Palo Alto Partners with Buildingeye to Launch an Online Tool That Displays Daily Updates of Planning Applications

Palo Alto, CA, November 14, 2014 --(PR.com)-- The City of Palo Alto has partnered with Buildingeye.com to launch a new interactive online tool that allows citizens and business owners to see what new planning applications are proposed for their neighborhood, as well as view a description of the project and an update on its current status. The tool takes current and recently approved planning application records, including architectural and individual reviews, and puts them in a user-friendly map to make it easy for the public to see the latest planning applications in the City.

“Over the past several years, the City has been working to increase transparency and make more information of all sorts available online,” said Director of Planning and Community Environment Hillary Gitelman.” This new interactive tool lets the community know exactly where and what is proposed for their neighborhood. It builds on the functionality we added earlier this year allowing residents to create parcel records with zoning information about their property. It also complements significant customer service enhancements in the Development Services Department.”

“Partnering with startups such as Buildingeye represents a new model for cities,” said Palo Alto Chief Information Officer Jonathan Reichental. “The startup acquires timely feedback from government staff that ensures their product meets market needs, and cities get to shape a solution more quickly that works for them. Palo Alto has leveraged the startup ecosystem for our City operations, which has resulted in both more responsive and timely services for our community, as well as created a model for other cities to emulate.”

How it works
The Buildingeye tool can be accessed via CityofPaloAlto.org. Once you enter an address or zip code, the planning applications for that area appear as icons on the map. Each icon is color coded: blue for a new application, or one currently under review, and a green icon indicates an application that has completed the planning review process. When you click on an icon, it provides basic information about the application, including the project site address, a brief description and the contact details of the project planner. Information on the site is updated daily from the City’s application tracking system.

There is also a sign up for residents who are interested in being notified when an application in their neighborhood enters the system.

Buildingeye specializes in GIS and data visualization, providing an easy to use interface for citizens to access building permits, Planning Applications, Business Licenses, Capital Projects, Engineering Works and Public Events, 24 hrs a day.