Cloud-based Technology Delivers a Seamless Workflow for Plan Reviews and Inspections in Southeast Ohio

When the Southeast Ohio Building Department (SEOBD) faced significant financial decisions to keep its code enforcement and community development software program in service, new Chief Building Official (CBO) Rick Dostal had to find a more effective solution.

“I already wasn’t happy with our software system because it was cumbersome to use,” said Dostal. “Then, when the company changed hands and announced programming changes requiring us to upgrade with costly software systems, I knew it was time to go to the mothership—the International Code Council.”

ICC Community Development Solutions (ICC CDS) Solutions Account Executive Bryan Fatka and the Municity® team offered Dostal a cloud-based solution to address their need for enhanced workflow efficiency and commitment to customer service that’s both cost-effective and powerful.

Workflow Efficiency: Utilizing Innovative Building Safety Technology

Dostal, managing vast territories in Southeastern Ohio, was looking for a solution that prioritizes simplicity, connectivity and immediacy – regardless of location.

“Dostal has an amazing team that covers a massive amount of territory in multiple counties, so having an easy-to-use and always-connected system was of vital importance.  As soon as a field inspector enters anything, everyone else instantly has access to it,” described Fatka.

Whether in the office, field or remote, Municity’s seamless workflow for plan reviews and inspections was important to the SEOBD team. The user-friendly interface simplifies plan submissions, reviews and approvals, while providing immediate connectivity for inspectors using iPads or Surface tablets – even in areas without cellular service. This ensures the quick logging of information and the ability to send emails as soon as an internet connection is available.

Municity gathers the contact information of all project participants for prompt sharing of inspection reports and documentation, as well as convenient access to permit statuses and appointment schedules online. Read other ways digital technology can help authorities having jurisdiction improve performance here. 

A Better Customer Service Experience

When Dostal left construction to become an inspector, he vowed to put customer service first. Tools like Municity help him keep his promise.

“As a state-certified building department for non-residential and residential projects, we provide the same services as the State of Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance in Columbus,” Dostal said.

Now, his constituents can often schedule inspections as soon as the next day and receive plan approvals in less than the state-mandated 30 days.

Office Administrator and Permit Technician Traci Zimmerman is the department’s Municity lead. “Zimmerman has been able to cross-train my staff so anyone can step in immediately and get the job done. It makes my supervisory position much easier,” said Dostal.

Municity has helped Dostal and his team enhance their excellent customer experience with shorter turnaround times, faster inspections and quicker approvals so much that SEOBD now serves six counties and 24 municipalities, with more coming. 

A Cost–Effective Growth Solution Thanks to Improved Building Safety Technology

With more capabilities for less money out-of-pocket when compared to their previous system, Dostal’s County Commissioners approved Municity without hesitation.

Ohio’s installation of Municity includes four vital digital programs that can grow the department: Application to Certificate, Code Enforcement, Licensing Management, and Connect – The Municity Public Portal.  Identifying, tracking, managing violations and facilitating public access to approvals and inspections are only a few of the indispensable solutions provided by the programs.

Technological Innovation Backed by the International Code Council

Dostal also recognized the significance of Municity being a Code Council software. As an active member of the Code Council himself, he held this in high regard.

“From our first meeting, Dostal let me know how much he values the Code Council and his relationship with the organization before the name change in 1994. Being part of the Code Council family of solutions started our relationship, but a solid software solution and good people make for a lasting friendship,” mentioned Fatka.

Join ICC CDS for an informational webinar: Municity 5 Overview – Click to register and view upcoming dates. In the meantime, check out the full case study here.