# SmartGov Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is SmartGov the right Permit solution for you? Explore 57 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/178309/SmartGov/reviews --- SmartGov 4.6 (57) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/178309/SmartGov/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of SmartGov Ease of use 4.4 Customer Service 4.4 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews AS Alicia S Secretary/TreasurerNon-Profit Organization Management, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “It is extremely valuable in that anyone can set up an account in order to review all activity, therefore perform additional oversight of permit activity within our group - a critical oversight above and beyond government oversight.“ July 25, 2023 RG Randy G InspectorGovernment Administration, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “The mobile app for field inspections is absolute garbage compared to what we had.“ February 13, 2025 EG Eddie G Permit ManagerConstruction, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Once familiar with navigation, the amount of information available on the portal is wonderful, practically eliminates the need for a phone call, saving time and money for our organization.“ December 21, 2023 KS Kelli S Designer - Permit TechnicianConstruction, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “I often have to email someone to get a permit pushed through because of "required" documents that do not pertain to our permit.“ December 26, 2023 BT Beatriz T Head ClerkGovernment Administration, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “After a few clicks, SmartGov was easy to handle and easy to show others how to use it, as a former City employee this is the system they used for contractors to input their permits“ December 26, 2024 SL Sarah L Code Enforcement OfficerGovernment Administration, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “There are some cons to the software, such as when opening uploaded documents (you have to download each document, which can be a cumbersome process when you have a case with dozens of photos).“ June 23, 2022 MV Miriam V OwnerConstruction, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The information is displayed in an easy to read and find manner, and it has the functionality needed for the lifecycle of a permit, once it's been submitted and in review“ December 18, 2023 KS Kelli S Designer - Permit TechnicianConstruction, 11 - 50 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “My main complaint is more to do with the options an AHJ sets in their submittal requirements.“ December 26, 2023 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 57 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use BT Beatriz T. Head Clerk Government Administration Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "SmartGov, SmartRoute" December 26, 2024 5.0 After a few clicks, SmartGov was easy to handle and easy to show others how to use it, as a former City employee this is the system they used for contractors to input their permits Pros Its user friendly, If you forget to input something in you cannot proceed which is great. Cons Perhaps due to the usage system was constantly loading Review Source MV Miriam V. Owner Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Custom home builder user experience" December 18, 2023 4.0 Pros SmartGov is relatively easy to use and navigate. The information is displayed in an easy to read and find manner, and it has the functionality needed for the lifecycle of a permit, once it's been submitted and in review Cons The functionality of uploading a permit to SmartGov needs to be improved. Our jurisdiction bridged this with using Camino which is a decent product to walk a person through submitting all the documents that are needed for the submittal, but it's proven to be a cumbersome bridge to SmartGov. Review Source RG Randy G. Inspector Government Administration Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Not a happy camper" February 13, 2025 2.0 We (staff who actually uses it) had no say in changing programs. It takes longer to process permits and print the required documents in order to issue a permit. The portal doesn't seem to be very user friendly for contractors in the field. Pros Nothing! We had an excellent software program that was so much easier to use and more user friendly for both staff and contractors. Cons The mobile app for field inspections is absolute garbage compared to what we had. The system takes us longer now to process a permit with so many added steps. We cannot easily drag and drop electronic documents as we could with our previous program. Switched from [iWorQ](https://www.capterra.com/p/83009/iWorQ-Work-Management/) Didn't have a choice. It was a much easier and more user friendly program. Review Source AS Alicia S. Secretary/Treasurer Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Use of SmartGov for non-profit organization" July 25, 2023 5.0 We are experiencing much more transparency with our permits than we would without SmartGov. Documents can readily, be downloaded, printed and shared amongst our group with ease - again, something that would be delayed with no SmartGov. Pros Our usage of SmartGov has been limited to permitting, and we've been using the service for several years now. We are an entity made up of almost 20 individuals, any of whom can use SmartGov to apply for, pay for and monitor