Permitly

How It Works

From project description to ready-to-submit in 15 minutes.

Most permit applications take 2–3 hours of hunting through city websites, guessing at forms, and hoping you didn't miss something. Permitly handles all of that.

01
You · 2 minutes

Describe your project

Tell Permitly the work you're doing, the property address, and your contractor license number (if applicable). No forms yet — just plain language.

  • Project type (addition, deck, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
  • Property address — Permitly looks up zoning and jurisdiction automatically
  • Scope: square footage, fixture count, panel size, whatever applies
  • Whether you're a licensed contractor or a homeowner
Step 1 — Project Details
1842 Westlake Dr, Austin, TX 78746
Residential Addition — 400 sq ft
TX-GC-29847

✓ Jurisdiction detected: City of Austin — Travis County

02
Permitly · 30 seconds

Permitly selects the right forms

Our jurisdiction database knows what every city requires for every project type. We pull the exact forms, identify sub-permits needed, and pre-fill everything we know.

  • Correct form set for your city and project type
  • Sub-permits flagged (electrical, mechanical, plumbing if required)
  • Pre-filled with license numbers, property details, and project scope
  • Valuation calculated based on project type and scope
Step 2 — Forms Selected
BP-1: Building Permit Application Pre-filled
ST-4: Site Plan (scaled) Needs input
EP-1: Electrical Sub-Permit Pre-filled
FP-2: Flood Zone Certification Skipped
03
Permitly · 10 seconds

AI checks everything before you submit

Before you touch the submit button, Permitly runs a completeness check against your city's known rejection triggers. Every issue is flagged with a clear fix.

  • Completeness check across all required fields
  • Cross-reference against city-specific rejection patterns
  • Clear fixes suggested for each flagged issue
  • Permit Readiness Score — don't submit below 100%
Step 3 — Pre-Check Results
Score: 87%
Project description matches R-3 scope
Site plan dimensions meet setback requirements
Contractor license number missing from EP-1
HOA approval not required — unincorporated lot
Valuation appears low — city may request revision

Fix 2 issues → 100% ready to submit

04
You · 1 minute

Submit and track

Download your completed permit package or submit electronically where supported. Permitly tracks the status and alerts you when anything changes.

  • Download completed PDF package ready to submit
  • Electronic submission for Accela-connected cities
  • Status tracking with real-time alerts
  • Inspection scheduling reminders
  • Expiration warnings 30 days out
Step 4 — Status Tracker
Application prepared Mar 12
Submitted to City of Austin Mar 12
Plan review assigned Mar 14
Plan review in progress Est. Mar 28
Permit issued
Inspection scheduled

Common questions

Does Permitly submit the permit for me?

In cities with Accela-integrated portals, yes — Permitly can submit electronically. In other cities, we prepare the complete package for you to submit yourself. You're always in control of the submission.

What if my city isn't covered yet?

We're launching with Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix. If your city isn't covered, you can join the waitlist and we'll notify you when it's added. We're adding cities monthly.

Am I doing anything illegal by using AI to prepare my permit?

No. Permitly prepares the application — you review and submit it. This is the same as using a template or hiring a permit runner. You're always the responsible applicant. Permitly is a preparation tool, not a licensed expediter.

What happens if my permit still gets rejected after using Permitly?

We stand behind our error check. If a permit is rejected for a reason Permitly should have caught, we'll fix the application and recheck it at no charge. Our first-submission approval rate is currently over 90% in covered cities.

Ready to try it?

Your first permit application is free. No credit card.

Start Free →