Mt. Pleasant launches upgraded online permitting system

MT. PLEASANT — Residents and contractors in Mt. Pleasant can now apply for city permits online through an upgraded system that officials say will reduce paperwork, cut down on delays and make the process more user-friendly.

“Good news, Mount Pleasant! Getting a permit is now quicker and easier,” the city said in announcing the change. “We’ve upgraded our online system so you can pick the exact permit you need and give us all the right info the first time — no more back-and-forth calls or emails. From site plans to square footage, the form will guide you step-by-step. Check it out and start your permit online anytime.”

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The system is available here or through www.cityofmountpleasantiowa.org/building-zoning/permits-fees/ and clicking “Apply for Permit.”

Shelbi Swinscoe, administrative assistant with the City of Mt. Pleasant, said the previous online system was too limited.

“It just took down general information. It wasn’t very permit specific, and on the back end it was really time consuming, because you had to import them over and it just took more time,” Swinscoe said.

The new system requests specific documents — such as site plans and measurements — up front, which eliminates the need for staff to chase down missing materials.

“We’re not calling the contractor saying, ‘Hey, we need a site plan. Hey, we need this, we need that,’” Swinscoe said. “It asks for that in the beginning, so it’s just more user friendly.”

Permits available online include building, HVAC/plumbing, residential electrical, demolition, fence, peddler and sign permits. Residents can also submit applications for zoning changes, variance requests and tax abatements. Public works permits are now online for the first time, including right of way, sidewalk, driveway/curb cut, one-stop and dumpster permits.

“With public works, they have a set of permits that they were previously just doing all paper applications, and so we were able to get them online,” Swinscoe said. “Now people can fill out permits for public works online, where before they were still paper.”

According to the site, permit processing time is about 10 business days. Applicants will be contacted by phone or email when permits are ready, and documents must be submitted in PDF format.

Swinscoe said residents are more likely to use the online system now that it’s easier to navigate.

“I think people are more apt to do something online if it’s easy, rather than coming in and filling out a paper form and then having to keep track of all the paper documents,” she said. “Having it all digitally just makes it simpler.”

Though the upgrade has only been live for a few days, staff already report improvements.

“Gary Shahan, the building zoning administrator, just mentioned to me that it’s taking a lot less time to process them on his end once someone applies for it,” Swinscoe said.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com