The Village of New Paltz is embracing comprehensive digital modernization with the official launch of MuniCollab’s platform across three key land-use review processes: Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Building Department operations.

Link: Press Release on Village of New Paltz Website

Strategic Multi-Department Integration

Mayor Tim Rogers announced this significant modernization effort, declaring: “This platform marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to modernize village operations. By implementing MuniCollab’s advanced portal, we’re not just digitizing paperwork – we’re creating a more accessible, efficient, and responsive planning process that better serves our community’s evolving needs.”

Unified Digital Ecosystem Creates Seamless Experience

The Village’s comprehensive approach represents a significant advancement in municipal operations by bringing all land use functions under one integrated platform. The coordinated implementation across three departments creates unprecedented consistency and efficiency:

Building Department – Starting February 1st, 2025, residents and developers can submit Zoning Determination requests through the new digital platform, eliminating paper-based workflows and reducing processing times. This marks the critical first step in the development process, where property owners determine what’s permissible on their land.

Planning Board – Throughout February, Site Plan and Subdivision applications move to the MuniCollab system, giving applicants and board members real-time access to project documents and status updates. These applications represent the detailed design phase where comprehensive development plans are reviewed for compliance and community impact.

Zoning Board of Appeals – Following the Planning Board’s launch, the Zoning Board’s variance, appeal, and zoning interpretation processes join the digital platform, completing the Village’s comprehensive transformation. This board handles the critical exception and appeal processes that often determine whether challenging projects can move forward.

Breaking Down Traditional Silos for Better Governance

By unifying these three departments on a single platform, the Village eliminates the traditional disconnects that have historically complicated the development process. Previously, applicants might receive determinations from the Building Department, submit plans to the Planning Board, and potentially appeal decisions to the Zoning Board of Appeals through completely separate systems with different processes, timelines, and documentation requirements.

Now, all stakeholders—from applicants to board members to village staff—can access the complete project history and current status through one centralized system. This integration means that when a Planning Board reviews a site plan, they have immediate access to the original zoning determinations. If an appeal becomes necessary, the Zoning Board of Appeals can review the complete development timeline and all previous decisions in one location.

Community-Centered Benefits

The unified platform approach delivers significant advantages that extend beyond simple digitization: Village residents and stakeholders can now track the complete lifecycle of development projects through a single access point, from initial zoning questions through final approvals or appeals.

  • Streamlined Applications: One consistent submission process for all Planning & Zoning matters eliminates confusion and reduces errors
  • Enhanced Communication: Unified communication channels ensure all parties stay informed throughout multi-stage processes
  • Improved Access: Single sign-on access to all planning documents and decision records across all three departments
  • Greater Transparency: Complete project visibility allows residents to follow development proposals from initial concept through final resolution

Preserving Community Values Through Innovation

This digital transformation reflects the Village of New Paltz’s commitment to innovation without losing the personal touch that defines effective local government. The platform modernizes every aspect of the land use review cycle while ensuring complete transparency throughout the process.

Vision for Enhanced Local Governance

The MuniCollab implementation aligns with the Village’s broader modernization goals, representing their dedication to leveraging technology for better citizen services while maintaining the transparency and community engagement that New Paltz residents expect from their local government.

These three application portals can be accessed via the following links:

This launch reflects the Village’s ongoing commitment to exploring how technology can support effective local governance and improve the overall experience for residents, businesses, and stakeholders in their community.