Staff Report 
colanews@scbiznews.com 
Published May 22, 2014

Richland County’s Development Services is launching the next phase in its move to become a one-stop shop for local builders and developers.

Earlier this week, the county unveiled a new website that ties together various aspects of the development process. It also has purchased new software, called TrakiT, which will allow customers to track projects online from the initial submission of building plans to the issuance of the final certificate of occupancy.

Through a free online account, users can track developments of their projects and pay all applicable fees electronically.

Users also can apply for permits for projects by uploading plans that can be reviewed by multiple departments simultaneously. Once a submission is approved by the county, a permit or approval letter is emailed.

The TrakiT system allows the county to communicate with users through written and visual feedback.

For example, an inspector at a project site can upload photographs and descriptions of an issue that a developer can address immediately to keep a project on track.

Last year, the county created the Richland County Development Services Center and located county offices involved in the building and development process on the same floor in the administration building at Harden and Hampton streets.

The center includes planning, building codes, business services, fire plan review, floodplain regulation and engineering. The center aims to make it easier for developers and contractors to get permits, inspections and other processes involved in building underway more quickly.