How residents can track complaints and permits: Mayor's Action Center and Accela explained

Neighborhood volunteers and Pat Andrews explained practical tools residents can use to report and track code enforcement and permitting activity.

“And if you want to call the mayor's action center and talk to a person ... downloading the app has its advantages,” an advocate said, noting the app allows photo uploads and easier follow-up than phone calls that may queue.

Attendees were directed to Accela (searchable via the city’s permits portal) to look up a property’s permit history, review complaint and inspection activity, and check compliance outcomes. Volunteers offered to demonstrate the app and Accela after the meeting so residents could file and track complaints independently.

City staff reminded attendees that when matters are in legal proceedings, staff may be limited in what they can discuss, but the Mayor’s Action Center and Accela provide public records and a tracking reference to monitor outcomes.

Why it matters: the session provided immediate, actionable guidance for residents who want to report suspected violations or follow up on pending permit enforcement.