When many local governments think about online permitting, a common misconception surfaces:
"Our community is too small for that."
The truth? Communities of all sizes — from bustling cities to small towns and rural counties — are increasingly turning to digital permitting systems.

Online permitting isn’t just for major metros anymore. Residents expect the same easy, online access to services no matter where they live. And your staff? They’ll thank you too.

Let’s bust the myth once and for all.

Why Small Communities Deserve Modern Solutions

You don’t have to serve 100,000+ residents to benefit from online permitting. In fact, small municipalities often gain the biggest wins when they streamline their permitting processes.

Here's why:

• Small teams wear many hats.
  When a city clerk, a planner, or a code officer handles multiple roles, efficiency isn’t just nice — it’s necessary.
• Residents expect digital services.
  Today, 72% of U.S. adults prefer to complete government services online when available (Pew Research Center, 2023).
• Paper-based systems create bottlenecks.
  Lost forms, incomplete applications, and delayed approvals frustrate both staff and applicants.
• Economic development depends on it.
  Simpler, faster permitting processes make it easier for small businesses and property owners to invest locally.

In short: an online permitting platform doesn't just modernize your services — it fuels your community's growth.

Resident Expectations Are Changing

Let's be honest: residents no longer want to drive to city hall, wait in line, or juggle paper forms.

Real-World Stat:
A 2023 GovTech survey found that 68% of citizens expect their local government to offer online service options, including permit applications, licensing renewals, and inspections scheduling.

Your residents are already managing their lives online — from banking to grocery shopping to telehealth visits. Permitting should be no different.

When a community offers online permitting:

• Homeowners can easily apply for fence, shed, or remodel permits without taking time off work.
• Contractors can track project approvals and schedule inspections without endless phone calls.
• Small business owners can apply for occupancy permits or signage licenses right from their laptop.

Meeting residents where they are — on their devices — boosts satisfaction, trust, and civic pride.

Staff Need Better Tools, Too

Small government teams often face limited budgets, short staff rosters, and growing workloads.
Manual permitting processes only make things harder.

Problems staff face without online permitting:

• Repetitive data entry
• Lost paperwork
• Limited visibility into permit status
• Increased resident complaints and phone inquiries
• Difficulty tracking performance or bottlenecks

Real-World Stat:
According to a survey by the National League of Cities, 78% of local government employees say they want better technology tools to serve residents more efficiently.

With GOGov’s online permitting solution (or similar digital platforms), local government staff can:

• Automate notifications for incomplete applications
• Track permit status across departments
• Simplify fee collection and payment processing
• Quickly generate reports for leadership

Staff efficiency improves — and so does morale.

Real-World Example: Archuleta County, CO

Located in the heart of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, Archuleta County faced growing permitting challenges with only one true municipality, Pagosa Springs.

Prior to adopting online permitting, second homeowners (many living out of state) had to submit paper applications — often in person. The manual system created delays and headaches for both residents and county staff.

The Solution:
Archuleta County adopted GOGov’s online permitting solution to modernize how permits were submitted, reviewed, and approved.

The Results:

• Dramatically reduced paperwork
• Easier tracking for both residents and staff
• Faster turnaround times — cutting approval times by 50%
• Improved transparency for applicants and enforcement teams

Whether your community has 5,000 residents or 50,000, streamlining permitting processes pays dividends.

5 Signs Your Community Is Ready for Online Permitting

Still wondering if your community should invest in digital permitting? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, it's time:

1. Do residents frequently call for updates or status reports?
2. Is your staff manually entering permit data into multiple systems?
3. Do you struggle with incomplete or lost applications?
4. Are wait times for approvals longer than you'd like?
5. Do you have limited ability to track permitting KPIs (e.g., average approval time)?

Modern permitting software provides one centralized, accessible hub for applications, approvals, payments, and communication.

Key Features to Look for in a Small Government Permitting Platform

Not every permitting platform is built for smaller communities. Look for solutions that offer:

✅ Mobile-Friendly Applications — So residents can apply anytime, anywhere.
✅ Automated Notifications — Keep residents updated without extra phone calls.
✅ Easy Staff Dashboards — Give employees real-time tracking and management tools.
✅ Online Payments Integration — Speed up fee collection with simple, secure payment options.
✅ Permit Status Visibility — Applicants should see what’s pending, approved, or needs corrections.
✅ Scalable Pricing — Choose a solution that fits your budget and grows with your needs.

Myth Busted: No Community Is Too Small for Better Permitting

The idea that small towns and rural counties don't "need" online permitting is outdated — and it’s costing communities time, money, and goodwill.

Your residents expect digital convenience.
Your staff deserves efficient workflows.
Your community’s future depends on smart, scalable solutions.

Fortunately, launching online permitting is easier and more affordable than ever.

Whether you're handling 50 permits a year or 5,000, GOGov’s permitting platform offers the tools you need to create a modern, accessible, and citizen-focused government.

Ready to simplify your permitting process?

🔗 Learn more about GOGov Permits, schedule a demo.

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