The City Council last week approved changes to the City’s Building Department permit fees that incentivize using the online permitting system and streamlines the process to help City officials expedite the permitting process.

The permitting fees will see their first changes since 2012 while remaining competitive with the fees of neighboring communities. Chicopee will provide a discounted fee schedule for permit applicants who file for permits using the online permitting application found on the Building Department web page at www.chicopeema.gov. Discounted permit fees are provided, as the system provides a more efficient process for receiving, reviewing and issuing permits, as well as occupancy and completion certificates.

The online permitting system provides real time access to the property owner, the contractor and the public to view what permits have been applied for, if a permit has been issued, and what inspections if any have been performed, or if the project has been completed.

In addition to bringing more efficiency to department operations, the system provides significantly more transparency to the public about projects being undertaken in the City.

“I am pleased to advance the work of the Building Department in a way that benefits both the City and those seeking permits from the City,” said Mayor Kos. “Our fees remain competitive while our e-permitting system encourages people to apply for permits online to save them money and move the permitting process along faster. I thank our Building Department, IT Department, and City Council for their efforts in working together on this initiative.”