In a pivotal discussion at the recent San Francisco government meeting, local architect Serena Calhoun highlighted the urgent need for streamlined permit processes, emphasizing the inconsistencies that currently plague project reviews across various departments. Calhoun, who serves on the planning and policy advocacy committee of the AIA, expressed her support for the planning department's efforts to improve the system but called for more significant reforms.

Calhoun pointed out that the existing site permit process can take an astonishing 2 to 5 years, with additional delays for addenda reviews. She urged the city to eliminate the distinction between site permits and full permits, advocating for a unified approach that would simplify the process for all projects. "I can never in good conscience advocate to my clients to pay us to do two permit submittals," she stated, underscoring the financial and temporal burdens on homeowners seeking renovations.

In her recommendations, Calhoun urged the planning commission to publish unwritten policies that often lead to delays, and to implement changes that would reduce the time it takes to secure hearing dates for variances and other approvals. She also called for a more user-friendly interface for the Acela system, which is currently used for permit applications.

The meeting underscored a collective desire for consistency and efficiency in the city's permitting process, with Calhoun's insights serving as a rallying cry for meaningful change. As the city moves forward, the hope is that these discussions will lead to tangible improvements that benefit both architects and the residents of San Francisco.