McMinnville has made the process of applying for permits easier for residents with the introduction of a new permit software.
The new software is called Cloudpermit and allows residents to apply for building permits, yard sale permits, zoning permits, and request inspections through an online portal. McMinnville Community Development Director Sean Garrett said the new software is more user-friendly.
“It makes it easier to track and go through the process rather than doing paper applications, all those types of things, and like I said, this offers it from the comfort of the home,” Garrett said. “Just helps expedite it and makes it easier for all of us.”
Garrett said the software cost the city an estimated $20,000.Garrett said one of the features the city also liked was that it can translate for Spanish-speaking residents.
“They can fill out the application forms in Spanish, and then it will convert on our side into English, so that kind of helps us with that language barrier,” Garrett said. “That’s a big plus. We can send out notices, permits, and different violation letters, a bunch of different features in those languages as well.”
Garrett said the software will also handle the city’s code enforcement and will be used by more than just the Community Development Department.
“The Fire Department is going to be using it as well to do annual fire inspections for them,” Garrett said. “So it’s kind of a joint venture between us and multiple departments.”
Garrett said people can still come visit in person and fill out a permit application. Garrett said he is very excited to move forward with the new software.
