Sarasota launches online, mobile options for building permits, inspections

The city of Sarasota’s development services department is rolling out new phone, online and mobile services that will make it easier for customers to pay for licenses and permits via an online portal, which also proves especially helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department has also launched an integrated voice response system that allows contractors and property owners to schedule, reschedule and cancel inspections and check the results through an automated phone line and text service. Staff worked with the city’s vendor to expedite the launch of the new permitting software to help facilitate online transactions so customers can comply with social distancing practices due to COVID-19.

“I encourage all of our clients to use these new tools, as they allow for safer, more flexible interaction with the building division,” said Building Official Larry Murphy. “Staff have worked very hard to make this a reality, and our clients will be able to interact with us remotely and effectively.”

Since a state of emergency was declared in Florida in early March, the department’s building division has processed more than 2,000 permit applications — with a total construction value of more than $100 million — and conducted thousands of inspections while adhering to social distancing.

Read more at the Herald Tribune.