Drop-off and pick-up bins are placed outside of Town Hall main doors to drop off plans and pick them up once they have been reviewed. The town has also launched its new online platform, which allows contractors, homebuilders and homeowners to electronically apply for permits, submit building plans, track the status of permits/plans, schedule building inspections and pay town invoices online. The new portal, known as Citizen Self Service Portal (CSS), is accepting plans and permits requests. CSS has replaced the former portal, known as the Citizens Access Portal (CAP). This provides another alternative to the traditional process of submitting paper comments and traveling to Town Hall or placing in the mail.
Contractors and home builders are the main users for this new online platform; however, Bluffton residents can use the portal when applying for permits such as tree removal and signs. The improved functionality will centralize all of the building permits and plan reviews for each individual and company. The dashboard function will enable customers to track the status of multiple plans and permits at once.
Transition Tips from CAP to CSS:
• The new portal is located at: https://css.townofbluffton.com/EnerGov/SelfService#/home
• Former users of Citizens’ Access Portal (CAP) need to register using the same e-mail address they used in CAP when creating their account for CSS.
• If CAP was “bookmarked” in the past, please delete it from “favorites” and replace it with the bookmark for CSS. As a reminder, CAP has been taken offline, so continuing to use old bookmark will result in an error message
• All permits and planning applications can now be submitted through the new portal. Paper plans to keep on site are still required once approved. Users are encouraged to contact the Customer Service Center at (843) 706-4500 for more information on the process and required documents.
TOther services accessible from the comfort of your home or office include:
• View board and committee agendas and meeting packets
• Participate in public meetings via Facebook live
• Review active permits and plans through the permit-finder map
• Payment of fees
• Coming very soon, ability to view property surveys and flood certificates by address or building permit number
Town staff continues to monitor the process and make adjustments to ensure a high level of customer service and communication while adhering to all regulations and requirements.