permits. It is extremely valuable in that anyone can set up an account in order to review all activity, therefore perform additional oversight of permit activity within our group - a critical oversight above and beyond government oversight. Cons Since we are a non-profit, some features do not apply to us, but of the ones we utilize, many have been improved over the years we've been using this. Updates to the product seemed slow several years ago, but they seem frequent now, and currently we have no complaints. Review Source WS Woody S. Business Operations Specialist Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Superior Customer Service" January 25, 2022 5.0 I've used several permitting software applications over the years, and each has their unique advantages and disadvantages. I would say that Dude Solutions willingness to take customer feedback to improve SmartGOV is one of the most important things to me. They have an amazing team that is always available and willing to help find a solution. Pros The customer portal and user interface is significantly more friendly that all other permitting software programs I've used in the past. The online portal has allowed us to shift our permit application and processing to virtually 100% online, which allowed us to keep running without a hiccup since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The interface is easy for customers and staff to navigate and custom help text that can be configured by department or even as specific as the permit type has allowed us to direct efficiently direct users through the process and know what is missing from their application prior to submitting. For our staff customizable workflow steps and actions ensure that permits appear on their user to do list at the right time and trigger the next review or administrative step once they are complete. Cons The software's GIS capacity is currently one limitation that we're encountering. Being able to place parcel restrictions based on GIS layers like Zoning, Flood designations, critical area encumbrances, Historic designations, etc. would be a big improvement, although there are a couple ways Dude Solutions has helped us work around this and place notes on restricted parcels. We're also able to take a couple extra steps and pull permit data through the Adhoc Reporting and push data to our GIS servers to create online web maps. Review Source KP Kash P. Code Enforcement Officer Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Improvements in assisting and growing with customer " July 5, 2022 3.0 My overall observation is many updates are not being managed by SmartGov and the City is having to go out on their own and handle updates it seems SmartGov should be doing. We need better assistance and clarity from SmartGov as well as the timing with the actual assistance not just a response, but actual assistance. Pros Every file is accounted for and can be updated as information is added from all departments within the City. Cons The return on IT assistance is very slow. I would like to have the cases set-up where I can add a due date and it notifies me in the queue, however I was told this would incur extra fees when all government programs I have used offer this as a part of the software. It is an essential part of keeping up with each case. Review Source Response from Granicus July 8, 2022 Hi Kash! We really value your feedback and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss it more deeply with you. Would you please reach out to support@brightlysoftware.com so we can help? DW David W. Director Government Administration Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "smartgov review" June 23, 2022 1.0 My County has been a user of Smartgov for a coupe of years now. Despite this, a recent interaction a a conference asking for help with creating reports and helping with back end workflows resulted in my information being sent to the sales team where I go three weeks of daily sales calls. It is a sad excuse when the sales team doesn't even know who their own customers are. The system is buggy and we spend a good amount of staff time each day fixing failures of the system with our customers, which is inexcusable. Pros There is absolutely nothing that I like about this software. Cons Software is not intuitive to use. Programmers, especially the new Brightly programmers are making changes without consulting end users and creating workflow problems by adding features that create confusion. Reason for choosing SmartGov I am not sure why they chose smartgov, but I can assume it was solely based on cost and not actual performance and functionality. Review Source Response from Granicus June 24, 2022 Hi David! We really value your feedback and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss it more deeply with you. Would you please reach out to support@brightlysoftware.com so we can help? RH Robert H. Plans Examiner Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Review of SmartGov" January 24, 2022 5.0 This is the first permitting software for tracking I have used so my ability to compare to other software is limited. I am overall pleased with what I have learned and my particular process of use. I tend to be a source for others in our office who have questions about operating SmartGov and trouble shooting. I have also come to enjoy working on projects as administrator updating fees, creating permit types, adding to custom attributes, etc. I have also found that when I have an issue I