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Introducing PAULIE

PAULIE is the City of Saint Paul's new secure online system for permits, licenses, inspections, complaints, and more. Whether you're a resident, business owner, or contractor, PAULIE will make it easier to apply, pay, track progress, and get results — all in one place. It's mobile-friendly and designed to make doing business with the City easier, faster, and more transparent. 

This new system will launch on September 17, 2025.

What You Can Do in PAULIE

  • Apply for permits and licenses
  • Track inspections and upload documents
  • Submit and follow up on neighborhood complaints
  • Make secure online payments for some City services
    • Please note: City utilities, such as garbage, water, and sewer bills, are not payable through PAULIE.
  • Receive timely updates and messages regarding your account

Why It Matters

  • One platform for many services: Permits, licenses, inspections, complaints, and planning cases will now be managed in one place.
  • Online and accessible: Apply, pay, and track applications without calling or visiting City Hall.
  • Improved collaboration: Departments can easily track and review complex applications.
  • Better communication: Automatic status updates help you stay informed.

Why Now?

We're making an important and necessary shift in how we deliver permitting and licensing services. Even before the recent digital security incident, we had begun modernizing our legacy systems (ECLIPS and AMANDA) to better serve the community. Recent events have reinforced the need to move more quickly. As a result, we are accelerating the launch of our new PAULIE system. 

  • September 15 – Internal Launch: City staff will begin using PAULIE to process backlogged applications and prepare the system.
  • September 17 – Public Launch: PAULIE will officially open for contractors, homeowners, developers, businesses, and the public to access licensing and permitting services.

The move to PAULIE now—earlier than originally planned—is the only safe, reliable way to restore essential business functions and protect against future vulnerabilities. It ensures life-safety services continue and creates a stronger foundation for digital improvements in the months ahead.

How to Use PAULIE

1. Create an Account

Before submitting an application in PAULIE, you'll be asked to create an account. You'll need to provide:

  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Street address

For security, you'll be guided in setting up multi-factor authentication. You'll receive a verification code to the email you entered. You'll be prompted to check your email and enter the verification code each time you sign into PAULIE.

Please note: After you create an account, you'll be automatically redirected to the page you were on. For example, if you clicked on a link to a specific permit application, you'll be redirected to that permit application page after creating your account. 

Visit our FAQs for more information on security. 

Register for PAULIE

Watch: Create an Account in PAULIE

2. Find the Correct Permit or License

Visit our permitting webpage or business licensing webpage to determine which application is right for you. 

For large construction projects, you'll likely need multiple permits. When you apply for a construction permit in PAULIE, the system will guide you through submitting each application.

3. Open the Permit or License Application in PAULIE

Once you know which permit or license you need, find the correct application in PAULIE.

Each permit or license webpage will have a link that takes you directly to that listing in PAULIE. You can also use the search tool in PAULIE to find the application you need. 

Search for an Application in PAULIE

Watch: Apply for a Permit, License, or Plan in PAULIE

4. Gather Application Materials

Many license and permit applications require supporting documents. These may include statements of work, proof of insurance, schematics, and more. The exact requirements for each application are listed in PAULIE. 

Please note: Read over the requirements carefully. Submit supporting documents with your application to avoid delays. You can save and continue your application at any time.

5. Pay Application Fees and Invoices

Licenses and permits have a processing fee, which varies based on type. We can securely process fee payments in PAULIE, at the same time you submit your application. Please be prepared to pay this fee when submitting your application.

You can also pay certain invoices from the City of Saint Paul on PAULIE. Please note: You'll need your complete invoice number.

Pay an Invoice

Watch: Pay an Invoice in PAULIE

6. Submit Your Application

The PAULIE system will walk you through the application step by step. You'll need to provide background information about your project or business. If you've applied for a permit or license in the past, it'll be similar to what you have provided in the past. 

You can save your application at any time. If you're not able to complete the application in one sitting, save a draft in PAULIE and come back to complete it later. 

7. Track Your Application and Schedule an Inspection

You can track pending applications through PAULIE. Once you've created an account, sign in at any time to view your dashboard. The dashboard feature provides: 

  • Real-time updates on applications.
  • At-a-glance view of active permits, licenses, and invoices.
  • Progress tracking for inspections.

If you applied for a building or construction permit, you'll need to schedule an inspection once the work is complete. You can now schedule an inspection and track progress through PAULIE.

Please note: For residential properties, it's most often the contractor's responsibility to schedule the inspection.

View Your Dashboard in PAULIE

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Edited: September 16, 2025