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Head-to-head · License and Permit Management

Civic Review vs ClearForms

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Civic Review #7 in License and Permit Management 7.4/10 Paid ✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Civic Review
ClearForms #8 in License and Permit Management 7.2/10 Pricing on request ✓ 5 of 5 features Visit ClearForms

Civic Review leads on 0 checks, ClearForms on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCivic Review · 7.4/10

Civic Review scores higher on our rubric for license and permit management: 7.4 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #8.

Civic Review is the better fit for teams needing permitting, inspections, and plan review. ClearForms is the better fit for local-government teams prioritizing forms and renewals.

  • Civic Review fits best

    Teams needing permitting, inspections, and plan review

  • ClearForms fits best

    Local-government teams prioritizing forms and renewals

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Civic Review 7.4/10 Visit ↗ ClearForms 7.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.4 7.2
Ranking #7 in License and Permit Management #8 in License and Permit Management
Best for Teams needing permitting, inspections, and plan review Local-government teams prioritizing forms and renewals
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $6,000/yr Pricing on request
Free plan — Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud
Platforms Web Web
Support Live chat, Email, Phone Email, Live chat, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Civic Review 5/5 · ClearForms 5/5
Online applications ✓ ✓
Workflow configuration ✓ ✓
Renewal management ✓ ✓
Public portal ✓ ✓
Online payments ✓ ✓
Specs
Mobile access Responsive_web Responsive_web
Our review
Pros
  • Configurable forms and approval workflows support varied municipal processes.
  • Applicant portal combines status updates, messaging, payments, and plan review.
  • Offline inspection tracking supports field work when connectivity is limited.
  • Configurable forms support logic, formulas, and file uploads.
  • Routes applications through reviews, approvals, and assignments.
  • Supports payments, digital signatures, and renewal reminders.
Cons
  • Annual subscription starts at $6,000, based on yearly submissions.
  • Setup and inspection mobile app fees add to the subscription cost.
  • Support channels are available, but 24/7 support is not offered.
  • Subscription pricing requires contacting the vendor.
  • The listed platform is web, delivered through responsive web access.
  • Its stated focus is permitting and licensing for local governments.
Our verdict

Civic Review is a web-based permitting and licensing platform for municipalities handling building permits, business licenses, planning and zoning, and related processes. Staff can create customizable application forms, configure review…

Read the review →

ClearForms helps local governments move permitting, licensing, and other agency workflows from paper or PDF processes to online applications. Applicants submit and monitor requests through a public portal, while administrators manage…

Read the review →
  1. Civic ReviewLicense and Permit Management 7.4Paid
  2. ClearFormsLicense and Permit Management 7.2Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Civic Review — where it wins

    • Configurable forms and approval workflows support varied municipal processes.
    • Applicant portal combines status updates, messaging, payments, and plan review.
    • Offline inspection tracking supports field work when connectivity is limited.

    Where it doesn't

    • Annual subscription starts at $6,000, based on yearly submissions.
    • Setup and inspection mobile app fees add to the subscription cost.
    • Support channels are available, but 24/7 support is not offered.

  • ClearForms — where it wins

    • Configurable forms support logic, formulas, and file uploads.
    • Routes applications through reviews, approvals, and assignments.
    • Supports payments, digital signatures, and renewal reminders.

    Where it doesn't

    • Subscription pricing requires contacting the vendor.
    • The listed platform is web, delivered through responsive web access.
    • Its stated focus is permitting and licensing for local governments.

More comparisons

All license and permit management comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update