Increasing Efficiency and Transparency with One-stop Services Online to Streamline Building Approvals and Permits
JERSEY CITY, NJ - Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins the Department of Housing, Economic
Development, and Commerce (HEDC) and the Municipal Utilities Authority (JCMUA) to announce
the upcoming launch of Jersey City’s digital Customer Portal, improving local government efficiencies
and public services by creating a one-stop online platform for all permitting and licensing applications
pertaining to HEDC and JCMUA. From applying for business licenses to obtaining construction
permits and everything in between, the integrated portal is scheduled to launch on June 14, 2023.
Mayor Fulop has led Jersey City through one of the greatest renaissances in its history, resulting in a
greater need for Housing, Economic Development, and Commerce services. In 2022 alone, City
Planning approved over 13,600 units – an increase of 4,000 units from the previous year. To meet the
growing demand, all HEDC Divisions will now be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on one
system for a more uniform application process and greater public access to information and
documentation.
“Once again, we are challenging the status quo to deliver greater public access and more efficient
services for our community,” said Mayor Fulop. “This new integrated online platform not only makes
the entire process much easier and faster for the public, but we will also streamline and digitize internal
operations, eliminating redundancies and manual processes for quicker, more efficient results.”
All applications and violations associated with a particular parcel, both previous and future, will now be
linked. The new unified software will use Value Payment Systems (VPS) to provide access to HEDC
services in one location, eliminating past practices of making payments at multiple websites or City
offices. Additionally, the new system allows constituents to look up public records rather than
submitting an OPRA request.
Annisia Cialone, the Director of HEDC, says the Department has been working to integrate the
divisions under one platform to streamline operations. “As the State’s second largest municipality, we
offer a wider range of services under HEDC at a much larger scale. Oftentimes, people had to come to
the office in person. While some of our applications are offered online, this is much better software and
establishes one cohesive platform for a more user-friendly experience.”
The new portal will help expedite the thousands of permitting and licensing forms submitted under
HEDC and JCMUA every year, such as:
• Housing Preservation
- 5,600 applications, registrations, and licenses processed in 2022
• Historic Preservation
- 940 applications received in 2022
• Construction Code
- 28,000 inspections in 2022
- Nearly 10,000 permits and certificates issued
• City Planning
- Over 13,600 units approved last year
• Commerce
- More than 1,000 licenses processed in 2022
• Zoning
- 4,100 applications processed last year
“This new streamlined system includes more digital infrastructure services, which will be a major
benefit for us and the services we provide residents and businesses citywide,” added Joe Cunha,
Director of the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority. “This will significantly improve the way
we can share and obtain information, and will make the entire process much easier for our residents and
businesses.”
The Customer Portal will be available online beginning on June 14, 2023. Please visit the
HEDC
website for further updates. As HEDC transitions to the new system, no electronic applications will be
accepted June 8 – June 13. All applications must be submitted in person at the HEDC offices in the City
Hall Annex during this time.
