The City of Sarasota’s development services department is rolling out new phone, online and mobile services that will help customers do business with the city, especially during the COVID-19 health emergency. The department’s building division is now accepting credit card payments for permits via an online portal, which can be found by clicking on the “permits and licenses” button on the City’s website, then clicking the “building permit lookup/pay online” link.

The department has also launched an integrated voice response (IVR) system that allows contractors and property owners to schedule, reschedule and cancel inspections and check the results through an automated phone line and text service. Next-day inspections can be scheduled up until 9 p.m., depending on availability, by calling (941) 263-6998 or by texting “schedule” to (844) 394-2702. The city’s live inspections phone line (941-263-6418) and email ([email protected]) are still available for customers who prefer to communicate directly with a representative.