cannot resolve the live support from the team is excellent. They are all patient, knowledgeable, and willing to teach me about the software every time I call. Pros The flexibility of the software to meet particular needs is a plus. Changes in permit structure and appearance can be done without placing a work order to Dude Solutions as long as the Administrator is familiar and confident with making these changes. Cons I do not have to work on compiling multiple user ID often but to me it seems overly complex, however, I only occasionally work on this aspect of the product and that could be a part of the problem. Review Source JW Joelle W. Owner Environmental Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Online Permitting Portals" December 21, 2023 5.0 I have used Smart Gov from both sides and have really enjoyed it. Pros Smart Gov is by far one of the easiest and most efficient online portals that I have used. I currently submit projects across the state and use several online portals. Smart Gov is hands down the easiest one to navigate. Cons Not all the categories are available. I truly really like the Smart Gov program. I would like the option to cancel a permit once it has been started or started by mistake. Review Source EG Eddie G. Permit Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Just honest feedback...." December 21, 2023 5.0 I love it, have for a while now. It has substantially simplified our submittal process. Pros Once familiar with navigation, the amount of information available on the portal is wonderful, practically eliminates the need for a phone call, saving time and money for our organization. Cons I would really love some little helpful hints for navigation on the portal. For first time users, I find that they struggle to properly navigate the site, as a lot of assumptions are implied as to where they need to go to submit certain items. Review Source DL Donna L. Construction Permitting Coordinator Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent Product" July 18, 2023 5.0 Pros Ease of use, inspection scheduling, real-time updating. Cons I have not found anything to dislike. The product is very helpful & useful Review Source JF Joseph F. Permitting and Engineering Department Manager Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "My Experience with Capterra" December 13, 2023 5.0 Overall, I see that more and more cities and counties are making the switch to SmartGov, which is great with the program keeping the applicant up to date with any notifications going straight to the E-mail of the applicant so they can respond as quick as possible. Pros User Friendly, Very clean work platform with easy directions on how to navigate the program if any questions. Cons No negative comments in regard to the platform. Review Source LN Lydia N. Bookkeeper Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Licensing" January 18, 2022 5.0 Satisfactory to great, depending. Pros Generating business licenses is much faster than our previous system. Delivery to the business owner is quick too; the touch of a few buttons. Cons The system doesn't get as specific as we'd like, with drill-downs. Review Source CB Carl B. Vice President Utilities Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Required" July 18, 2023 4.0 Pros Ability to complete required forms online. Cons User interface is cumbersome. Not intuitive. Review Source SM Sam M. Owner Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I like SmartGov" March 2, 2023 5.0 Pros Ease of use. I can also access this software via mobile phone. Cons Too many layers for accessibility. Shortening this would be more user friendly. Review Source HR Hope R. csr Food & Beverages Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "enjoy speed of return" July 18, 2023 5.0 I am submitting plumbing permits for our company. Enjoy ease of use Pros enjoy speed of returned completed permits Cons There is nothing I dislike about the program. Review Source JW Jerry W. Owner Construction Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Contractor review" December 20, 2023 5.0 Overall experience with SmartGov was pleasant and rather self explanatory. Pros Ease of use on mobile and desktop devices. Cons Locating individual projects was not initially clear Review Source KR Kerri R. Registrar Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Great" June 23, 2022 5.0 This is going to be a great thing for us to use to get more out of our business. Right now we do not accept cards and cannot do anything online, so this is going to bring us out of the stone age and I am pretty excited to see how this goes for us. Pros How easy it is to navigate, we do not have it up and running yet, but I am very excited to use it. Cons We have not done a launch yet, and are still in the planning stages, but so far everything is very user friendly and I have not found anything I do not like about it. Review Source SH Scott H. CEO Building Materials Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "SmartGov Review" July 13, 2023 5.0 Pros The ease of finding things and how you can look up permits easily. Cons Inspections are a little difficult to navigate through Review Source DB Dustin B. Permit Technician Government Administration Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Has its Strengths and Weaknesses" February 21, 2023 4.0 Pretty solid - if they can get some of the outstanding issues we have open with them to get cleaned up, I would rate them even higher. Pros Being able