Expanded digital services streamline approvals, reduce barriers, and support investment readiness
The City of Vernon continues to modernize how residents, businesses, and developers access municipal services by expanding its digital permitting and application processes. These improvements reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to delivering accessible, efficient, and customer-focused services that support economic development and community growth.
Over the past year, the City’s Business Improvement team has made significant progress transitioning from paper-based systems to streamlined digital applications. Using a deliberate, phased approach, the team began by digitizing simpler permit types to ensure a positive and user-friendly customer experience before advancing to more complex approvals.
Today, several permits and services are available online with secure, 24/7 access and online payment options. Moving these services online reduces paperwork and shortens wait times, creating a more consistent and predictable experience for applicants.
Currently available online permits and applications include:
- Business Licence
- Sign Permit
- Property Information Request
- Road Usage Permit
Building on this foundation, the City will launch online Building Permit applications in March, representing a major milestone in service delivery and investment readiness. These permits will include applications for single-family and multi-family dwellings, commercial and industrial buildings, mixed-use and institutional developments, accessory structures, retaining walls, swimming pools, plumbing, and demolitions.
Digitizing Building Permits will improve transparency, reduce processing delays, and provide greater certainty around construction timelines—key factors in supporting local development, encouraging investment, and reducing barriers for those building in Vernon.
Later this year, once Building Permits are fully operational online, the City will continue its digital transformation by transitioning the Development Permit process to a digital platform. Digitizing this complex approval stream will further enhance coordination across departments, improve turnaround times, and reinforce Vernon’s reputation as a responsive, business-friendly community that supports sustainable growth.
These initiatives reflect the City of Vernon’s focus on modern service delivery and continuous improvement. By expanding digital access and streamlining processes, the City is making it easier for customers to get what they need while supporting a welcoming and investment-ready community.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to explore available online permits and applications at www.vernon.ca/business