CSS - Citizen Self Service

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CLICK HERE TO ACCESS AND REGISTER FOR CSS

In March of 2017, the City of Ames implemented a new software system called EnerGov to manage building and trade permits, plans, inspections and code cases internally. The next and final phase of implementation of EnerGov is opening up the online Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal to our customers. With a CSS account, customers will be able to do the following from their computer, tablet or smart phone:

Create an account
Submit building and trade permits
Request inspections and view inspection results
Make payments
Print permits and invoices

Additionally, CSS will increase public access to permitting information, provide a permit fee cost estimator, and allow the public to run basic reports online.

EnerGov gave our Inspectors the ability to conduct inspections with the use of an iPad. Thanks to this technology, Inspectors can update inspection information in the field providing customers with real time inspection results!

In order to offer the portal, we have had to make a change to our payment process. We will no longer be able to issue permits without having the permit fees paid in full. A few of the basic permits (ex. water heaters, furnaces, sump pumps) will allow the customer to pull the permit, pay and schedule inspections in one process. Others that require more review will be issued an invoice when the permit is able to be approved. Once this invoice has been paid, the permit will be changed to an issued status and will allow the customer to print the permit from the portal and schedule inspections. Please contact us if you have any questions about the new process!

To help navigate CSS, City staff have created the following User Guides and short tutorial videos on the basic CSS functions:

**Please Note: Your account will be locked out after 3 failed login attempts. If this happens, please wait 5 minutes before logging in again.**