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Committee backs temporary removal of painting permit requirement to encourage property maintenance
Summary
The committee agreed to forward a referral to the planning board and commission to suspend exterior-paint permit requirements for a limited period (sponsor suggested one year) to encourage owners to repaint properties and reduce visual blight.
The Land Use and Sustainability Committee on April 15 endorsed a proposal to suspend exterior painting permit requirements for residential, multifamily and commercial properties for a limited period to encourage property maintenance and address visible blight.
Planning Director Tom Mooney reviewed the current process (LDR section 7.1.7): pre-approved colors can be approved administratively with no fee and no inspection; non-preapproved colors may require a permit and, in some cases, a review by the Design Review Board or Historic Preservation Board if color intensity exceeds pre-approved chart ranges.
Chair Alex Franz, sponsor of the item, said many owners avoid routine painting because of perceived bureaucracy and red tape. Franz proposed a temporary waiver (committee discussion suggested one year) to incentivize painting and improve neighborhood appearance; staff agreed to draft an ordinance for referral to the planning board and to the commission as a C-7 or R-7 item. Commissioner David Suarez joined as a cosponsor.
Public callers including residents and property owners supported the concept; staff suggested outreach to property owners and use of email lists and written notices to inform owners of the temporary waiver. Planning staff said they could work with the city attorney to draft a temporary suspension and structural approach to implement it.
Why this matters: property maintenance and visible blight were cited as recurring code-enforcement categories in parts of the city; the temporary waiver is intended as an incentive to prompt upkeep without long permitting delays.
Next steps: staff will draft an ordinance implementing a temporary suspension of painting permits (the sponsor suggested a one-year sunset) and refer it to the planning board and commission.
