Yesterday the Board of Yakima County Commissioners approved the implementation of Accela Citizen Access software. The new program will provide online access to many of the most commonly requested permitting functions, saving an estimated 1,000 customer trips to the Yakima County Courthouse annually.
By the end of August residential plumbing, mechanical, re-roof, and accessory structure permit applications will be available online through the Yakima County Accela Citizen Access portal. Customers can apply for core permits, submit construction plans, pay fees, and check project status completely online. Later phases of the software roll-out will include additional permit services integrated with the Yakima Health District for septic, well, and sewage as well as other permit processes.
“I am very excited about the roll-out of online permit services for Yakima County,” Commissioner Vicki Baker said. “This has been a high priority for me and will greatly improve the customer service we provide to the residents of Yakima County.”
Commissioner Norm Childress agreed. “Streamlining and simplifying permit applications and allowing people to take care of their business without having to make a trip to the Courthouse is a terrific enhancement to our processes. I know our Public Services staff have been working hard to make this possible and we appreciate their efforts.”
“Online permit applications will make things faster and easier for builders and residents and moving these functions online will reduce customer foot-traffic to our Public Services department,” Commissioner Ron Anderson added. “We are exploring other options to improve the services Yakima County offers to the public and reduce the need for in-person interactions to help with COVID-19 risk reduction.”
Commissioner Baker noted the Board of County Commissioners have expanded online publication of weekly agenda materials with links to meeting video and will also be implementing additional informational public communications in the near future. “We are constantly working to improve how Yakima County is serving our residents,” she said.
What is Accela Citizens Access?
Accela Citizens Access (ACA) is the platform where citizens will register for an account and begin the permitting process. Site plans and additional documentation can be uploaded as support documentation. After an initial review of the application staff will apply fees to the permit and then payment can be processed online. This can all be done from home or office!
How do I access the ACA?
The ACA can be accessed by going to www.yakimacountypermits.us/CitizensAccess or going to https://www.yakimacounty.us/2168/Citizens-Access-Portal. From the ACA you can submit a new application or check the status of an existing case. You can currently check the status of your case by following the link above.
What permits will be available?
We will begin Phase 1 by bringing on seven Building & Fire Life Safety permits which includes: Residential Plumbing; Residential Mechanical; Residential Re-Roof; Residential Demo; Underground Fuel Tank Abandon/Removal; Itinerant Food Vendor; and Residential Accessory Structures.
The Planning Division will implement seven permits to include: Type 1 Commercial Conditional Use Permit; Type 1 Reduction to an Especially Sensitive Land Use; Boundary Line Adjustments; Modification to an existing use; Early Assistance Case requests; Early Assistance Site Visit Requests; and Shoreline Exemptions.
Will more permits become available?
Yes! Staff will continue to bring more applications online. We will work closely with the Yakima Health District to implement their applications on the ACA as well as more Public Services applications such as: Grading Permits; Minor Home Business; Propane Tank Placement; and Non-Conforming Use Expansions. We will also set up a self-help kiosk on the Courthouse 4th floor for those citizens who do not have computer access.