Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning Permitting Code Enforcement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning director reports permitting software rollout, code enforcement warrants and zoning workload
Summary
Planning Director Michael Blackford updated the committee on a new permitting software, in‑house inspections, code enforcement warrant use for chronic violations, and zoning‑code implementation; no accessory‑dwelling‑unit (ADU) applications had been filed yet under the new code.
Michael Blackford, director of the Department of Planning, told the June 23 committee the department has completed a major permitting software transition and is working to refine inspection scheduling, zoning code language and customer guidance.
Blackford said the new software gives external applicants improved online status and resubmission tools but has changed the way permits and inspections are counted; staff are focusing on applicant education and scheduling processes. He said the city hired an in‑house inspector last year to increase responsiveness and that, under the new workflow, the city can typically schedule inspections for the next day when callers request them by 3 p.m.
On code enforcement, Blackford described a newly implemented warrant process for chronic noncompliance that was developed with the legal office and clerk of courts. The director said the process has produced compliance in at least one long‑running case where prior attempts to persuade the property owner had failed.
Planning statistics noted in the briefing: in 2024 the department recorded roughly 210,000 square feet of development approvals and 196 residential units approved; to date in 2025 comparable volume is similar for nonresidential square footage but no new residential units were approved. Blackford said staff have not yet received any accessory dwelling unit (ADU) applications under the revised zoning code.
The director said priorities for the rest of 2025 include assessing whether the city’s land‑use plan needs an update, retaining consultants on complex floodplain projects as needed, and continuing targeted zoning‑code refinements. Council asked about enforcement of commercial properties and whether code enforcement is primarily complaint‑driven; Blackford said staff use both proactive and reactive approaches and that outcomes depend on the owner’s responsiveness.
