SnohomishTimes.com

Snohomish County Permitting Goes Paperless

Thursday, August 02, 2018
Snohomish County Permitting Goes Paperless

Snohomish County’s Department of Planning and Development Services (PDS) will transition to a completely paperless system for permits on September 1, 2018. Electronic permitting isn’t new for the department. PDS has been accepting online submittals for limited types of permits for years through www.mybuildingpermit.com. In 2005, they became an early participant in the eCityGov alliance. The consortium, which administers www.mybuildingpermit.com, is now 15 members strong, with 13 cities and 2 counties participating.

“As part of our STEP Initiative to reform county government, the paperless permitting system will not only give the public the best possible service, it will also save time for all involved,” said Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive. “Our PDS team has been hard at work streamlining processes and making the public’s experience better. We will continue to look for ways to improve service and save resources.”
While paperless submittals will be a welcome service enhancement for many customers, PDS recognizes that it might also present a challenge for some. PDS staff is committed to helping its customers throughout the submission and review process. For those without access to a computer, for instance, front counter staff can scan paper application materials. They will also help customers establish accounts on www.mybuildingpermit.com and orient them to the website. PDS has created a webpage to assist customers with understanding the new process https://snohomishcountywa.gov/4099/Paperless-PDS.
In addition, PDS is offering two hands-on workshops to help customers learn to use their online permitting portal, www.mybuildingpermit.com. The workshops will provide attendees the opportunity to set up an account on the portal and receive a general orientation of the features and functionality of the site. The two trainings will both be held on the Snohomish County Campus, Robert Drewel Building at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA. The workshops will take place on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. and on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Space is limited.
For more details, please call Planning and Development Services at 425-262-2147 or reserve your spot at https://paperlesspds.brownpapertickets.com/