You might call it the business-to-business-to-government market.
NetClerk Inc. has launched a beta program that allows regulated local contractors (plumbing, electrical, roofing, etc.) to navigate the entire permit application process over the Web as well as leverage their back office using NetClerk servers instead of old-fashioned filing cabinets.
No more wasted waste time driving to city hall and waiting in line to fill out applications.
San Francisco’s Department of Building Inspection will accept NetClerk’s faxed (and eventually e-mailed) applications as an alternative to sending in permit forms by mail or filing them at the counter. And NetClerk has nationwide expansion as a goal.
For projects requiring simple permits rather than detailed plans, property owners and contractors are able to log on to the NetClerk Web site, choose the appropriate
permit, fill out the application online and submit it to the city. The business model eventually will be to charge a fee for the service.
“It will be a very helpful service to San Franciscans and the city,” said Crystal Pearl, chief building inspector, told the San Francisco Chronicle. She expects that the collaboration with NetClerk could save staff time and costs to the city.
NetClerk also has been testing its permit management service with 50 Bay Area
roofers, plumbers, electricians and heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors
throughout six Bay Area counties.
The service lets contractors submit and track permits with more than 100 communities by whatever avenue the municipalities allow — e-mail, fax, postal delivery or showing up in person.
