In a presentation to the Simi Valley City Council on Monday night, Assistant City Manager Jim Purtee demonstrated how easy it can be to apply for a simple building permit through the city’s new online permit application.
Residents and contractors can now log on to the City of Simi Valley’s website, www.simivalley.org, where they can apply for a residential building permit. On the website, users hover their mouse over the “I Want To…” tab and click on the “apply for a residential building permit” option.
“The website is simple and secure,” Purtee said. “There’s even information where residents can find out about energy rebates or other energy contractors.”
The online application was set up by the city’s information technology staff with the help of grants from Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Company.
To complete the application, a residential address and either a business tax ID or a contractor’s license number are required. The online system will verify that the address is within a residential area and that the ID numbers are up to date.
The application can vary depending on whether a homeowner, a contractor or an authorized agent for the homeowner is requesting the permit.
Applicants can choose from plumbing, mechanical, electrical or roofing permits and multiple permits can be requested at the same time on the website.
After the type of permit and a description of the work that will be done at the residence are filled out, the system will calculate the fees required for each permit, including a $2 automation fee.
The permit costs vary depending on what type of work is done to the home.
Mayor Pro Tem Glen Becerra asked why the $2 fee was required.
“I love this, and I think it’s fantastic, but I thought technology would make it easier and cheaper,” Becerra said.
Purtee said the $2 fee goes toward the city’s equipment replacement fund and is just a small amount used to keep the website running.
Once the permit is paid for and granted, it is emailed to the applicant.
The application, as well as the electronic permit, can be viewed on tablets, mobile phones, laptops and desktop computers.