December 16, 2024 — As part of ongoing efforts to enhance customer experiences, modernize operations and streamline services, the City of Sarnia has launched an online permits and licensing portal.
The launch of the portal represents a significant step as the City moves to offer more services electronically via implementation to Cityworks. Starting today, the portal can be used to submit, pay for and track applications and renewals for business licences, in addition to select planning applications, specifically Planning Research Requests; Permitted Use and Zoning Letter Requests; Zoning and Building Compliance Certificate Requests; and Municipal Address Change Applications.
The launch of the portal is an initial phase of implementation, with work underway to move additional applications, request and processes such as building permits, development applications, and engineering permits to the portal.
“This is a huge milestone as we continue to modernize how we deliver and administer City services. So far the majority of the Cityworks implementation has related to internal administration, with the launch of the portal representing the first significant public-facing use of the tool,” said Manager of Planning & Development Services Eric Hyatt, adding, “you can now go online, easily file applications, pay the related fees and track their status in one online space, without the need to pick up the phone or inquire via email.”
The portal offers several unique benefits:
- Users can submit, pay and upload documents via a single location
- Users can track application status and progress from intake to approval, providing enhanced transparency in the process
- Users can access and download approved documents at any time
- Increased intake and processing efficiency, with applications flowing directly to the responsible staff member while reducing instances of manual data entry and review
To access the portal and learn more, visit www.sarnia.ca/PermitPortal.