Quick Overview
- 1#1: Accela Civic Platform - Comprehensive cloud-based platform for automating building permits, inspections, licensing, and code enforcement workflows.
- 2#2: OpenGov Permitting & Licensing - Modern SaaS solution for streamlining permit applications, reviews, and tracking with real-time dashboards for governments.
- 3#3: Tyler Technologies Energov - End-to-end land management software specializing in digital permitting, plan reviews, and inspection scheduling.
- 4#4: Citizenserve - Online permitting portal that enables self-service applications, automated workflows, and mobile inspections for local agencies.
- 5#5: Cloudpermit - User-friendly SaaS platform for managing building permit submissions, reviews, and issuance with GIS integration.
- 6#6: PermitFlow - AI-driven permitting software that automates residential building permit applications and tracks approvals in real-time.
- 7#7: Symbium Build - AI-powered tool for predicting permit outcomes, generating compliant plans, and accelerating building approvals.
- 8#8: CityView by CentralSquare - Integrated permitting and licensing system for tracking applications, fees, inspections, and compliance.
- 9#9: BS&A Online - Municipal ERP with robust building department module for permit tracking, reporting, and online payments.
- 10#10: GovPilot - Digital government platform offering permit management, workflow automation, and citizen portals for tracking.
Tools were selected based on their comprehensive feature sets, user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they address key challenges in permit application, review, and tracking processes.
Comparison Table
Building permit tracking software streamlines processes for municipal and organizational efficiency, and this comparison table breaks down leading tools like Accela Civic Platform, OpenGov Permitting & Licensing, Tyler Technologies Energov, Citizenserve, Cloudpermit, and more—providing readers with insights into features, scalability, and suitability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accela Civic Platform Comprehensive cloud-based platform for automating building permits, inspections, licensing, and code enforcement workflows. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | OpenGov Permitting & Licensing Modern SaaS solution for streamlining permit applications, reviews, and tracking with real-time dashboards for governments. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 3 | Tyler Technologies Energov End-to-end land management software specializing in digital permitting, plan reviews, and inspection scheduling. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | Citizenserve Online permitting portal that enables self-service applications, automated workflows, and mobile inspections for local agencies. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 5 | Cloudpermit User-friendly SaaS platform for managing building permit submissions, reviews, and issuance with GIS integration. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | PermitFlow AI-driven permitting software that automates residential building permit applications and tracks approvals in real-time. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Symbium Build AI-powered tool for predicting permit outcomes, generating compliant plans, and accelerating building approvals. | general_ai | 8.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | CityView by CentralSquare Integrated permitting and licensing system for tracking applications, fees, inspections, and compliance. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | BS&A Online Municipal ERP with robust building department module for permit tracking, reporting, and online payments. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | GovPilot Digital government platform offering permit management, workflow automation, and citizen portals for tracking. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive cloud-based platform for automating building permits, inspections, licensing, and code enforcement workflows.
Modern SaaS solution for streamlining permit applications, reviews, and tracking with real-time dashboards for governments.
End-to-end land management software specializing in digital permitting, plan reviews, and inspection scheduling.
Online permitting portal that enables self-service applications, automated workflows, and mobile inspections for local agencies.
User-friendly SaaS platform for managing building permit submissions, reviews, and issuance with GIS integration.
AI-driven permitting software that automates residential building permit applications and tracks approvals in real-time.
AI-powered tool for predicting permit outcomes, generating compliant plans, and accelerating building approvals.
Integrated permitting and licensing system for tracking applications, fees, inspections, and compliance.
Municipal ERP with robust building department module for permit tracking, reporting, and online payments.
Digital government platform offering permit management, workflow automation, and citizen portals for tracking.
Accela Civic Platform
enterpriseComprehensive cloud-based platform for automating building permits, inspections, licensing, and code enforcement workflows.
Integrated GIS and asset management for contextual, real-time permit review and compliance
Accela Civic Platform is a comprehensive cloud-based SaaS solution designed for government agencies to manage the entire building permit lifecycle, from online submissions and plan reviews to inspections and issuance. It automates workflows, integrates with GIS and asset management systems, and provides mobile tools for field staff to conduct real-time inspections and updates. The platform supports high-volume permitting operations with robust reporting, compliance tracking, and citizen self-service portals.
Pros
- End-to-end automation of permit workflows with AI-driven efficiencies
- Seamless GIS integration and mobile apps for inspectors
- Scalable for enterprise-level municipalities with strong analytics and reporting
Cons
- Complex implementation requiring significant time and expertise
- High cost may deter smaller agencies
- Steep learning curve for full customization
Best For
Large cities and counties managing high-volume building permits and needing integrated civic services.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; annual subscriptions typically start at $100,000+ based on modules, users, and jurisdiction size.
