Permitting Software for Local Government | GovWell
Better permitting software for your staff and your community
Reduce back-and-forth
AI flags common mistakes before submission, helping permit applications get approved faster and saving staff time
Transparency at every step
Clear status updates and 24/7 AI assistance mean fewer calls to the front desk and more visibility for applicants
Support economic growth
Predictable permit timelines let builders break ground, businesses open on schedule, and homeowners finish projects without delays.
Join municipalities and counties in 35+ states using GovWell
Testimonials
Ashley Bailey, Former Staff Liaison
"Everything we do is in step with GovWell and their customer service to the applicant has been amazing."
Robin Morency, City Clerk
"Previously, managing the paperwork was a significant hassle, but now applicants can conveniently upload their documents and apply online."
Michele Raby, Planner II
"I've got to say, we definitely set history...never done that before that fast, it was fantabulous!"
Chuck Ralls, City Manager
"GovWell has been the most beneficial and functional software program I have implemented in over a decade. The level of efficiency it has brought to my staff is amazing and the citizens love it too."
One permitting platform from intake to inspection
Key features
Keep applicants informed, automatically
Community members apply, upload documents, and track status in one place, with automatic updates and 24/7 answers from the AI Community Assistant.
Verify contractors before work begins
Track licenses with automatic expiration alerts, so unverified contractors can't pull permits.
Catch issues before staff review
AI AutoCheck reviews every application against your local code at submission, flagging missing information and code conflicts.
Keep every reviewer on the same page
Mark up plans, leave comments, and compare versions in one workspace, without needing a third-party app.
Complete inspections from the field
Track inspections, log results, and capture photos from any device.
See what's slowing permits down
Track permit and inspection trends by status, type, and reviewer. Spot bottlenecks, balance workloads, and adjust before delays compound.
AI that works alongside your team at every step
Product feature
The fundamentals, done right
Workflow automations
Trigger notifications, status changes, and routing automatically based on your rules
Public portal
A clear, branded portal where applicants submit, pay, and track every permit
Payments and fees
Calculate fees from your local schedule and accept online payments
Document generation
Generate permits, notices, and approval letters from your templates
Security and privacy
Enterprise-grade security including SOC 2 Type II certification
GIS integrations
Connect every permit to its parcel and property data through Esri ArcGIS
Key metrics
Clarksville, Indiana cut permit issuance time in half
5 days - Median time to issue a permit today, down from 11 days in 2018 12% - More permits processed than in 2018, while cutting issuance time by more than half
Frequently asked questions
Who uses GovWell for permitting?
GovWell's building permit software is used by building officials, permit technicians, plan reviewers, and inspectors — as well as the contractors, homeowners, and developers submitting applications. The platform is designed to serve both the staff who manage review and approval workflows and community members who need a fast, transparent way to apply and track their permits.
What types of permits does GovWell support?
GovWell supports the full range of permit types: building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, grading, demolition, and more. Every permit type and workflow is fully configurable, so your team can set up the system to match how your jurisdiction operates rather than adapting to a one-size-fits-all template. Permit applications, plan review, inspections, and fee collection are all managed in one connected platform.
How does GovWell handle inspections?
Inspectors can schedule, manage, and document inspections directly from the field on any phone or tablet using GovWell's mobile app. Community members can request inspections online, view scheduled times, and receive automatic updates on results. Every inspection is logged and automatically connected to the permit record, creating a complete audit trail from application to final approval.
What does implementation look like?
Every GovWell customer is assigned a dedicated team to configure your permitting workflows, migrate your existing case data, and train your staff before go-live. Most jurisdictions are up and running in weeks, not months. After launch, your Deployment Strategist stays involved to refine workflows and ensure the software continues to serve your community as needs change.
How is GovWell different from other permitting software?
GovWell's building permit software is purpose-built for local government, not a generic workflow tool adapted for municipalities. The platform combines AI-powered plan review, automated completeness checks, and a mobile-first inspection experience in one integrated system. Staff use GovWell because it's intuitive. Most important, when you need support, you reach a real person who knows your configuration and can get the help you need.
What is the best permitting software for municipalities and counties?
The best building permit software for municipalities and counties combines online application submission, AI-assisted plan review, mobile inspections, and real-time status tracking in one platform. Compared to software adapted from enterprise tools, platforms that are purpose-built for local government often include configurable workflows that match how your jurisdiction operates and help communities cut permit processing times by up to 95%.