Ramsey County Modernizes Public Works Permitting with OneGov

Overview

Home to more than 525,000 residents and including Minnesota’s capital city of Saint Paul, Ramsey County is one of the largest and most diverse counties in Minnesota. With more than 4,000 employees providing services across health, public safety, economic development, and public infrastructure, the County continually seeks opportunities to improve operational efficiency and enhance service delivery for residents, contractors, and businesses.

To support these goals, Ramsey County selected RTVision’s OneGov online permitting platform to modernize permit management within its Public Works Department, as part of a competitive procurement process. The initiative was driven by a desire to streamline permit processing, improve communication, increase transparency, and provide a more efficient experience for both County staff and permit applicants.

The Challenge

Prior to implementing OneGov, Ramsey County managed Public Works permits through a combination of fillable PDF forms, email correspondence, spreadsheets, telephone communications, and multiple disconnected databases.

The County processes a variety of permits and registrations, including:

• Utility permits
• Excavation permits
• Obstruction permits
• Transportation permits
• Driveway and street access permits
• Annual right-of-way registrations

Permit applications were downloaded from the County website, completed by applicants, and submitted via email for processing. Staff then manually entered and tracked information across multiple systems.

This fragmented process created several challenges:

• Manual permit intake and processing
• Limited visibility into permit status
• Time-consuming communication between applicants and County staff
• Difficulty coordinating inspections and scheduling activities
• Duplicate data entry across multiple databases
• Manual payment processing through checks and wire transfers
• Delays caused by disconnected workflows and information silos
• Significant staff time spent gathering information for reporting

The County recognized the need for a modern online permitting solution capable of automating workflows, improving transparency, and reducing permit processing times.

The Solution

OneGov Online Permitting

Ramsey County selected OneGov to provide a centralized, web-based permitting platform that streamlines permit management from application through approval and closeout.

The platform provides a single location for managing permit applications, reviews, inspections, communications, payments, and reporting.

Online Permit Applications

Contractors, utility companies, businesses, and residents can submit permit applications online at any time without needing to download, complete, and email PDF forms.

Automated Workflow Management

Permit rules, approvals, notifications, and status updates are managed through configurable workflows that reduce manual effort and improve consistency

Permit Tracking & Visibility

County staff and applicants can monitor permit status in real time, reducing phone calls, emails, and uncertainty throughout the review process.

Inspection Scheduling & Management

Inspectors and permit staff utilize OneGov to coordinate inspections, track activities, document results, and maintain a complete history of permit-related activities.

Online Payments

OneGov provides integrated online payment capabilities, replacing manual payment processes and simplifying fee collection for both applicants and staff.

Centralized Communications & Documentation

Permit applications, supporting documents, correspondence, approvals, inspection records, and project history are stored within a single permit record, improving accessibility and accountability.

Reporting & Operational Visibility

Managers gain access to real-time permit information and reporting tools that provide insight into permit volumes, processing timelines, inspection activities, and departmental performance.

Benefits Realized

Replaced Manual and Disconnected Processes

Ramsey County moved away from a permitting process dependent on PDFs, emails, spreadsheets, and multiple databases. OneGov centralized permit management within a single platform, eliminating duplicate data entry and reducing administrative effort.

Faster Permit Processing

Automated workflows and online submissions reduce application turnaround times and help staff process permits more efficiently.

Improved Customer Experience

Applicants can submit permits online, upload supporting documentation, make payments electronically, and track permit status without needing to contact County staff for updates.

Better Communication and Collaboration

By consolidating permit records, communications, inspections, and approvals within one system, County staff can more easily collaborate and respond to applicant inquiries.

Increased Operational Efficiency

Permit coordinators, inspectors, engineers, and administrative staff spend less time managing paperwork and tracking information across multiple systems, allowing them to focus on higher-value activities.

Greater Visibility and Accountability

Real-time dashboards and reporting provide Public Works leadership with a comprehensive view of permitting activities, workloads, and permit status across the organization.

Foundation for Future Growth

With OneGov, Ramsey County now has a scalable permitting platform capable of supporting future process improvements, additional permit types, and evolving service needs.

Supporting Better Service Through Digital Transformation

Ramsey County’s investment in OneGov reflects its commitment to improving public service through technology. By replacing manual, disconnected permitting processes with a modern online platform, the County has created a more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly experience for both staff and permit applicants.

Beyond improving internal operations, OneGov has transformed the experience for permit applicants. Contractors, utility providers, businesses, and residents now have access to a modern online portal that simplifies application submission, payment processing, status tracking, and communication with County staff. The result is a more transparent and convenient permitting process that helps applicants complete projects more efficiently while reducing the administrative burden on County personnel.

Today, OneGov serves as a centralized hub for Public Works permitting, helping Ramsey County streamline operations, improve communication, and better serve residents, contractors, utility providers, and businesses throughout the region.