OpenGov Permitting & Licensing
enterpriseModern SaaS solution for streamlining permit applications, reviews, and tracking with real-time dashboards for governments.
AI-assisted digital plan review with real-time collaboration tools
OpenGov Permitting & Licensing is a comprehensive cloud-based platform tailored for local governments to manage the entire building permitting lifecycle, from online applications and digital plan reviews to inspections and issuance. It features automated workflows, real-time status tracking, mobile apps for field inspectors, and a citizen-facing portal for transparency. The solution integrates seamlessly with GIS, financial systems, and other OpenGov modules to enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
Pros
- Robust automation of permitting workflows reduces processing time significantly
- Excellent mobile and GIS integrations for inspections and spatial analysis
- Public portal improves transparency and applicant experience
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be steep for smaller municipalities
- Initial setup and configuration require substantial time and training
- Limited flexibility for highly custom processes without developer support
Best For
Mid-to-large municipalities seeking an integrated, scalable permitting solution with strong government-specific features.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and jurisdiction size; subscription model.
Tyler Technologies Energov
enterpriseEnd-to-end land management software specializing in digital permitting, plan reviews, and inspection scheduling.
End-to-end workflow engine with automated routing, notifications, and audit trails for permit processing
Tyler Technologies EnerGov is a robust, cloud-based platform tailored for local governments to streamline building permit management, planning, zoning, and code enforcement processes. It automates the full permit lifecycle—from online applications and plan reviews to inspections, approvals, and compliance tracking—while offering mobile tools for field staff and citizen self-service portals. The software excels in integrating with GIS systems and other municipal databases for real-time visibility and reporting.
Pros
- Comprehensive workflow automation across the permit lifecycle
- Seamless GIS and third-party integrations for enhanced data accuracy
- Mobile apps and citizen portals improve field efficiency and public access
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for new users
- High cost may strain smaller municipalities' budgets
- Customization requires significant vendor support
Best For
Mid-to-large municipalities needing an integrated, scalable solution for high-volume permit tracking and community development.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote, typically annual subscriptions starting at $50,000+ based on jurisdiction size, users, and modules.
Citizenserve
specializedOnline permitting portal that enables self-service applications, automated workflows, and mobile inspections for local agencies.
Integrated GIS mapping that overlays permit data for spatial visualization and analysis
Citizenserve is a cloud-based platform tailored for local governments to manage building permits, licensing, code enforcement, and citizen service requests. It enables online permit applications, document uploads, fee payments, and real-time status tracking for applicants via a self-service portal. Staff tools include automated workflows for plan reviews, inspection scheduling, mobile apps for field use, and GIS integration for spatial permit tracking.
Pros
- Comprehensive end-to-end workflow from application to issuance
- Intuitive citizen portal with mobile accessibility
- Strong GIS and reporting capabilities for permit analysis
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for small municipalities
- Occasional performance issues during peak usage
- Limited native integrations with some accounting systems
Best For
Mid-sized municipalities needing a robust, all-in-one platform for permit tracking and citizen engagement.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on users, modules, and jurisdiction size; typically quoted per agency starting at several thousand dollars annually.
Cloudpermit
specializedUser-friendly SaaS platform for managing building permit submissions, reviews, and issuance with GIS integration.
Configurable GIS integration that overlays permit data on interactive maps for precise spatial tracking and analysis
Cloudpermit is a cloud-based SaaS platform designed for local governments and municipalities to manage building permits, licenses, and code enforcement. It provides end-to-end tracking of permit applications, automated workflows for reviews and approvals, mobile inspection tools, and integration with GIS for spatial data. The software enhances efficiency by enabling online submissions, real-time status updates, and payment processing.
Pros
- Comprehensive workflow automation for permit reviews and approvals
- Robust GIS and mapping integration for location-based tracking
- Mobile app for field inspections and real-time updates
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based with limited public transparency
- Primarily tailored for government users, less flexible for private firms
- Initial setup and customization can require significant configuration
Best For
Local governments and municipalities looking to digitize and streamline their building permit tracking processes.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing based on user count, transaction volume, and municipality size; typically starts at several thousand dollars annually.
PermitFlow
specializedAI-driven permitting software that automates residential building permit applications and tracks approvals in real-time.
AI-driven auto-generation and submission of permit packages tailored to specific jurisdictions
PermitFlow is a cloud-based platform that automates the building permitting process for construction teams, architects, and builders. It handles permit package generation, submission to over 100 jurisdictions, real-time status tracking, and compliance checks using AI-driven tools. The software integrates with design tools like Revit and Bluebeam to streamline workflows from application to approval.
