The City of Sarasota recently rolled out a new online portal for submitting plans, permit applications and other documents. This is a convenient, safe option for the growing number of individuals who prefer to conduct business online. The ePlans permitting portal can found by clicking on the “Permits & Licenses” button here. The department’s Building Division has begun accepting credit card payments for permits online and established a drop box in the City Hall Annex lobby to allow for contact-free document pickups and drop-offs.

The city 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 by calling the IVR line up at (941) 263-6998 or text "schedule" to (844) 394-2702 until 9 p.m., depending on availability.