Citizen Self-Service (CSS)

CSS stands for Citizen Self Service. The CSS portal allows applications, payments and requests to be made online.

• Open the CSS portal

Registration is simple! Once you're in the CSS portal, click on Sign Up and you will be walked through the steps. For more information, open our How to Register in CSS tutorial document.

Make sure you only enter the street number and street name when searching for the address. Do not include the suffix when searching for your address (i.e. exclude Drive, Parkway, Road, etc.). Also, make sure you click the magnifying glass to conduct the search.

Your dashboard will show activity to pay; please make sure you are checking often.

To add a contact to your application, the individual first must register in the CSS portal. Once they are registered, you can search and add them as a contact.

Payment options

1. Online: Credit Card, Visa, MasterCard or Discover
2. In person: Cash or check - Deliver to the Building & Permitting Department at Allen City Hall (first floor), 305 Century Parkway

The original applicant (whomever is logged in when applying) will automatically be assigned as the billing contact. If you need to change the billing contact, please let us know and we can change it for you.

Once the permit is approved and released for issuance, you can navigate to the permit on your CSS dashboard. Click the blue printer icon in the upper right corner of the screen.

Internet Explorer is the recommended web browser for CSS; however, the portal works with Google Chrome as well.

City limit and zoning information is available through our interactive map.

Wait three minutes and try again. As long as you remember your password and are entering it correctly, the system will let you in after it resets. If you need to reset your password, click the Forgot Password link and you will receive an email to reset your password.

Contacts can be added by clicking on the Contacts tab, and then clicking on the Add Contact button.