Online process offers options of applying for electrical, plumbing, construction permits

Various zoning and development requests with the Calcasieu Parish Planning and Zoning Department can now be done online through a new service — the Citizen Self Service Portal.

The portal launched on Monday and is accessible through the Police Jury’s website, cppj.net/permits. Those who register and are authorized can apply and pay for permits and applications, schedule inspections, review active plans, permits and code cases.

Wes Crain, parish planning and development director, said the parish has spent the last two years working on the service. He said the company EnerGov — which does computer programming that focuses on planning and permitting for government agencies — helped with the portal.

“A lot of other state or local agencies have similar products,” Crain said. “People can go online to do business. We’re really kind of following suit to make it more accommodating to the general public.”

Crain said the service allows for online applications of electrical, plumbing and construction permits. Over time, he said the parish will continue to add others to the website.

“We’ve got 50-plus applications that someone can apply for,” Crain said.

Eventually, Crain said residents can renew an occupational license, along with apply for subdivisions and property rezoning.

“It’s really going to be a much more streamlined process,” he said. “(Residents) will not have to come directly to the (planning) office. There may be some things people have to come in for, like a large subdivision. But it is certainly going to help with day-to-day business.”

Crain said the portal’s effectiveness will also be tracked.

“With all the technology out there today, that’s where this is heading,” he said.

Those with questions should email the planning department at planning@cppj.net.

The Citizen Self Service Online Portal is now accessible at here and can be used to apply for permits and developments plans online. 

Courtesy of cppj.net