Our story
OpenCounter started in 2013 with a simple mission: to build a new form of permitting and licensing software to streamline the process for citizens and save staff time at City Hall.
Over the years, regulations around land use and permitting have grown increasingly complex, to the point where citizens can no longer understand them. This leads to questions and frustration from applicants, translating into calls, emails, and long lines at City Hall. Staff resources are quickly overwhelmed and other priorities get lost.
A better permitting experience for all.
OpenCounter set out to solve this problem by assembling a team of seasoned government innovators and Silicon Valley technologists to build the most advanced permitting and licensing engine on the market. Our software calculates detailed land use codes, permit and license requirements, and application fees, so applicants get a comprehensive overview of their project and begin the process by being more informed.
Powering collaboration at City Hall.
Today, we work with some of the largest cities in the country, saving hundreds of thousands of hours of staff time and making it easier to navigate the permitting and licensing process.
When permitting is easy for everyone and staff are free to apply their expertise to challenging projects, a new picture emerges at City Hall: one where staff collaborate with the people in their community to turn ideas and projects into realities — and in the process, to help their communities thrive.
