Citizenserve Web Services Q&A

This description of Citizenserve Web Services is our response to a formal Request for Information from a city of about 62,500 residents.  Read on for details about some of the Web Service features included in our e-government software solution.

1.11   Web Services

1.11.1. Describe the ability to provide web-based self-services. Include the ability to allow customers to submit, track, and pay for services (inspections/permit information for example). Also address how they access their respective information (i.e., permits, plan review, inspection) online.

Our Response: We provide a configurable and customizable online portal. This portal allows citizens, contractors, and businesses to electronically interact with permitting, code enforcement, inspection, licensing, and requests. The portal can be configured as a link off of the City’s website.

  • Planning and zoning applicants can submit applications online. This includes attaching documents, checking application status, and paying application fees online.
  • With our permitting software your constituents can apply for a permit, upload digital plans, schedule inspections, pay fees, and check application status online.
  • Citizens can report possible code violations and check complaint status through the online portal. You can communicate with your citizens effectively and efficiently using our automatic notifications, automated letters, and email templates.
  • Business owners seeking licenses use the portal to submit applications, schedule inspections, upload required documents, and pay fees. Applicants may also check application statuses and download approved License Certificates and ID cards through the portal.

One key feature is our ability to set User Notifications and Assignments. When citizens, contractors, and businesses act on an application through the citizen portal, staff and departments are notified. For example, if a staff member requests a revised plan document, the notification matrix will notify staff when the document is uploaded.

Additional Configuration


1.11.2. Does the solution allow custom branding (City of Redmond logo, for example)?

Our Response: Yes.

1.11.3. Describe the ability to generate online permits for simple projects that meet defined criteria including data validation.

Our Response: We support flexible workflows that incorporate data validation. We can easily configure a workflow for simple permits that generates the permit online based on specific data validation. If the City elects, we can configure the online portal to enable the contractor to download and print the permit.

1.11.5. Describe the integration into the solution including the ability to process multiple payments or partial payments for both permits and invoices.

Our Response: Our software can collect a single payment and apply it across multiple permits and/or invoices. Partial payments can be configured as part of the payment process; for example, applications can require plan check fee payment up front. Multiple payments can be applied and tracked, with custom reporting available to show detailed historical payment information at the invoice level, permit level, or both.

1.11.6. Does the payment solution allow for guest checkout options?

Our Response: This depends on the payment processor that the City chooses.  Most payment processors provide a checkout process that does not require “registration” or an account with the specific payment provider. Thank you for allowing us to discuss Citizenserve Web Services with you.

About Us


Citizenserve is a cloud-based community development software suite. We configure our software to meet your needs. In addition to Business Licenses and renewals, we also offer solutions for online Building Permits, Business Licenses, Development Projects, Code Enforcement, and Requests. Explore our site see how we can support your community development efforts!

Here's what one customer says our software:
“This modern, intuitive, and easy-to-use software system will provide complete customer care to help our municipality provide online services to our residents. With the COVID-19, we saw how important it was to be able to connect with our residents using technology. Citizenserve will help enhance the building department processes by making it quicker by decreasing waiting times, submitting applications, and paying for applications online. The goal will be to eventually manage the entire permit and licensing system online from intake, through plans review and on to inspections.” See the full article here.