WHO: City of Lakeland, Community & Economic Development
WHAT: Intuitive Municipal Solutions – Integrated online permitting, plans review system
WHY: Intuitive online user-friendly system with enhanced features
WHEN: New system goes live on January 22, 2024
WHERE: City of Lakeland’s website at www.lakelandgov.net
Over 10 years ago the City of Lakeland moved to a consolidated online application system for building permit, planning, code enforcement, and business tax receipt functions within the Community and Economic Development Department. This system will be replaced on January 22, 2024, with a new, more robust platform. The new iMS platform replaces the older and outdated eTrakit system. iMS stands for Intuitive Municipal Solutions and the new system promises to have rich customer-friendly features and an easy to navigate interface for the end user.
Teresa Maio, Assistant Director of Community & Economic Development said, “The eTrakit system has been extremely popular and has streamlined online business functions. However, in the years since eTrakit was implemented, customer expectations have grown and the available platforms serving municipal governments have increased dramatically.”
The iMS system consolidates both the public customer portal and staff portal into a single web-based site with role-based permissions allowing staff to emulate or view what the customer is viewing on their device. The portal is ADA compliant with responsive design making it easy to use on a mobile device. Address look-up and map features are greatly enhanced. The most significant new feature is the ability to schedule building permit inspections and obtain inspection results though text messaging. Quarterly updates will ensure the system is up to date on features and flexible configuration allow for a customized user experience.
The new iMS system will go live on January 22, 2024. The system will have online payment options with either an eCheck or credit card. Current eTrakit users will have to re-register with a new login for the iMS system. The good news for current users, if the same email is used for the login, all older eTrakit files will automatically be migrated to the new system. Here are just a few of the new features that end users can expect from the new iMS system:
- Mobile-friendly
- User-friendly interface
- Google translate built in
- Online permit application and review process
- SMS (text) scheduling of permit inspections
- Online application for new business tax receipts
- Electronic plans review
The Community & Economic Development Department guides new residential and non-residential development and redevelopment opportunities throughout the City of Lakeland by ensuring compliance with the City’s goals, policies, and land development regulations. The Department consists of nine integrated divisions that work together to create a balanced and sustainable community with the goal to enhance the overall quality of life for residents, business owners and visitors. The nine functional sections of the Department are: Economic Development, Building Inspection, Code Enforcement, Planning & Zoning, Community Redevelopment, Historical Preservation, Housing, Neighborhoods and Property Information.