Mason County director says permit backlog shrank to about 30 days as digitization, staffing and process fixes continue

Mason County’s Department of Community Development told commissioners it has reduced permit turnaround times dramatically, digitized records and tightened processes after years of inconsistent service. The director and senior staff outlined recent improvements, continuing enforcement work and several development projects now in permitting.

The department’s director said permit processing times fell from an average “upwards of 160 days” during the pandemic to “under 40 days” and that the office is “currently closer to 30 days.” Staff credited a SmartGov implementation that now supports workflows, standard operating procedures and a comprehensive scanning and records-digitization project intended to improve public transparency and staff efficiency.

Why it matters: Faster, more predictable permitting shortens construction schedules and reduces uncertainty for builders, homeowners and infrastructure projects. Staff said consistent processes also reduce calls and back-and-forth for clerical staff and improve customer experience.

Staff briefed the commissioners on three program areas: code enforcement, inspections and plan review. They reported about 27 active enforcement cases at the start of the year across planning and building topics, and said a newly hired building code enforcement officer has helped reduce backlog. On encampment-related cases, staff described coordination with environmental health and solid waste, noting that some structures built in camps could never meet code and therefore require a combined approach involving property-owner contact, possible “do not occupy” orders and other tools.

Inspection staff said four field inspectors now typically complete 25–30 inspections daily, with schedules divided geographically to cover Belfair, Hoodsport and other population centers on set days. Inspectors are using tablets that allow real-time inspection results, which staff said speeds corrections and reduces clerical workload. Plan reviewers have also begun using Bluebeam and report a roughly 30‑day turnaround on many reviews; the county recently put online submittals for manufactured homes, single-family homes and garages.

Projects discussed included the Lennar housing development in Belfair (near completion), Belfair Apartments Phase 2 (roughly 89 units anticipated), a Port of Shelton fabrication building permit, a new hangar and a cluster of 6 Dayton Airport buildings (currently shells). Staff also mentioned tenant changes and commercial projects in Belfair and Hoodsport, including a Grocery Outlet conversion and an ACE hardware retrofit.

The county’s part‑time fire marshal was described as a continuing asset; staff said he is helping coordinate with local fire districts and is participating on the state wildland-urban interface mapping committee. Commissioners and staff also highlighted morale and the department’s monthly all‑staff meetings, crediting those practices for improved teamwork during the SmartGov conversion.

Ending: Commissioners accepted the update and encouraged continued outreach to partners and the public. Staff said an upcoming Builders’ Forum will provide additional industry engagement and education.