Fulshear residents will now be able to apply for permits online.

The details

The new portal, which launched Nov. 10, allows residents, contractors and staff to interact in real time, track progress more easily and reduce the number of manual steps, which have slowed things down in the past, City Manager Zach Goodlander said.

According to a Nov. 7 Facebook post, the new GovWell portal will allow residents, contractors and staff to:

• Apply for permits
• Schedule inspections
• Pay online
• Upload documents

While permitting review standards will remain the same, the system will be more efficient and consistent, Goodlander said. The previous program will remain available during the transition, then it will be maintained only for archival purposes.

In their own words

The city invested $21,500 last fiscal year setting up the portal, and will be spending less annually on permitting software than before with the new system, Goodlander said.

“This is an example of how we’re using technology to improve service and make smart use of taxpayer dollars,” Goodlander said. “We expect this will create additional efficiencies and make it even easier for the public to navigate the process from start to finish.”

Looking ahead

The code enforcement and health departments have already started using the platform, with plans to move building inspections to the system in the future, Goodlander said.