L&I Annouces Two Online Services

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LICENSES AND INSPECTIONS (L&I) ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF TWO ONLINE SERVICES CUSTOMERS CAN PURCHASE FAST FORM PERMITS AND REGISTER COMPLAINTS When Mayor John F. Street delivered his 2001 Budget Address to the citizens of Philadelphia, he shared his vision of a governmental computer system where customers could obtain City services "online, not in line." At that time, the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) was in the initial stages of devising a plan that would allow the agency to become E-Gov capable. After months of planning and internal testing, Robert Solvibile, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Licenses and Inspections, is proud to announce that the foundation has been laid, and the complete computerization of the agency has begun! L&I's automation strategy is coined the Licenses and Inspections Concerted Automation Project (LICA). The LICA project was established: to improve the quality of services to the public; to enable more effective deployment of personnel; to improve departmental management by making data more readily available; to share and gather information for better code enforcement; and to reallocate resources from paper based activities to field inspectional duties. L&I determined that customer satisfaction would best be obtained by giving customers what they want: the ability to request professional service without having to leave their homes or offices. A computer system was installed that would allow customers to obtain some of the Department's most requested functions. Now, anyone can visit our site to register complaints and apply for fast form permits online. Customers may also apply for the Philadelphia Business Privilege License online via the Department of Revenue at https://secure.phila.gov./revenue L&I's Services and Operations Unit is one of the Department's busiest offices. This unit is the initial processing branch, and takes in all requests for inspections of businesses, commercial and residential properties. The unit receives an average of 2,100 calls and visits a month from customers. Automation of Services and Operations' functions now gives citizens the convenience of requesting assistance without having to visit the office or contacting the call center. To date, over 1600 customers have requested inspections online. LICA project highlights include the following: From November 2004, to date, L&I conducted a pilot project for contractors who wished to apply for fast form permits online. The fast form permits are issued for: above ground swimming pools; exterior wall coverings; porch floor replacement; roofing; security grills; window/door replacement; ductwork; interior demolition; relocating diffusers/registers; and relocating sprinkler head and warm air equipment. During the pilot period, a small pool of contractors was given the opportunity to purchase the fast form permits online with a credit card. A total of thirty-seven permits have been purchased to date. L&I's online fast form permit site is now available. Over 4,200 fast form permits were purchased last year by customers who visited L&I at its main office in the Municipal Services Building, as well as its five district branches. Positive feedback leads Department officials to anticipate that most of the applicants for fast form permits will opt to apply for their permits online, instead of in line, during this year. "We are thrilled with the success of the LICA Project," said Commissioner Solvibile. "In this age of technology, it was vital for the Department to modernize its processes. The automation of the Department gives all L&I inspectors and office staff the tools needed to stay committed to our mission of life safety and consumer protection." It is anticipated that customer satisfaction will greatly increase from the automation of the Department. Visiting L&I offices is becoming less of a requirement for many customers. 2005 promises to be an exciting year for Licenses and Inspections. The full implementation of the LICA Project is anticipated by year's end. Contact: Andrea Swan 215-686-2437


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