What Makes Permitting Software Truly Configurable (And Why It Matters)

If you’re in the market for new permitting software, configurability should be at the top of your list.

Why? Because it’s the difference between waiting weeks (or more) for someone else to make an update or quickly doing it yourself. 

But what does “configurable” actually mean? And what does it look like in practice?

First things first: Configurable ≠ Customizable

Though it’s easy to confuse the two, there’s a big difference.

Customization requires you to change the software’s source code, which is often a time-consuming, expensive process involving developers, third-party vendors, and a lot of back-and-forth. If changing your system requires customization, it’s going to be difficult (and costly) to maintain long term. 

Configurability, on the other hand, doesn’t require you to change the source code. Instead, with the most configurable solutions like Clariti Enterprise and Launch, all it takes is clicks to do things like create and edit workflows, reports, and permit types. Think of it as moving around the puzzle pieces of the software rather than making something from scratch. 

Why Configurability Matters

If your permitting software’s configurable, it will be a better fit long term. Why? Because:

1. You can adapt fast.

As policies, regulations, and priorities shift, your system needs to keep up. A configurable solution allows your team to make updates internally without relying on your vendor. Take the City of Norfolk, for example. With Clariti Enterprise, super admins can create letters, build reports and dashboards, and even add new fields. And in Orange County, California, staff can update permitting workflows in minutes, which Permitting Manager Laree Alonso explained in this webinar would’ve “taken weeks, maybe even a month or two” with the county’s old system. 

2. You control your costs.

If you have a traditional system, it’s common for even small changes to carry a vendor cost. But with a configurable system, you can handle routine changes in-house, avoiding change orders, contractor fees, and long lead times. When you're managing a tight budget (or just tired of budget surprises), having that control can add up to serious savings over time.

3. Your system won’t keep “breaking”

Customized systems often break during software upgrades because the original code is overwritten. Configurable systems don’t have that problem. As one of our solution consultants puts it, “The less code you have to write, the less likely something is to break.” When systems break, staff can’t do their jobs, applicants get frustrated, and IT is left scrambling to patch things up. A more stable system means better service delivery, fewer complaints, and less risk.

Ultimately, configurability is key when selecting permit software because it allows you to take the driver’s seat and be in control of your system.

What True Configurability Looks Like

So, what actually makes a permitting system configurable? These are the features and functionality that give you real control.

• Drag-and-Drop Builders
  

  Allow you to create and adjust workflows, form layouts, and user journeys without knowing how to code. Just drag, drop, and voila!

• Dynamic Logic & Rules

  Let you easily build and update complex workflows with conditional steps, auto-routing, and validation rules. For example, you might automatically assign a fire safety review for projects that exceed 5,000 square feet.

• Reusable Components

  Once you’ve built something great, why not use it again? Configurable systems allow you to build and reuse components like permit steps, while Clariti Launch and Guide take this a step further, allowing you to replicate other agencies’ best practices within your system in minutes.

• In-App Testing & Updates

  Allows you to preview, test, and publish your changes in real time. No need to wait for release cycles.

• Role-Based Permissions

  Gives super admins control of who has permission to do what in your system. Every change made will be tracked in an audit trail so you can ensure your system stays secure.

• Editable Dashboards & Reports

  The most configurable systems allow you to easily create personalized reports and dashboards using your data. Because you shouldn’t have to wait hours or even days for a report.

• Personalized Templates

  Need to create a standardized permit template or expiry notice? If a system’s truly configurable, you should be able to spin up a template with a few clicks, without help from IT.

  
  
  

How to Spot Configurable Permitting Software

If you’re evaluating new permitting software, get potential vendors to show, not just tell. Can they configure a workflow on the spot? Create a new report? If it can’t be done live, the system may not be as configurable as they say.

To dig deeper, ask these questions to gauge whether the system is truly configurable:

• Can business users make changes to workflows or rules as regulations change, or is vendor support required?

• Can you provide a demo of how to configure workflows or form fields?

• How do you handle dynamic logic, such as branching conditions or approvals?

• Is role-based access easy to configure in-house?

• Are document templates customizable without vendor involvement?

• Who typically makes configuration changes in your system (internal staff or third-party vendors)?

• Can configurations be reused across different departments or use cases?

• How are configuration updates tested and deployed?
  
  
  

Red Flags That Show It’s Not Really Configurable

• Workflow or form changes require developers.
• Drag-and-drop tools are available but extremely limited.
• Configuration changes require vendor deployment or involve long lead times.
• Staff still have to submit IT tickets for minor updates.
  
  
  

Take Control of Your Permitting System

Configurability isn’t just about convenience. It’s about enabling your organization to be agile, efficient, and ready for change. Unlike traditional systems that rely on heavy customization and vendor support, configurable software saves time, cuts costs, and gives you control. Most importantly, it allows you to operate on your terms, because when regulations change, priorities shift, or someone asks, “Can we update this form?” you shouldn’t have to call for backup. You should just be able to do it.

Want to stop submitting tickets for simple updates? Book a demo with us today!