SimCity, but with Permits

A closer look at SimCity, but with Permits

What Permit Pending is

Permit Pending is a browser city-building game where you play an elected mayor rather than an omnipotent planner. The game emphasizes hearings, appeals, lawsuits and elections as you try to build housing, transit and industry.

It models residents with ages, incomes and homes, businesses that hire and leave, and connecting systems like land values, rents, jobs, taxes and services.

How you actually play

You receive applications, controversies and cases in your inbox and must negotiate concessions at public hearings, win council votes, and manage political clout. Hearings, appeals and lawsuits can delay projects and some cases span longer than your term.

The game shows heatmaps, graphs and plain explanations so you can understand why voters are angry and which decisions caused it. The Gazette local paper reports successes and scandals.

Who will enjoy it

Players who like city sims focused on politics, real economic feedback, and procedural conflict will find this interesting - especially if you enjoy juggling voters, homeowners, advocates and developers.

It’s sandbox-focused with no campaign mode or win screen; you can start small or inherit a troubled city and keep playing as long as voters allow.

Questions people ask about SimCity, but with Permits

Do I need to download anything?

No, the game runs in your browser and saves stay on your computer; after the first visit it also works offline.

What device do I need?

A desktop or laptop with a current browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari) is recommended; a mouse helps.

Is there an end goal?

Not exactly; it’s a sandbox where your goal is the city you want and the challenge is staying in office long enough to build it.

SimCity, but with Permits was shared on NexURLs by Nexis on October 21, 2026, in Tools.