What is CSS?
The Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal is a software system that will enable the Town of Groton to be more efficient, accessible, and responsive, meeting citizens needs in our growing community.  You can access the CSS portal to submit and track information related to permits, plans, inspections, and public information requests. Application and permit status, inspection requests, fee payments and other information will all be available in the portal.    

How do I access the system?

Town of Groton CSS Login
To utilize the CSS system, you will need to register and create a user account.  This is a one-time action. During this process you will be given the opportunity to choose a username and password that is unique to you. When setting up your account, you must designate a single email address to receive email notifications about application status updates, invoices, and process information. An email will be immediately sent to you for the purpose of confirming the email address you entered. You will need to click the “confirm email” link in this setup email. Then, you can log into the CSS system at any time in the future using your chosen username and password.  

What is my login information?
Your login information is the username and password that you chose during your first login, when you registered for an account with the Town of Groton CSS system.  

Do I need to contact the Town of Groton to install CSS?
No. The CSS software is a web-based application and there is no software to install on your computer. You will only need the website address to access the software.  

What web browsers can I use to access CSS?

https://selfservice.groton-ct.gov/energov_prod/selfservice#/home

We recommend the Google Chrome web browser to access the Town of Groton Citizen Self-Service (CSS) system but all web browsers should work.  

What is the web address for the Town of Groton CSS system?
We recommend that you save the webpage as a bookmark in your Google Chrome browser for easy access in the future.

I cannot log in; what should I do?
You may have to change your password, or use one of the other login options listed (Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook).  

How do I change my email address on my account?
Log into CSS. In the upper right-hand corner, click on your username > My Account > Personal Info. Change the email address and click the Save button.   

Help! I am locked out of my account!
CSS will release the lock after 10 minutes.   

How do I log out of the system correctly?
To properly log out of CSS, go to your name in the top right corner of the page, left-click, then select “Log Out” from the pull-down menu.

Where do I go on the EnerGov CSS website to apply for a permit / pay an invoice / check the status of a permit application, etc.?
After logging into the CSS system, there are various tabs in the menu at the top of the screen which will enable you to quickly navigate through the system.  

• The first tab, on the top left, is the Dashboard. This contains an overview of your current permits, plans, inspections, and invoices.

• The Home tab is the starting point for many common activities. It contains links to search public records, apply for a permit, access your account information, pay invoices, use the GIS map feature, and access the calendar.

• The Apply tab allows you to search and apply for any permit type, business tax receipt, business or professional license, or plan.

• The My Work Tab allows you to search and access all of your invoices, permits, plans, inspection history, licenses, or request an inspection. It also allows you to check the status of an application or permit. 

• The Map Tab allows you to access the GIS mapping system. You can type in a specific address to obtain permitting history, apply for a new permit for a particular parcel, and more.

• The Search Tab allows you to search for public information by permit number, plan number, inspection, code case, request, or license. The public can utilize this tab to search for public information at this tab even if they are not currently logged into their account. 

• Please note: You will only be able to search for records that have been entered after the implementation of the EnerGov CSS system (after July 2023).

When I search for an address in CSS, there are multiple results found for that address.  How do I enter my correct address in the search box?

For new development, there is often multiple results for an address (ie. 0 Elm St). If this is the case, scroll through the results list until you find the correct parcel with the correct owner’s name.

What type of payments are accepted and what are the payment details?  

Customers can pay for land use applications and permits online in the CSS Portal after setting up an account. Payment types accepted are Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.  

There is an additional convenience/transaction fee added to online payments (3.95% with a $2.50 minimum or $1.95 ACH fee.) Online payments are preferred. 

If paying in person, customers should bring their invoice number (not just their permit/case number or address).