The utility's Development Automation System, which helps the land-development plan submittal and review processes, is an example of how CSU's enterprise approach is promoting business. Rapid growth since the early 1990s has seen several new housing and business park developments throughout the Colorado Springs area. For every new house or office building, CSU must carefully evaluate water and wastewater engineering plans as well as other documents. And for electric and gas services, CSU must perform the necessary designs in a manner that ensures timely, quality service to the new customers. The Development Automation System permits private firms involved in the land development to acquire GIS digital mapping and Global Positioning System survey data, and download land-development submittals.
Staff then can review submittals in electronic format.
Getting the data into the system this early in the development cycle allows the data to be used by the entire department for new construction design and planning, eliminating the need for four individual departments to duplicate efforts. The data acquisition portion of CSU's system allows users to post orders for digital mapping products, check order status and download products. Because CSU's GIS is open, uses key technologies such as the Web and several local government agencies use similar GIS software packages, CSU has created an online information system that benefits Colorado Springs businesses. Land development businesses with Web access can visit the Colorado Springs Development Automation System home page to submit digital blue prints and other documents for review. CSU then can analyze the proposed expansion to evaluate how it will impact infrastructure.