Pros
- AI-powered automation for form filling and submissions
- Real-time tracking and notifications across 100+ jurisdictions
- Seamless integrations with CAD and project management tools
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit small firms or solo users
- Coverage limited to supported jurisdictions only
- Occasional integration glitches reported by users
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies and multifamily developers seeking to accelerate permitting workflows.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at around $500/month for core plans, with enterprise tiers based on volume and features.
Symbium Build
general_aiAI-powered tool for predicting permit outcomes, generating compliant plans, and accelerating building approvals.
AI-powered instant zoning feasibility reports that analyze uploaded plans against hyper-local regulations in seconds
Symbium Build is an AI-powered platform designed to streamline the building permit process for homeowners, builders, and architects. It offers instant zoning feasibility analysis, permit timelines, cost estimates, and real-time tracking of permit applications by automating compliance checks against local regulations. The tool supports residential projects like ADUs, additions, and remodels, connecting users with local experts when needed.
Pros
- Rapid AI-driven zoning and code compliance checks
- Real-time permit status tracking and timelines
- User-friendly interface with visual project planning tools
Cons
- Limited coverage to select US cities and jurisdictions
- Per-project fees can add up for frequent users
- Less robust for commercial or complex multi-permit projects
Best For
Homeowners and small residential builders in supported areas seeking quick permit feasibility and tracking without manual research.
Pricing
Free basic zoning previews; paid feasibility reports start at $29; Pro plans from $99/month for unlimited projects and advanced tracking.
CityView by CentralSquare
enterpriseIntegrated permitting and licensing system for tracking applications, fees, inspections, and compliance.
Advanced GIS integration for spatial visualization and tracking of permits, properties, and inspections
CityView by CentralSquare is a robust enterprise software platform tailored for local governments to manage building permits, inspections, licensing, and code enforcement. It automates workflows from permit application submission through review, issuance, and compliance tracking, with citizen-facing portals for online submissions and status checks. The solution integrates seamlessly with GIS mapping, financial systems, and mobile apps for field inspectors, enabling efficient municipal operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive workflow automation for end-to-end permit management
- Strong GIS and mobile integration for inspections and mapping
- Scalable for multi-department use with citizen self-service portals
Cons
- Steep learning curve and lengthy implementation for new users
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller municipalities
- Limited out-of-the-box customization without vendor assistance
Best For
Mid-to-large municipalities needing an integrated, scalable platform for high-volume permit tracking and enforcement.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $50,000+ annually, depending on users, modules, and deployment (cloud or on-premise).
BS&A Online
enterpriseMunicipal ERP with robust building department module for permit tracking, reporting, and online payments.
Fully integrated citizen self-service portal with mobile access for permit applications and status updates
BS&A Online is a robust software platform tailored for local governments, enabling efficient management of building permits, planning, zoning, and inspections through an integrated online portal. Citizens can submit applications, upload documents, track permit statuses in real-time, make payments, and schedule inspections seamlessly. Government staff access powerful backend tools for workflow automation, review processes, compliance tracking, and detailed reporting to streamline operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration with other municipal modules like assessing and taxing
- User-friendly public portal for permit submissions and real-time tracking
- Advanced reporting and analytics for compliance and performance insights
Cons
- Primarily geared toward government agencies, limiting appeal for private contractors
- Customization options can be rigid and require vendor support
- Steep initial setup and training for smaller departments
Best For
Mid-sized municipalities and local governments needing an all-in-one solution for permit tracking and citizen services.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on population size, modules, and usage; typically starts at $10,000+ annually with quotes required.
GovPilot
specializedDigital government platform offering permit management, workflow automation, and citizen portals for tracking.
No-code workflow builder for custom permit routing and approvals
GovPilot is a cloud-based government management platform tailored for local municipalities, offering comprehensive tools for building permit tracking from online submissions and plan reviews to inspections and issuance. It automates workflows, integrates with GIS for property data, and provides mobile access for field inspectors. The software emphasizes citizen self-service portals to reduce administrative burdens and improve transparency in the permitting process.
Pros
- Robust automation for permit workflows and notifications
- Mobile app for real-time inspections and photo documentation
- GIS integration for accurate property and zoning data
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small municipalities
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical staff
- Limited advanced customization without additional support
Best For
Small to mid-sized local governments seeking an integrated platform for permits alongside other civic services like licensing and code enforcement.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on municipality size and modules; typically starts at $5,000-$10,000 annually for basic setups with per-transaction fees.
Conclusion
The top tools in building permit tracking software each brought unique strengths, with the Accela Civic Platform emerging as the standout choice, thanks to its comprehensive cloud-based workflow automation. OpenGov Permitting & Licensing impressed with its modern SaaS approach and real-time dashboards, while Tyler Technologies Energov excelled in end-to-end land management, offering strong alternatives for varied needs.
Take the next step in efficient permit management—explore the offerings of the top-ranked Accela Civic Platform to streamline your processes and enhance productivity.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison