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Taylor rolls out permit-clinic, staff and software changes as permit audit wraps up
Summary
City staff described steps to overhaul permitting after a city-commissioned permit audit. The development services interim director and staff outlined staffing changes, a regional permitting software upgrade, permit clinics, and an impending public report with recommendations.
City staff told the Taylor City Council on June 12 they are implementing near-term changes to improve permitting and inspection services after an internal permit audit and public feedback.
The city's interim director of development services, supported by HDR and internal staff, said the audit and public engagement process is near completion and that staff have already begun implementing customer-service changes. "We really did listen," Interim Director Carly Pearson said, announcing weekly permit clinics and an improved open permit-counter layout at city hall.
Why it matters: Developers, contractors and residents repeatedly raised concerns about delays and unclear processes in Taylor's permitting system. Staff said upgrades are intended to reduce friction, shorten turnaround times and improve transparency.
Planned and completed changes - Staffing and leadership: HDR staff are serving as interim development services leadership while the city restructures the department. An internal promotion filled the interim assistant director role. - Software/platform upgrades: The city plans to upgrade its regional permitting software (MyPermitNow) to a newer, regionally aligned version used by neighboring cities. Staff said upgrades will bring improved online permitting workflows. - Permit clinics and counter improvements: Staff launched regular permit clinics (walk-in or appointment) so residents and applicants can get in-person help; a redesigned, open counter area at city hall will include ADA and technology-access stations to help applicants without home internet. - Permit-audit report and follow-up: Staff expect to present the consultant's final permit-audit report in one of the next one-to-two council meetings; Pearson said the audit identified shortcomings but that staff are already acting on quick improvements.
Staff emphasized the city's commitment to customer service and to removing administrative barriers that delay construction and business activity. "The silos are broken," a staff member said, describing a coordinated approach across departments. Council members praised staff for early changes and requested continuing transparency on performance metrics and timelines.
Ending: Council voted to receive the update. Staff committed to returning to council with the audit findings, updated staffing plans and a timeline for the software migration and other process changes.
