The City’s Community Development Department is excited to introduce a streamlined and more efficient way for businesses to obtain their Certificate of Occupancy (CO) through the HB ACA (Accela Citizen Access) portal. This significant enhancement offers numerous advantages to businesses and entrepreneurs alike, making the entire process smoother and more business-friendly:

1. Convenience: The HB ACA portal provides businesses with a one-stop digital platform to submit, track, and manage their CO applications. Gone are the days of dealing with paper forms and in-person visits, allowing entrepreneurs to focus more on their core operations.
2. Time Savings: With the shift to digital processing, the time required for application submission and approval has been significantly reduced. Businesses can now expect quicker turnaround times, allowing them to open their doors to customers sooner.
3. Accessibility: The portal is accessible 24/7, making it easy for businesses to submit their applications at their convenience, even outside regular business hours. This accessibility enhances flexibility and minimizes delays in obtaining the necessary approvals.
4. Transparency: The HB ACA portal provides real-time updates and notifications throughout the application process. Businesses can easily track the status of their applications and receive alerts when milestones are reached, ensuring complete transparency and peace of mind.
5. Cost Efficiency: Eliminating the need for paper submissions and in-person visits reduces administrative costs for businesses. This cost-saving measure can be reinvested in business growth and development.
6. Accuracy and Compliance: The digital platform helps ensure the applications are complete and compliant with all relevant regulations. This reduces the likelihood of rejection and allows businesses to move forward with confidence.
7. Environmental Benefits: Going paperless not only benefits businesses but also contributes to a more sustainable future by reducing paper waste and energy consumption associated with traditional processes.

The shift to the HB ACA portal for CO applications marks a positive and pro-business step forward. This enhancement will support the growth and success of businesses in our community while fostering a more efficient and environmentally conscious regulatory process.