About BuildSA

Features include:

• Finding the appropriate application and helpful tips about the application process
• The ability to submit applications 24 hours a day/7 days a week
• Scheduling and tracking inspections online from any computer or from a mobile device
• Access to submit online payments using credit card, electronic check or escrow account
• The ability to track application activity and view real time status
• System generated email notifications for activities such as:
  • application confirmation
  • inspection status
  • application results
• The ability to submit documents electronically for review

DSD Staff and Partnering Agencies now have access to new capabilities including:

• View and manage tasks using a workflow management system
• Use a single source of information to deliver all services
• Receive and process documents submitted electronically
• Benefit from BuildSA's capability to generate appropriate application fees
• Seamless access and integration to other systems such as:
  • City's Point of Sale System
  • CPS' Work Order System
  • Lagan (311 System)
  • Bexar County Appraisal District System (BCAD)
• The ability to view and track all activity by site or location address, helping them make better informed decisions

Product Owner

Patricia Cavazos, Development Services Administrator, is the BuildSA Product Owner for DSD. The role of the BuildSA Product Owner is to bring the voice of the customer and the BuildSA teams together. 

The Product Owner is also responsible for managing BuildSA priorities to achieve the desired outcome that DSD seeks to accomplish.

Accela

Accela is the company providing the software system. Through its Accela Civic Platform, DSD can streamline the delivery of its services to our customers

To learn more about Accela and their government solutions, visit the Accela website.

Implementation

November 30, 2020 was the final launch date for BuildSA. The following departments use it for projects:

• Building Development
• Code Enforcement
• Land Development

Systems Replaced by BuildSA

Most of the systems Development Services used previously were either replaced or integrated. Examples include:

• Hansen
• ECCO
• LDS
• TPLT
• Customer Alert System (CAS)
• Dynamic Portal

Electronic Plan Review

The previous electronic plan review system was replaced with BuildSA's integrated e-Permit Hub. With BuildSA's integrated solution, customers now submit their documents with their online application.

BuildSA's solution allows concurrent reviews and better collaboration among the various agencies, providing customers with clear and fast feedback.

Future Improvements

Our customers have been critical in identifying opportunities for enhancements. These solutions will be help make long-term planning and improvement decisions for the system.

Launching in late October 2024, BuildSA's transition to a cloud-based platform represents a major advancement in enhancing online City services. This move aims to significantly improve efficiency, data security, and provide scalable solutions that meet the community and staff needs.

Key Benefits

Enhanced Efficiency

Moving to the cloud eliminates the need for significant hardware, reduces maintenance costs, and lightens the City’s Information Technology team workload.

Scalability and Flexibility

The cloud-based platform allows BuildSA to adjust to ever-changing user demands.

Improved Data Security

Partnering with cloud providers ensures that security features are up to date and sensitive data is protected.

Better Service Delivery

The cloud enables streamlined and user-friendly interactions, improving turnaround times in municipal services. Maintenance and updates are carried out with no loss of service to residents.

Innovation and Collaboration

A cloud environment encourages partnership across City departments and with external partners.

Challenges such as data transfer, service disruption, and privacy concerns are being addressed through staff and stakeholder training as a key to this successful transition.

BuildSA's move to the cloud marks a significant step in the digital transformation of municipal services. By embracing innovative technology, Development Services is delivering an unprecedented level of customer service.