Local Ordinance Selection Form
What the Local Ordinance Selection Form Is
Why completing a clear selection form matters
A properly completed Local Ordinance Selection Form creates a traceable record of which local regulation governs a transaction or property, reduces disputes about applicable rules, and supports administrative review and enforcement.
Who commonly completes and signs this form
Municipal officials, permitting staff, zoning consultants, and property owners commonly prepare or request this form before approvals or inspections.
- Municipal Planning Departments — prepare and record selections for permits and zoning decisions; maintain official copies.
- Developers & Contractors — document which local code applies to a project to meet permitting prerequisites and inspections.
- Property Owners & Agents — sign to accept ordinance terms or to request application of a specific local provision.
In many workflows multiple parties sign in sequence; ensure the person with delegated authority signs to avoid later rework.
Step-by-step: completing the Local Ordinance Selection Form
-
01Identify Ordinance: Enter ordinance number and official title as published.
-
02Define Scope: Specify parcel, address, or project limits clearly.
-
03Select Effective Date: Use MM/DD/YYYY format for the effective or proposed date.
-
04Authorized Signature: Have the designated official or owner sign and date.
Configuring an online completion workflow
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Ordinance fields | Make ordinance number and title required fields. |
| Date fields | Set MM/DD/YYYY mask and validation rules. |
| Geolocation data | Optional GPS or map link to verify parcel location. |
| Signer authentication | Require email or SMS verification per policy. |
Digital signing and technical requirements
Ensure your platform supports e-sign evidence, secure storage, and the authentication level your jurisdiction requires.
- Document formats: PDF and Word DOCX supported.
- Authentication options: Email, SMS code, or KBA.
- Audit trail: Capture IP, timestamp, and actions.
Integrations with case management, GIS, and records systems reduce manual entry; verify encryption in transit (TLS 1.2/1.3) and at rest (AES-256) to meet local data policies.
Where to send or file the completed form
-
Submit to Permit Office: Attach to permit application or case file.
-
Record with Planning: Provide official copy for zoning records.
-
Notify Affected Parties: Send copies to owners or HOAs as required.
-
Store in Records: Archive signed PDF in municipal record system.
Common eSignature vendors and key pricing features
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Consequences of incorrect or incomplete forms
Common mistakes to avoid
- Failing to use the official ordinance number or title, which prevents staff from matching the selection to the correct code text and causes rework.
- Entering an ambiguous property identifier (only a street name or partial address) instead of a parcel ID, which can lead to affecting the wrong parcel.
- Missing the required signer or using an unauthorized signatory, creating a gap that may invalidate the selection for enforcement.
- Not retaining an authenticated audit trail or notarization copy when required, which hinders legal defensibility during appeals or disputes.
Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion
Real-world examples of related digital workflows
Tim Martin, Martin Properties
The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team.
- We process remote signings on mobile and desktop.
- Using cloud signatures and archived audit trails let us close permitting steps faster while keeping secure, retrievable records for inspections and appeals.
Kodi-Marie Evans, Xerox
We integrated document signing into a records workflow for approvals.
- Integration cut manual routing.
- Built-in templates and signer authentication reduced errors and shortened approval cycles while ensuring signed records are stored with the case file.
Timelines and processing expectations
Filing to Acknowledgement:
Allow 3–14 business days for initial administrative review.
Public Notice Period:
Publication or notice windows commonly run 14–30 days depending on local code.
Appeal Window:
Many local codes provide 10–30 days to file an appeal after notice.
Permit Integration:
Ordinance selection may be required before final permit issuance.
Record Updating:
Expect 7–30 days for records staff to update official files.
Frequently asked questions about the form
-
What if I enter the wrong ordinance number?
If the ordinance number is incorrect staff may reject the submission or apply the wrong regulation; correct and resubmit the form promptly with a clear amendment or replacement document.
-
Can the form be signed electronically?
Yes; electronic signatures are valid under the ESIGN Act and most state UETA laws when intent, consent, attribution, and retention are documented; confirm whether notarization or RON is additionally required.
-
Is notarization always required?
Notarization depends on local rules and the document type; many municipalities accept eSignatures for administrative selections but require notarization for deeds or certain legal instruments.
-
How do I verify signer authority?
Collect supporting documentation showing delegated authority (council resolution, power of attorney, corporate authorization) and attach it to the submitted form.
-
What records should be retained?
Keep the signed form, audit trail or notary evidence, and any supporting attachments for the retention period that applies to the record type and jurisdiction.
-
Who do I contact about processing delays?
Contact the issuing municipal department listed on the form; include form reference, submission date, and any transaction or permit numbers to expedite status checks.