Starting this spring, property owners, contractors, engineers and architects will have web access to apply for permits, check the status and view the results of inspections. They will also be able to make electronic payments for building fees. The target date for launching ArlingtonPermits.com is Monday, April 17.

Centralizing these and many other development processes is expected to save time and money and improve the delivery of services to the development community, said Karen Brophy, the director of the Community Development and Planning Department, which is formerly the Planning and Development Services Department.

"Until now, to secure a permit or inspection, contractors had to interact with as many as nine City of Arlington divisions and departments during regular business hours," said Steve Quirk, the department’s assistant director of Community Development and Planning. "The virtual One-Start Center at ArlingtonPermits.com will be available 24 hours a day."

New online services are designed to provide builders and contractors with a single point of contact for development resources. The department will also introduce kiosks on the second floor of City Hall as part of the new online services being offered.

City officials say the online permit processes will be followed later in the year by the introduction of the One Start Center to be located on the second floor at City Hall. City of Arlington staff involved in the permitting and property development will be re-locating to the One Start Center. Engineers in the Water Utilities Department and Public Works Department will join personnel from the Fire Department and Neighborhood Services Department.

ArlingtonPermits.Com is powered by Application Management and Data Automation software, and is funded by building permit fees collected from the development community.