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Committee to forward Matrix Consulting Group study of building-permit process to full council
Summary
The committee reviewed a proposal to issue a purchase order to Matrix Consulting Group to conduct a building code review and permitting process assessment, funded by ARPA; staff described the study's scope, outreach, and expected three-month timeline.
The Finance Administration Council Committee reviewed Resolution 205-128, which would accept a cost proposal and direct the purchasing agent to issue a purchase order to Matrix Consulting Group for a building code review and permitting process assessment study.
According to the resolution text, the selection committee determined Matrix Consulting Group was the most qualified firm and the study would be funded from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) revenue replacement restricted fund. The resolution authorizes the mayor and city clerk to accept the cost proposal and directs the purchasing agent to issue the purchase order.
A staff member identified as Craig described the study as an independent review of the city's application, permitting and inspection processes for new commercial and residential construction. Craig told the committee the study will "review our applications and permitting and inspections of new developments and new buildings… where we might be lacking and where it's where we might need to make some changes," and that the consultant would perform outreach including a customer survey and focus groups with architects, general contractors and home builders.
Craig said the study is expected to take about three months and could recommend changes ranging from process adjustments to new software; he said the city would return to the council if it wanted to pursue specific recommendations. Craig also said consultants may suggest tools such as artificial intelligence to address bottlenecks, and staff confirmed accessibility and language support (for example, Spanish) could be evaluated.
A motion was made and seconded to forward Resolution 205-128 to the full City Council for action; committee members were asked to record their votes, but the transcript does not show a recorded tally or final council action.
Why it matters: The study could identify procedural bottlenecks and recommend changes that affect permitting timelines, applicant experience and potential technology investments.
What happens next: The committee moved to forward the resolution to the full City Council; any subsequent council vote or contract execution is not recorded in the transcript.
