Label
OpenCounter
Department of Economic Development
Sandy Spang (x1614)
Revised
Title
Authorizing the Mayor to enter into an amended agreement with Open Counter Enterprises, Inc. for the OpenCounter Business Portal, Residential Portal and ZoningCheck Platform and an Applications Platform for business and special events applications; waiving competitive bidding requirements of TMC Chapter 187; authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $112,000 from the Information and Communications Technology Fund; and declaring an emergency.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes an amended agreement with OpenCounter Business Portal, Residential Portal and ZoningCheck, which together comprise Permit Planner. The Business Portal demonstrates to entrepreneurs the costs and requirements of starting a business or completing a development project. The Residential Portal Shows homeowners how to comply with code and permit requirements for home improvement projects. ZoningCheck aids applicants in understanding how the zoning code will impact site selection and project requirements. Permit Planner launched April 20, 2022. In the first five months, 1,343 individuals have scoped projects, and 3,843 zoning look-ups were conducted, with the goal of improving permitting compliance while freeing City staff for other tasks.
The addition of OpenCounter's Application platform will enable online application, document upload and payment for business registrations, permits and licenses, including Convenience Store Licensing, Mobile Food Vendor Registration, Home Occupation, and Short-Term Rental Permits. The platform will also allow citizens to apply and pay online for Special Event Permits.
The amount requested includes Business Portal, Residential Portal and ZoningCheck annual subscription cost of $96,450, and $15,550 for the implementation and annual subscription of an online Applications Platform. Funds were included in the 2022 amended budget for this ...
Click here for full text