I just touched on those which are seen as our opportunities, the project review timeline and communication matrix. Working to improve customer experience and reduce confusion," shared CPED Director Joshua Cummings.

While CPED currently relies on established programs, including virtual inspections, for their permit approval process, they are taking measures to enhance their offerings. Plans are underway to bolster their voicemail system by introducing additional options, further promoting their virtual inspection service.

This service can be accessed through the Thurston County website.