to easily edit permit types, steps, submittals, inspections, workflow, etc. is huge. It makes for relatively seamless changes for our stakeholders, namely other government agencies that we work with. I've worked with them and shown them SmartGov and just how easy it is to edit and change things, and that's allowed us to streamline processes extensively. Cons We run into issues on the mobile interface or on tablets with our Building Inspectors in the field. A lot of the time support asks for screenshots when that's just not feasible given how remote some of the building sites are. However, given the demographic of the inspectors, this could be a user error issue. It frequently crashes and we have certain open issues that we haven't had addressed yet by engineering. Review Source SL Sarah L. Code Enforcement Officer Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Record Keeping Tool for Day to Day" June 23, 2022 4.0 SmartGov is a great program overall, and it allows us to operate day to day. I've seen improvements just in the last two years that I've been using it, and I look forward to how it will continue to develop! Pros SmartGov is relatively intuitive, and easily allows me and my department to upload documents for case files. We are moving to mostly digital case files, and SmartGov allows us to store our records. The program is easy to navigate for day to day tasks. Cons There are some cons to the software, such as when opening uploaded documents (you have to download each document, which can be a cumbersome process when you have a case with dozens of photos). A document preview would help with this immensely! I think SmartGov would be greatly improved if it offered a reminder feature in Code Enforcement (like Permitting does) so we can set it to alert us when a deadline has passed. That would make following up on older cases easier, and would help prevent cases being overlooked. I did suggest this to Customer Support, and they were responsive, which I appreciated. I do hope they will implement it in the future to help Code Enforcement departments who use this software. Finally, my only other critique is that the feature that allows you to set up reports to run (especially ones with specific parameters) could be overhauled. It does not work much of the time, so we typically have to run the basic report to see our numbers, and then transfer that information to another program to create graphs, etc. It would be amazing if there was a way that SmartGov could have reports that can compare to previous years, etc. Review Source MS Michelle S. Processing Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "One of the better Online Permitting" July 13, 2023 5.0 I use all the cities and county Websites and this one is probably the quickest, easiest, and straight forward. Pros It easy to navigate and has all the information that needs to be on this kind of website. Cons The date of reviews coming back arent always accurate and sometimes sit there for while. I have been told by the city that the site didnt alert them of any info uploaded. So i am having to tell them Review Source CH Chris H. Draftsman Architecture & Planning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Draftsman Submitting Multiple Projects" December 18, 2023 5.0 Pros As a Draftsman, I use SmartGov weekly to oversee various submittals for building Permits. It is extremely easy and intuitive to use. I really like the File Submittal process and the way it is organized. Cons I wish there could be an option to turn off notifications per each Building Permit. Once a project is approved, I am no longer involved in the project, but I get a notification every time an Inspection is requested. The only way for me to no longer receive them is by emailing a Permit tech. It would be nice to be able to Archive each permit so the alerts would stop. Review Source RM Robert M. Deputy Director Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Smartgov best SAAS on the market today" July 18, 2023 5.0 Excellent Pros Ease of use, customer service, price, implementation. Cons I do not have any negative response to this question Reason for choosing SmartGov As noted earlier Review Source RR Renee R. Permit Tech III Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "SMARTGOV PERMITING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT " January 15, 2021 5.0 I am so grateful to have it. It is so much easier to work with then the last program. And... NO MORE FILLING.. NO MORE PAPER! Pros The program is professional and efficient. It can be a bit of a learning curve but support is very good. Cons Implementation was a bit dicey. I think it would be best if a implementation expert came and worked with the department in person for 2 weeks prior getting things going and familiarizing the user with the product and what info is needed to move forward with the implementations. Than after the program is set up have someone come back and spend a week making sure all is working as it should. This would be in instead of spread sheets asking for info on what you want to have on your program without knowing how that info would be used within the program. Of course this was 2017 so I am sure things have improved since then. Reason for choosing SmartGov It seem to be the most comprehensive for the best price with the most support. We wanted a program that did it all. 100% online, GIS mapping, Plan Reviews, Usable throughout all departments Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.