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Building department pilots 'walk-through' permit program and implements ad hoc recommendations; committee asked for an LTC update
Summary
Building department leaders told the committee they are piloting an easier, customer-focused permitting approach that restores walk-through reviews for common renovation classes and implements many ad hoc committee recommendations; commissioners requested an LTC summarizing implemented changes and outreach plans.
City building officials described a multi-pronged overhaul of the building permit review process that they said has already implemented many of the ad‑hoc committee’s recommendations and will pilot a walk‑through program for common renovation work classes.
Interim assistant city manager Ray Hernandez and Building Department Director Vince Hayhaas described a months-long effort involving more than 200 staff and stakeholders to realign permitting to be more customer-focused: bring back in-person walk-throughs for simpler work classes, add inspectors and private-provider capacity, and create clearer guidance for common interior remodels (example: bathroom remodels with plumbing and electrical sub-permits). The staff presentation outlined the parameters that determine when a design professional is required (statutory thresholds and when calculations or structural changes are needed) and described how contractor and owner-builder rules affect permitting.
Vince Hayhaas said the department is already reducing recertification fees for buildings and implementing other ad hoc recommendations; commissioners asked for a written LTC summarizing changes implemented to date and upcoming items. Staff said outreach (videos, brochures and community road shows) is planned so property managers, condo associations and homeowners understand common violations (work without a permit) and the step-by-step permitting process under the new pilot approach.
Committee members supported closing the item after the LTC update unless further policy changes are proposed; staff will return with an LTC that lists implemented actions from the ad hoc committee report and planned next steps.
