City Planning Department seeks funding to address permit backlog and staffing issues

During the recent Arapahoe Board of County Commissioners Study Session, significant discussions centered around the increasing demand for building permits and the challenges faced by the county's planning and engineering services. The meeting highlighted a notable 40% increase in plan submittals from 2023 to 2024, translating to over 2,800 review permits. These permits, which include substantial projects like tenant finishes and new buildings, require extensive review, underscoring the growing pressure on county resources.

To address this surge, the county is developing a third-party contract aimed at enhancing permit processing efficiency. However, funding remains a critical issue, as the county must identify $50,000 within its budget to support this initiative. Current financial constraints mean that the county may need to reallocate funds from other areas, such as transportation or planning services, and potentially freeze existing vacancies to generate necessary resources.

The meeting also touched on the restructuring of the engineering services division, which has revealed a backlog of open and unapproved permits. This backlog, coupled with a staffing shortage of approximately one full-time equivalent (FTE), poses additional challenges for timely permit approvals.

Furthermore, the county is actively working on various code modifications and land use changes, driven by legislative updates and board priorities, including short-term rentals, affordable housing, and parking regulations. With over ten updates currently in progress, the county anticipates ongoing demands for code amendments, which may further strain planning resources.

In conclusion, the discussions at the study session reflect the county's commitment to improving its planning and engineering services amid rising demand. However, the need for strategic funding and resource allocation remains a pressing concern as the county navigates these challenges. The board's next steps will likely involve addressing funding solutions and continuing to streamline processes to enhance service delivery.