• SEARCH
  • CREATE
  • UPDATE
  • HUMAN

How to manage permit lifecycles with your AI

Connect Accela to your AI client to handle permit data without switching tabs. You can pull up records, file new ones, and change statuses through a simple chat interface.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I manage Accela permits with my AI?

Your AI uses Accela tools to search for specific permit records, create new application entries, and update the status of existing permits. You'll see exactly how the data moves in the breakdown below.

Permit management outcomes

Where your permit data lands

The AI handles the data entry and lookups, leaving you to make the decisions.

SEARCH

Instant record lookups

The AI finds specific permit details or lists records based on your criteria. You get the data you need without digging through Accela menus.

CREATE

New application entry

Your AI builds new permit records in Accela using the details you provide. This moves the application into the system immediately.

UPDATE

Real time status changes

The AI modifies existing permit records to reflect new stages in the lifecycle. This keeps your Accela database current as work progresses.

HUMAN

Final approval required

The AI performs the technical updates, but you remain responsible for verifying permit accuracy and making legal decisions. It won't sign off on a permit for you.

The workflow

What your AI does when a permit request arrives.

The AI acts as a direct interface between your chat and the Accela database.

  1. Locate records

    The AI scans Accela to find the specific permit or the record you are asking about.

    search_records

  2. File applications

    When you provide the necessary details, the AI submits a new record to the system.

    create_record

  3. Modify statuses

    The AI changes the current state of a permit to move it through the lifecycle.

    update_record

  4. Verify changes

    The AI uses the search tool to confirm that the record was updated correctly in Accela.

    search_records

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to trigger actions in Accela.

Starting points

These are basic starting lines. Swap out the bracketed text with your actual permit numbers or application details.

Accela Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_ZClIWNCIvQ6qBaUyGEKw7s6iSoZyIl0tHv5H1DVo/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — Accela capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "accela-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_ZClIWNCIvQ6qBaUyGEKw7s6iSoZyIl0tHv5H1DVo/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Find the status of permit record [Permit Number] in Accela.

  • Create a new permit application for [Address] with the type [Permit Type].

  • Update the status of permit [Permit Number] to [New Status].

  • Search for all active permits in [City/District] that are currently under review.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect Accela once, then ask.

You only need to link your Accela account once. Your credentials stay encrypted, and you can immediately start managing permits through any compatible client.

Connect Accela to your AI

FAQ

How the Accela task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI delete permit records?

    No. The AI can only search, create, and update records. It does not have the ability to delete anything from Accela.

  • 02

    Does the AI make legal decisions on permits?

    No. The AI handles the data entry and status updates, but you must review all information and make the actual permit decisions.

  • 03

    Can I use this with Claude?

    Yes, as long as you are using a Claude client that supports the MCP standard.

  • 04

    How does the AI know which permit to update?

    You must provide a specific identifier, like a permit number, so the AI can find the correct record to modify.

  • 05

    Will my Accela login be shared with the AI model?

    No. Your credentials are encrypted and managed by Vinkius; the AI model only sees the data it needs to perform the requested tools.

  • More questions about Accela? The Connector page answers them. See everything the Accela Connector can do

Connect Accela to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more