The City of Westlake is introducing IMS, a new online system that will make it easier for the public to access services, submit information and find City records in one convenient location.

The IMS portal will officially go live on August 26, 2026. It will not be available for public use before that date.

IMS will be used by residents, homeowners, property owners, contractors, developers, architects, design professionals, landlords, property managers and businesses. Through the online portal, users will be able to apply for permits, submit planning and zoning applications, register as contractors, request City services, report concerns and search public records.

For the City, IMS will provide a more consistent way to receive applications and requests, organize records, route submissions to the appropriate department and manage each item throughout the review process. Bringing these services together in one system will help City staff respond to requests while giving applicants a clearer way to submit and track their information.

Create an Account Before Submitting

Beginning August 26, most applications and service requests will require an IMS account. Before starting a submission, users should create an account with their name, email address and a secure password. The account allows users to access their dashboard and view records connected to them.

Some services will be available without an account. Guests can report a concern, search for registered contractors and search certain public records. Anyone unsure whether an account is needed can review the “Guest or Account” guide before getting started.

Step-by-Step Help Is Available

To help users become familiar with the new system, the City has created an IMS Help page with step-by-step instructions, screenshots, checklists and troubleshooting information. The guides explain what users should prepare before beginning and walk them through the screens they will see in IMS.

Available guides include:

• Choosing guest access or an IMS account

• Creating an account

• Signing in or resetting a password

• Applying for a permit

• Submitting a planning or zoning application

• Requesting a zoning verification letter

• Registering as a contractor

• Submitting a service request

• Reporting a concern

• Searching for and tracking permits

Users are encouraged to review the appropriate guide before starting an application. Having the correct address or parcel number, project details, contact information and supporting documents ready can make the submission process easier.

Visit the City’s IMS Help page to view the guides. Beginning August 26, users can access the IMS portal to create an account or begin using the system.