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How one Florida city cut permit processing from weeks to days while boosting efficiency and resident satisfaction


We’re passionate about helping communities modernize their operations and deliver better services to residents and businesses. We’re excited to share a success story that exemplifies the transformative power of digital government solutions: the City of North Port, Florida’s remarkable journey from lengthy permit delays to streamlined, efficient processing.

The Challenge: Weeks of Waiting

Before partnering with Accela, North Port faced a common municipal challenge that plagues communities nationwide. Permit processing was a lengthy, paper-heavy ordeal that tested the patience of residents and businesses alike. With processing times stretching 20–40 days for most permits, the city struggled to meet the expectations of a growing community eager to build, renovate, and invest.

The numbers told a concerning story: only 68% of building permit applications were processed within 30 days, creating bottlenecks that slowed economic development and frustrated constituents who simply wanted to improve their properties or start new ventures.

The Solution: Digital Transformation with Purpose

North Port’s leadership recognized that transforming their permitting process required more than just new software—it demanded a comprehensive approach that combines cutting-edge technology with refined procedures. The city implemented Accela’s online permit processing system alongside new Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) processes, creating a foundation for lasting change.

Results That Speak Volumes

The transformation has been remarkable. Within months of implementation, North Port achieved dramatic improvements across every key metric:

  • Overall Processing Time Reduction: Average processing times plummeted from 20–40 days to fewer than 10 days—a reduction of more than 75%.
  • Certificates of Zoning Compliance: More than 80% are now processed and reviewed in less than five days, turning what was once a weeks-long wait into a quick turnaround.
  • Building Permits: Over 90% are being processed and reviewed within three to five days, enabling residents and businesses to move forward with their projects faster than ever before.

These improvements represent efficiency gains, and they translate to real economic impact, reduced frustration, and enhanced quality of life for North Port’s residents.

“The Accela platform has transformed how we serve our community. What used to take weeks now takes days, and our residents and businesses are seeing the difference. The system’s intuitive design and robust capabilities have allowed us to not just meet our goals, but exceed them,” shared Development Services Director Alaina Ray.

Beyond Technology: A Blueprint for Success

North Port’s success demonstrates several key principles that other communities can learn from:

  • Comprehensive Approach: The city didn’t just implement new software; they also updated their processes and codes to work seamlessly with the digital platform.
  • Community Communication: Acknowledging challenges and maintaining open dialogue with residents and businesses helped build trust during the transition.
  • Commitment to Improvement: The city’s dedication to continuous improvement and constructive feedback ensures the system will keep evolving to meet community needs.
  • Measurable Impact: By tracking specific metrics, North Port can demonstrate real value and identify areas for further enhancement.

The Ripple Effect

When permit processing becomes efficient, the benefits extend far beyond City Hall. Contractors can plan projects more accurately, homeowners can complete renovations faster, and businesses can open their doors sooner. Economic development accelerates, and the community’s overall confidence in local government grows.

For North Port, these improvements position the city as a more attractive place to live, work, and invest—a competitive advantage that will pay dividends for years to come.

Looking Forward

North Port’s journey illustrates what’s possible when communities embrace digital transformation with clear goals and strong execution. As cities nationwide grapple with aging infrastructure, growing populations, and rising citizen expectations, North Port provides a roadmap for success.

At Accela, we’re proud to partner with forward-thinking communities like North Port that prioritize efficiency, transparency, and excellent service delivery. Their commitment to continuous improvement and community engagement makes them a model for other municipalities considering modernizing their government services.


Ready to transform your community’s permit processing? Book a demo to see how Accela can help your city achieve similar results by visiting our website or contacting our team of municipal technology experts.

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