Mayor Brand Unveils FAASTER Portal – Says It Will Result In More Jobs

FRESNO (KMJ) — A new online portal to streamline business and building permits in the City of Fresno is now online.

FAASTER (which stands for Fresno’s Accelerated Applications System to Track Electronic Reviews) was unveiled to the public Thursday morning inside Fresno City Hall. Mayor Lee Brand described it as a one-stop shop for applications. It can be accessed clicking here.

“Will allow everyone, from the homeowner who wants to repair his roof, to the developer who want to build a large multistory complex, to submit, pay for, and track the status of the permit application online anytime, night or day.”

The system is also designed to work on mobile devices, such as tablets and cell phones. Officials add that the ease of use will mean residents can easily check on a neighbors’ application.

Mayor Brand said it will remove the delays which traditionally hold up businesses setting up in Fresno, and ultimately result in more jobs.

“Make it easier for everyone.”

FAASTER is considered a vital component of the mayor’s Business Friendly Fresno 2.0! initiative. District 6 Councilman Garry Bredefeld has been a vocal critic of the plan, previously stating that the planning and permitting process “takes forever” (click here to read more).

Approximately $3.5 million was approved in the budget to pay for the portal.

Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired: