Nampa building department reports improved permit processing and enhanced customer service

The Nampa City Council held a workshop on May 7, 2025, to provide an annual update on various city departments, focusing on progress, challenges, and future goals. The meeting highlighted significant improvements in building and code enforcement services, emphasizing enhanced customer service and operational efficiency.

John, a representative from the building department, reported a successful year with a permit revenue of approximately $4.3 million and a construction valuation of $419 million. He noted that the department has made strides in reducing turnaround times for permit applications and plan reviews, achieving reductions of up to 80% in some areas. This improvement is attributed to increased staffing and procedural reforms aimed at streamlining processes for contractors and citizens.

The building department's mission centers on ensuring safety in construction and providing exceptional customer service. John mentioned that the department aims to process 95% of applications within one business day and plans to conduct outreach classes to educate the community on various permitting topics.

Kent Lovelace, the supervisor for code enforcement, also presented updates on his department's efforts to maintain community standards and safety. He emphasized the importance of fostering voluntary compliance among residents and highlighted the addition of a new code compliance lead to enhance operational effectiveness.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to improving service delivery and community engagement, with both departments reporting positive trends and setting ambitious goals for the upcoming fiscal year. The council expressed satisfaction with the progress made and encouraged continued efforts to enhance efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of Nampa's residents and businesses.