Santa Ana launches Planning and Building Express to streamline building permits

Santa Ana City Council has taken significant steps to enhance its building permit process, aiming to streamline operations and improve customer service for both small and large projects. During the March 4, 2025, meeting, city officials highlighted the success of the Planning and Building Express (PBX) initiative, which has already shown promising results in reducing wait times and increasing efficiency.

In 2023 alone, Santa Ana issued over 9,500 building permits, reflecting a construction valuation nearing one billion dollars. This surge in activity has contributed approximately $23 million in ongoing tax revenue, underscoring the importance of maintaining a positive reputation and effective service delivery in the community.

The PBX program is designed to simplify the permit application process, featuring same-day permits for common projects like window replacements and kitchen remodels. Notably, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can now be reviewed in seven days or less, aligning with state trends in housing production. This initiative not only aims to enhance the experience for applicants but also fosters trust and credibility within the community.

City officials emphasized that the success of these efforts is rooted in long-term planning and the city council's commitment to sustainable economic development. A comprehensive zoning code update is also on the agenda for later this year, which is expected to further support these initiatives.

The council's focus on streamlining processes reflects a broader commitment to improving city services and sustaining the development renaissance that has garnered national attention. As Santa Ana continues to evolve, the PBX initiative stands as a testament to the city's dedication to fostering a more efficient and responsive government.