Township Working Toward Online Permit Tracking
Nicholas Mistretta
MONTGOMERY, NJ — During her report to the Township Committee, Business Administrator Lori Savron said the township is preparing to release a survey seeking feedback from residents, businesses and contractors who have applied for zoning, engineering, health or construction permits.
The survey is part of a broader permit-efficiency study intended to identify delays, communication problems and other areas where the application process could be improved.
Savron said the township plans to distribute the survey directly to people whose email addresses are included in its GovPilot system. It will also be promoted through the township’s email bulletin and social media pages.
Township officials acknowledged that the permitting process has been a frequent source of frustration for residents. Committee members said the goal is to make the process easier to understand, improve customer service and provide applicants with clearer information about where their applications stand.
Montgomery was an early adopter of GovPilot, an online system used to manage permits, licenses and other municipal applications. However, Savron said other communities are now using newer platforms with more advanced features.
Following a merger between GovPilot and SDL, the company is developing an improved online portal that would allow residents, business owners and contractors to track permit applications in real time.
The portal is expected to show applicants where their permits are in the review process, reducing the need to call individual departments for updates.
Savron said GovPilot representatives are expected to travel from California to Montgomery in early August to meet with township employees and observe the permitting process firsthand. Township Information Technology Director Joe Lee is leading the local effort.
Officials said the onsite review could allow the company to build a stronger system tailored to Montgomery’s needs while keeping the township under its current contract rate.
Committee members also discussed the possibility of eventually expanding online access to other municipal information, including property taxes and public records. A township mobile application could also be considered in the future.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com