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Council Supports Reducing Permit Backlog to Create Jobs
Staffing reductions over the past several years have resulted in a backlog of permits waiting for review. At the County Council Planning Committee on Tuesday, January 25th, Council members discussed a proposal to reduce the backlog.
"It is currently taking 13 weeks to review a permit application," said Councilmember Dave Gossett. "While this is better than many jurisdictions it is not good enough."
As of December 16, 2010, Planning and Development services had approximately 400 active complex applications with 89 of those applications in queue awaiting review. The proposal will result in reducing review time to 4 to 5 weeks.
"The construction industry has been hit harder than any other by this recession," said Gossett. "Construction is a key part of Snohomish County's economy. We need to work hard to create jobs."
The plan calls for the use of overtime and temporary staffing to decrease the number of complex permit applications currently in queue. Funds will come from fees paid by those who are seeking permits. There will be no impact on the General Fund or taxes. Total cost is estimated to be approximately $200,000.
"Planning and Development Services (PDS) staff believes that by using temporary help to clear the backlog they can maintain a quicker turnaround in the future," noted Planning Committee Chair Dave Somers. "This should be a one-time fix."
The time needed to catch up is estimated to be four months. During that period the project will:
- Reduce the number of projects in queue from 89 to 25
- Reduce review time from 13 weeks to 4/5 weeks
- Add an additional 76 complex permits to the review process
- Positively impact the local economy by creating private sector jobs by approving projects where applicants are committed to immediate construction
Councilmembers asked PDS to transmit the formal request to the Council as soon as possible for action.
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