Citizen Self-Service (CSS)

1. Click on the CSS Portal link. 
2. Click the “Login or Register” Icon or click the down arrow next to “Guest” in the upper right hand corner and select “Register”.
3. Select “Register Here”:

• Step 1 of 3: Enter a valid email address and select “Next”. An email will be sent to the email address. Follow the steps in the email to continue the registration process.
• Step 2 of 3: Once the email address is confirmed, the CSS registration page will open up. Confirm the email address is correct on this screen and select “Register”.
• Step 3 of 3: Enter in all the required user and contact information. Once complete, select “Submit”.

Registration is now complete! Follow the next steps to submit a Permit or Plan.

Log on to CSS, click “Apply” to open up the drop down menu. Select the Permit/Plan you would like to apply for.

Step 1 – Locations:

1. A location is required for most Permit/Plan applications.
2. DO NOT enter a Highland address manually. Only enter an address manually if an address outside of Highland is being linked to the Permit/Plan.
3. When the address or parcel number is found via search, select the “Add” button.
4. Once the location address is added, more address types can be added. Be sure to enter all location addresses that are associated with a Permit/Plan.
5. Select “Next” when complete or “Save Draft” to finish at another time.

Step 2 – Permit/Plan Type:

1. Choose the correct Permit/Plan Type in the drop down menu. This selection CANNOT be changed once the permit/plan is submitted. Be sure to select the correct Permit/Plan Type. If unsure, please contact the Building & Zoning Department at 618-654-7115 or highlandzoning@highlandil.gov to confirm. 
2. Include a brief description of the request. This shall include the project name.
3. Select “Next” when complete or “Save Draft” to finish at another time.

 Step 3 – Contacts:

1. The person logged in and applying in CSS will always be the “Applicant”. More than one plan applicant can be added to a Permit/Plan. 
2. An Owner and Contractor are required for most Permit/Plan Types. Click on the blue icon to add Owner and Contractor information. Always search first! To reduce duplication in the system, search to see if the owner, applicant or contractor contact information is already in the system. If the contact information is in the system, select the “Add” icon.
3. If after searching with no results, add the contact manually by selecting “Enter Manually” and enter in all the required fields. Select “Submit” when complete.
4. One of the contacts entered will need to be listed as the billing contact. All invoice and escrow fees will be sent to the billing contact. Enter the designated billing contact in the “More Info” screen.
5. Select “Next” when complete or “Save Draft” to finish at another time.

Step 4 – More Info:

1. Complete all the required fields. The questions differ depending on the Permit/Plan Type selected.
2. Select “Next” when complete or “Save Draft” to finish at another time.

Step 5 – Attachments:

1. Upload all required documentation for the application. The application cannot be submitted unless all documentation that is required has a document uploaded.
2. Be sure to name the document appropriately so staff can easily locate it in the system. A document cannot be uploaded more than once in the attachment page.
3. Additional documentation can be uploaded by selecting the appropriate document type in the drop down menu and selecting “Add Attachment” on the last blue icon on the page.
4. Select “Next” when complete or “Save Draft” to finish at another time.

Step 6 – Review and Submit:

1. Review all the content on this page. Once submitted, the CSS account applicant cannot go back and change.
2. Select the “Back” button if submission needs to be modified, select “Next” when complete or “Save Draft” to finish at another time.

Congratulations! You have successfully submitted a Permit/Plan electronically!

The User Dashboard is a snapshot of all the CSS user’s permits, plans, inspections and outstanding invoices that they are a contact to. The number within each colored circle will update based on how many items are assigned to that user. Click on any colored circle to view outstanding items. Add invoices to cart to pay multiple invoices at once.

1. Visit the CSS page to log in to your CSS user account.
2. Select “Pay Invoice” icon.
3. Insert the COMPLETE Invoice number (ie. INV-00003464).
4. The detailed invoice will be displayed. If a copy of the invoice is needed, select the printer icon on the top right corner of the screen.
5. Select “Pay Now” to pay the invoice in full. If a partial payment is requested, payment cannot be processed online. Please call (618)654-7115 for assistance.
6. Complete all the required fields and select “Pay Now”.
7. A receipt will be emailed to the email address listed on the Payment Details screen and the billing contact in the Energov system.

Permit Types:

Demolitions (Commercial/Residential)
Electrical Alteration, Remodel or Repair (Commercial/Residetiall)
Electrical Service Upgrade (Commercial/Residential)
Plumbing Alteration, Remodel or Repair (Commercial/Residential)
Hot Tub/Spa (Commercial/Residential)
In-Ground Pool (Commercial/Residential)
Above-Ground Pool (Residential)
Roof (Commerical/Residential)
Landlord Registration 
Rental Inspection

Plan Types: 

Fences (Corner Lot/Standard Lot)
Home Occupations
Signs
Zoning Compliance
Zoning Verification Letter