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Port Angeles outlines permitting overhaul, sets KPIs ahead of new portal
Summary
City staff detailed an eight-phase overhaul of permitting procedures and a set of 10 key performance indicators tied to a planned enterprise permitting portal (EPL) intended to speed reviews, improve transparency and introduce same-day, over-the-counter permits.
City staff presented a multi-phase plan to modernize Port Angeles—s permitting system and disclosed 10 proposed key performance indicators (KPIs) that will be integrated into a planned enterprise permitting and licensing portal.
The plan: Calvin (Development Services) said the city has completed several early phases, including stakeholder outreach, a consolidated application review policy (CARP), a permit tracker, and code updates to comply with Senate Bill 5290 timelines. He told the council, “we are 100% compliant with these timeline requirements,” and said staff established an over-the-counter "Type 0" permit and launched "Super Tuesdays" in late January, which has already issued nearly 80 over-the-counter permits.
Nut graf: The package aims to reduce duplication, provide same-day issuance for simple permits, colocate Public Works at the permit counter, and implement an enterprise permitting system (EPL) to allow electronic plan submittal, automated workflows and real-time reporting. Staff said the portal launch is anticipated in Q4 of the year.
KPIs and goals: The 10 KPIs developed with local stakeholders include customer satisfaction (target 80%+), average submission and approval times (benchmarked to SB 5290 timelines), percentage of incomplete applications, number of automated permitting steps (reduce manual steps by 25% within 18 months), average customer support response time (2 business days), issue resolution time (5 business days), an annual code review for commonly-cited code sections, and a possible “frequent users” certified submitters program to reduce review time.
Operational changes already in effect: Public Works staff are now colocated at the permit counter and available in person Monday–Friday; the city reported more than 700 in-person counter visits this year. The "Type 0" over-the-counter permits cover minor residential mechanical, plumbing and miscellaneous work; staff said Super Tuesdays issued nearly 80 such permits since late January.
Stakeholder response: Council members praised the initiative as responsive and long-awaited. Councilor Lindsay asked to ensure KPIs track one-time home-owner applicants as well as frequent customers; Calvin agreed to adjust KPI 3 to include both groups. Councilor Amy called KPI 9 (annual code review for the top-cited code sections) "a really good idea" and said the presentation was "well done."
Next steps: Staff will integrate the KPIs into the EPL project and plans to launch the portal in Q4. Directors of Community and Economic Development, Public Works and the Fire Marshal will present a KPI dashboard to council after full ERP implementation as required by Ordinance 3723 and the master fee schedule update.
