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Citizen Self Service (CSS)

Show All Answers

1. What is CSS?

CSS stands for Citizen Self Service. The CSS portal allows applications, payments and requests to be made online.

• Open the CSS portal

2. How do I register in CSS?

Registration is simple! Once you're in the CSS portal, click on Sign Up and you will be walked through the steps. For more information, open our How to Register in CSS tutorial document.

3. Why can't I find my address when I search for it?

Make sure you only enter the street number and street name when searching for the address. Do not include the suffix when searching for your address (i.e. exclude Drive, Parkway, Road, etc.). Also, make sure you click the magnifying glass to conduct the search.

4. How do I know when I need to make a payment?

Your dashboard will show activity to pay; please make sure you are checking often.

5. Why can’t I add the owner / co-applicant / etc. as another contact in CSS?

To add a contact to your application, the individual first must register in the CSS portal. Once they are registered, you can search and add them as a contact.

6. How do I pay my fees?

Payment options

1. Online: Credit Card, Visa, MasterCard or Discover
2. In person: Cash or check - Deliver to the Building & Permitting Department at Allen City Hall (first floor), 305 Century Parkway

7. I’m the owner / co-applicant / etc. Why can’t I see any invoices for my submittals?

The original applicant (whomever is logged in when applying) will automatically be assigned as the billing contact. If you need to change the billing contact, please let us know and we can change it for you.

8. How can I print my permit?

Once the permit is approved and released for issuance, you can navigate to the permit on your CSS dashboard. Click the blue printer icon in the upper right corner of the screen.

9. Can I use any web browser with CSS?

Internet Explorer is the recommended web browser for CSS; however, the portal works with Google Chrome as well.

10. How will I know if the permit I am applying for is within the city limits, the ETJ or outside?

City limit and zoning information is available through our interactive map.

11. CSS says my account has been locked out because I entered the wrong password. What do I do?

Wait three minutes and try again. As long as you remember your password and are entering it correctly, the system will let you in after it resets. If you need to reset your password, click the Forgot Password link and you will receive an email to reset your password.

12. How do I add additional contacts to my permit?

Contacts can be added by clicking on the Contacts tab, and then clicking on the Add Contact button.

13. My trade contractors have changed; how do I change them on my permit?

To remove a contact from a permit: Please call Building Inspections at 214.509.4130. As long as your contacts have an account in CSS, you can add them to your application at any time.

To add a contact to a permit: Navigate to the appropriate permit, go to the Contact tab and then Add Contact. Type in the contact name and conduct a search to add a contact (this is why all contacts must register in CSS first).

14. How do I cancel a building inspection through CSS?

If you are the person who logged in and applied for the permit (applicant), you can cancel your inspection using CSS.

Navigate to the permit that has a scheduled inspection on your dashboard. Click on that permit, and once the screen opens, click on the Inspections button (middle of page). The page will list the inspections scheduled. Click the blue button on the right labeled Cancel Inspection.

You also can cancel your inspection by calling the front office at 214.509.4130 before 8:30 a.m.

15. How do I request a Certificate of Occupancy inspection?

Refer to the email sent when the Certificate of Occupancy application is approved. Inspections are called in order on our automated IVR phone line 844.381.8759 (available 24/7).

16. I applied for the wrong permit in CSS. What do I do?

Call the Building & Permitting Department at 214.509.4130 or email permits@cityofallen.org. Staff will delete the incorrect permit, and then you can apply for the correct permit.

17. How do I schedule an inspection in CSS?

1. Sign into CSS. On your dashboard, click on the applicable permit.
2. Check if this is the correct permit, and then click again.
3. Once the permit has opened to a different screen, click on Inspections. Then click on Request Inspections.
4. Near the bottom of the page, find the inspection you need. Click the check box next to the inspection under Action. Once the box is checked, click the lower right button labeled Request Inspection.
5. A new screen will open. Fill in the date requested (only available dates will show; the rest are grayed out). Add any comments, your name and phone number, and click Submit.
6. After clicking Submit, you will see a confirmation screen indicating your inspection has been scheduled.

18. How to check the status of an inspection

1. On your CSS dashboard, navigate to the correct permit and click on Failed Inspections on the right, or click on the Inspections tab in the middle of the page.
2. Click on the Checklist tab, and the notes will display on the screen.

19. How to check the status of a plan review

1. On your CSS dashboard, navigate to the correct permit and click on Failed Review on the right, or you can click on the Review button in the middle of the page
2. Click on the Building Plan Review link under Review Type; the notes will display on the screen.