Multiple trips to Hudson City Hall for zoning requests and approvals will soon be a thing of the past. Beginning April 19, 2017, Hudson’s community development department will accept applications and development plans online.
“As we move forward with our digital initiative and continuous improvement efforts, we’re changing the way we look at our government processes and procedures,” said Paul Leedham, Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Hudson. “The online zoning application project is part of a broader effort to increase efficiency, collaboration and document management among departments.”
The community development department processes more than 800 applications each year, with larger requests sometimes being reviewed by many individuals. After April 19, all applications will be submitted online.
“For residents and developers, online applications and electronic plan review not only will save trips to City Hall, but also will improve communications among the various departments and boards involved in the review process,” said Kris McMaster, Associate Planner. “And, it will cut down on the amount of paper we shuffle back and forth and then must store.”
It is easy to complete an application and submit it on the City’s website. Each applicant will first be asked to set up an account. Once the account is created, individuals can submit as many applications as they need. Supporting documents, plans and drawings can be scanned and uploaded along with the application. If residents do not have a scanner, they can use a smart phone or camera to take a picture of the document and submit it. Application fees also can be paid through the online account.
For those who might not have access to a computer or mobile device, the City has installed a kiosk equipped with a computer and scanner at City Hall, 115 Executive Parkway, Suite 400. There residents can complete the online application and scan any documents that might be required as part of the submission.
Once an application is submitted, it is routed into a work order system that distributes the documents to staff members or board/commission members who need to review the request. With the electronic review process, everyone – from the customer, to staff, to the reviewing board – can view the process, along with mark ups, questions and comments by reviewers along the way. The permits will be sent to the applicant by email, so there is no need for another trip to City Hall.
“It really creates transparency in the process,” said McMaster. “Everyone is notified by email each step of the way. It’s easy to spot where there might be a missing document or delay in the review process.”
To learn more about what types of zoning, right-of-way, or other permit processes are online and how to use the online application system, click here. Contact the community development department at 330-342-1790 with questions.