The City of Sarnia has launched an online portal for permits and licences.
Geospatial Solutions Supervisor Nicole Ferguson said the portal, which is live, is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance customer experiences and streamline services.
"Right now, we have the portal available for our business licences, so new applications and renewals" said Ferguson. "There are select planning applications available on the portal right now, including permitted use and zoning letters. There's compliance certificates and municipal address changes available online as well."
She said the portal allows users to submit, pay and upload documents through a single site.
"We will definitely still have the option to do things in person, we're just trying to provide as many tools to the public as we can," she said. "Depending on what the public is comfortable with, they'll be able to come in person or submit online. The nice thing about the portal is, even if you do come in in person, you can still track the status online."
You can access the portal through the City of Sarnia website.
Ferguson said registration is free.
"Citizens are able to sign up and log in at no cost," she said. "When you are submitting an application, the regular application fees as per our fees for service, those have been uploaded to the portal as well. So depending what you're applying for, you would see the associated fees come through and then you would have the option to pay online."
The city will be working to roll out additional application types in the new year, including development applications, zoning bylaw amendments and building permits.