Tipton picks OpenGov to modernize permitting

The City of Tipton, Indiana, has selected OpenGov Permitting & Licensing to replace manual, paper-based permitting and create a system that can scale with growth. The new platform is expected to improve workflows, transparency, and cross-department coordination for residents, contractors, and city staff.

Why it matters: - Tipton’s current permitting process is manual, paper-based, and hard to track. - The city expects OpenGov to reduce delays, improve coordination, and give residents and contractors a clearer view of permit status. - The platform is designed to support future growth without forcing Tipton to replace its core system.

What happened: - The City of Tipton, Indiana selected OpenGov Permitting & Licensing to modernize its newly established planning department. - The rollout will cover building permits, planning and zoning, code enforcement, and public works permits. - The platform is expected to expand into utilities as Tipton grows. - Mayor Kegan Schmicker said the city wants a smoother experience for residents and businesses and a planning and zoning system that can grow with the community. - Building Commissioner Tim Bradford said the change will streamline workflows, improve communication, and create a more professional permitting experience.

The details: - Tipton is about 5,300 residents and sits about 40 miles north of Indianapolis. - The city is the county seat of Tipton County. - Tipton established its planning department last year, giving city leaders a chance to adopt modern systems early. - Schmicker has an information technology background, which helped shape the decision to implement new systems from the start. - Permitting is now handled in person at City Hall on paper. - Planning, utilities, fire, and code enforcement operate in silos, which slows coordination. - Staff currently rely on individual memory to involve the right departments. - The city has no centralized permit record, no easy status tracking, and no digital inspection documentation. - Applicants must call City Hall to check where a permit stands. - OpenGov will automate cross-department routing so utilities, fire, planning, and other teams are included consistently. - Residents and contractors will be able to submit applications online 24/7, track status in real time, and pay fees digitally. - Field staff will use mobile inspection workflows with photo capture and searchable records. - Every action, inspection, and communication will be logged and searchable by property and applicant. - The platform’s unlimited-user model is intended to support a growing number of departments and users. - Tipton plans to add utilities, business licensing, and other modules over time without replacing the platform.

Between the lines: - The move shows Tipton using a new planning department as a chance to build digital processes before legacy workflows become harder to unwind. - Peer conversations with neighboring OpenGov users in Madison and Franklin, Indiana helped validate the decision. - The selection also signals a broader push for transparency and auditability in local permitting, especially where paper systems create bottlenecks.

What's next: - Tipton will implement the OpenGov platform across permitting and inspection workflows. - The city is expected to phase in additional modules as community needs expand. - Residents and staff should see a shift toward more centralized records, faster routing, and more consistent permitting standards.