The demand for public services is rising; yet local and state agencies are struggling to keep up due to chronic staffing shortages—especially among building and home inspectors. With limited resources and outdated processes, many departments experience permit backlogs, slower inspections, and frustrated constituents.
The Accela Civic Platform is designed to address these challenges. Accela helps agencies streamline operations and maintain service levels—without growing headcount–by automating manual processes, simplifying payments, and empowering field staff with mobile tools.
Closing the Staffing Gap with Smart Permitting
Many agencies can’t hire fast enough to replace retiring inspectors or keep up with service demands. Certified professionals, such as engineers and architects, are difficult to recruit due to private-sector competition and long credential timelines. Accela helps alleviate the pressure with the below features.
Self-Service Portals
Automated Plan Review
Mobile Inspections
Shift data entry from staff to applicants. Users can submit, pay for, and track permits online—reducing walk-in traffic and staff workload.
Pre-screen applications, route tasks, calculate fees, and auto-approve routine submissions using configurable business rules.
Allow field staff to log results and upload photos in real-time—no paper, no return trips to the office.
Learn more about how smart permitting software is solving inspector shortages.
Empowering Field Staff with Accela Mobile
Fieldwork is core to permitting, inspections, and code enforcement—but legacy tools slow everything down. Handwritten notes and manual entry introduce delays and errors. Accela Mobile brings full functionality to inspectors’ phones and tablets, giving them access to records, forms, and checklists—anytime, anywhere. Moreover, Accela Mobile comes included with every platform seat—no extra charge, no add-ons.
Key Features
Use Cases
- Instant access to permits, violations, and tasks from any mobile device
- Offline mode for areas with no connectivity; auto-syncs once back online
- Real-time updates to the back office—no rekeying, no delays
- GPS and photo capture to verify work with date/time/location stamps
- Signature collection in the field for on-the-spot documentation
- Building Inspections: Complete reports, issue certificates, capture violations—all on-site
- Code Enforcement: Record violations, escalate issues, and reschedule visits in the field
- Service Requests: Handle 311 calls, open and close work orders—without setting foot in the office
Learn more about using Accela Mobile in the field.
Modernizing Payments with PayPal Integration
Residents expect quick, easy online payment experiences—just like they get from retailers. But government checkout processes are often slow, confusing, or paper-based. Accela’s PayPal integration modernizes government e-commerce by embedding secure payment tools directly into the Civic Platform—without any custom coding. Online payments shouldn’t be a project—they should be a plug-and-play solution. Accela + PayPal makes that a reality.
Benefits
Why It Works
- Boosts public trust with familiar checkout brands and security badges
- Reduces lobby lines and paper handling
- Accelerates revenue collection and minimizes reconciliation headaches
- Regression-tested with every Civic Platform release—no surprise downtime
- Hosted, tokenized fields mean no payment data touches Accela servers—minimizing PCI scope
- Multiple payment options: PayPal wallet, credit/debit, ACH
- Prebuilt integration: No-code setup means fast deployment in weeks, not months
- Built-in reporting: Helps finance teams reconcile and stay audit-ready
Learn more about using Accela for secure payment processing.
Partnering for Success: 3SG Plus Accela Implementation
Technology is only part of the equation. Agencies also need experienced partners to guide implementation, streamline configuration, and train staff. 3SG Plus is an authorized Accela reseller and integrator with 20 years of experience serving government clients.
We help agencies realize the full potential of Accela—faster, smarter, and with less risk. Our services include:
Implementation & Deployment
Custom Configuration
Sandbox setup, security testing, production rollout
Tailored alerts, fee rules, and automation workflows
System Integration
Training & Support
Seamless connections to GIS, legacy apps, and payment gateways
Hands-on sessions, user guides, and Help Desk access
A Future-Ready Platform for Public Service
From staff shortages and manual processes to public demand for modern services, government agencies face real pressure to adapt.
The Accela Civic Platform offers a cohesive, no-silo solution:
- Streamlines permit approvals
- Enables field staff to work independently
- Automates repetitive back-office tasks
- Provides secure, mobile-friendly payment options
- Reduces pressure to hire while improving citizen services
The platform empowers governments to serve their communities better—without adding headcount or overhauling infrastructure.
Recap: How Accela Helps You “Do More with Less”
Challenge
How Accela Solves It
- Staff shortages in inspections
- Long permit queues
- Inefficient fieldwork
- Outdated payment processes
- Frustrated constituents
- Budget constraints
- Self-service portals, automated reviews, mobile access
- Online applications, workflow automation
- Offline-ready mobile app with photo and signature capture
- PCI-compliant, no-code PayPal integration
- Faster response times and better transparency
- High ROI, reduced labor needs, lower payment fees
Don’t Let Backlogs Hold You Back
While you can’t control workforce shortages, you can choose smarter tools. With Accela, your agency can:
- Clear permits faster
- Reduce in-person traffic
- Support inspectors with mobile tools
- Boost public confidence with secure online payments
- Maintain compliance and audit readiness