I n a pilot program for a comprehensive system set to launch by year's end, officials in San Jose, Calif., are linking digital signatures to Web-based application forms for minor building permits.
Contractors can issue their own permits in the time it takes to fill in the form.
They love it. The city is using CSDC, of Mississauga, Ontario, to implement the project, Intergraph Corporation, Huntsville, Ala., to integrate existing data and Digital Signature Trust Co., Salt Lake City, Utah, to secure the signatures. Applicants who have not set up a secure digital signature may still fill out the form on line, but then must print and mail it in for approval. Troyer says the pilot program involves smaller residential permits and is not integrated with the city's database. But it is helping his office plan for the launch of a live Integrated Development Tracking System.