Hey everyone,

I’ve been working quietly on something that I think could be a real game-changer for code enforcement, but before I move any further, I want to get some honest input from the people who’ll understand it best.

I’ll keep the details limited for now, but here’s the basic idea: a stand-alone mobile app created specifically for code enforcement officers. Not a repurposed inspection tool, not a vendor add-on, and not another expensive platform. This would be something built from the ground up for the way we actually work in the field.

And it wouldn’t matter what software your department uses now—CityWorks, Tyler, SmartGov, or anything else. The goal is to let you capture what you need in the field and export clean, organized files that can fit into any system you’re already working with. No integrations or special setups required.

There would be a free, fully usable version, with two optional low-cost upgrades for anyone who wants additional tools. But the basic functionality would stay available to everyone.

Before this gets too far along, I want to hear from other officers:

• What slows you down the most during inspections?
• What would you change about the way you currently document and organize your cases?
• What do you wish your phone could handle better while you’re out there?
• What kind of exports or summaries would make things easier once you’re back at your desk?

I’m trying to make sure this lines up with real needs across the field, not just my own. Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your feedback — more details to come soon.

Chris,

These are very good questions; I will provide you with my input as soon as possible.

Currently, here in Guyton, I am using CloudPermit software on a surface pro tablet. The only time I have had to use my phone on a property, was because it was severely overgrown and using my phone was easier than trying to use the tablet for pictures. The thing that slows that process down, is having to email the pictures to my email and then having to export them to the tablet for upload to the case file. If your app could do all that from one device, that would be great. I know the struggle is going to be integration between different mobile platforms such as IOS and Android along with licensing. Sounds like you're really on to a potentially great thing with this idea. I wonder if it would be able to share data between agencies for comparison or anything like that. I think that would be a nice feature as well. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. Keep up the great work!!

Thanks for the feedback, you pretty much described the same headache I run into. Taking pictures on the phone is way easier in the field, but then we’re stuck emailing them to ourselves just to get them onto whatever system we’re using. It slows everything down.

The idea with this app is to let you do everything on one device. Take your photos, videos, notes, and then export the whole thing as a PDF or ZIP straight into CloudPermit, CityWorks, SmartGov, Municity — whatever your city uses. No integrations or anything complicated, just a clean import/export setup.

As far as iPhone vs Android, that shouldn’t be an issue. I'm building this in a way where the app works the same on both, so nobody gets left out and we’re not having to create two different versions. Everything will look and work pretty much identical no matter what phone you’ve got.

The agency-to-agency sharing idea is a good one too. That won’t be in the first release, but that's a great idea for Phase 2. Probably a simple way to share data files or use a quick share code so other departments can pull the info in would be the best approach. It could definitely help with trends and regional tracking once I get the main features done.

I really appreciate the support. That's why I need the input. I’ll keep posting updates as it comes together.

Hey Chris,

The City of Cochran will start the new year with the iWorq program. It will allow multiple people, within the city government, to stay in the loop on each violation I encounter and document. I think this is going to bring simplicity to the administrative duties we have.

• What slows you down the most during inspections? Talking with people(LOL)
• What would you change about the way you currently document and organize your cases?
• What do you wish your phone could handle better while you’re out there? I would like an interactive city limits app that could show me exactly where I'm at when addressing violations. Kind of like Live 360 but with the city limits showing. We have some areas that are close to the city limits but are actually unincorporated. I have searched the playstore and haven't come across anything similar.
• What kind of exports or summaries would make things easier once you’re back at your desk?

I think the iWorq program will cover for the other questions.

Edited December 9, 2025 at 03:53 PMDec 9, 2025 by DrSmith77
grammar

I agree on the admin side, programs like iWorq do a solid job once a case is in the system and keeping everyone looped in. What I’ve been focusing on more is the field side of things, because that’s where I feel like we lose the most time before we ever get back to the office.

What really stood out to me was your comment about knowing exactly where you are in relation to the city limits. That’s something I’ve personally had to second-guess more than once, especially in those edge areas that look like they’re in the city but aren’t. There really isn’t a simple, reliable way to check that in real time.

Because of that, one of the main features we’re already building into the app is a live city limits view. It shows your GPS location on top of the city boundary and clearly tells you whether you’re inside, outside, or right on the line. It works offline using the city’s GIS data, so you’re not relying on cell service or guessing before you make contact.

The idea isn’t to replace systems like iWorq, it’s more of a field companion. Something that helps you capture info quickly, verify jurisdiction, and then deal with the heavier documentation once you’re back at the desk.

And yeah, talking with people will always slow us down — that part isn’t going anywhere. The goal is just to cut down on everything else competing for your attention while you’re out there.

I really appreciate the feedback. It helps to know others are seeing the same gaps.

You're welcome!

Networking like this enables us to put different ideas out there so we can brainstorm and communicate ideas that may or may not work for some cities. When you know more about or have the "GPS" app, please let me know because it is a definite need for me.

I look forward to more networking.

Thanks,

Danny

Thanks Danny,

GPS won't be an issue. I just have to build out the part of the program where officers can upload their city limits GIS polygon or GeoJSON file.