The City of Fayetteville's Development Services Department has made improvements to the E-Development Portal, making it easier for residents, business owners, contractors and developers to submit applications, complete required tasks and manage development projects online. 

The enhancements, which went into effect this week, are designed to simplify the application process, provide clearer instructions and give customers greater visibility into the status of their projects. 

Over the past year, the Development Services team collected and reviewed community feedback through surveys to identify opportunities to improve the customer experience. That feedback helped guide the development of new features that streamline applications, reduce paperwork and make it easier for customers to complete development-related tasks in one place. 

"These enhancements were developed directly in response to feedback from the people who regularly use the E-Development Portal," said Development Services Director Gerald Newton in a press release. "Our goal is to provide a simpler, more intuitive experience that helps users understand what is required, complete tasks efficiently and keep their projects moving forward." 

New features and improvements include: 

• Simplified online applications: A more streamlined process for submitting applications, completing forms and providing electronic signatures. 
• Fully digital applications: Approved applications no longer require a separate paper application. 
• Personalized task dashboard: Customers can easily view outstanding requirements, assigned tasks and next steps. 
• Centralized services: Users can submit applications, pay fees, request inspections and review current and completed tasks in one location. 
• Email notifications: Customers receive notifications when City staff assign new tasks or request additional information. 

One of the key improvements is the personalized task dashboard, which allows customers to see what actions are needed to move their applications forward. When City staff request additional information or assign a task, customers receive an email notification directing them to the portal, where they can review and complete the required action. 

The updated system is intended to reduce unnecessary paperwork, improve communication between customers and City staff, and provide a more convenient way to manage development projects. 

"These improvements give users a clearer picture of where their application stands and what they need to do next," said Newton. "By bringing applications, payments, inspections, notifications and assigned tasks together, we're creating a more consistent and efficient experience for the people who live, work and invest in Fayetteville." 

The updated E-Development Portal is now available for customers to use. Additional resources, including feature guides and short video walkthroughs, will be made available to help users navigate the updated system. 

For more information about Development Services and the City's E-Development Portal, visit FayettevilleNC.gov/DevelopmentServices.