Council presses planning staff on delays; staff says e‑permitting and a one‑stop shop are coming

Councilmembers asked detailed questions about permitting timelines, staffing levels in planning, and proposals for a one‑stop shop to streamline development services.

A planning representative explained the difference between ministerial (over‑the‑counter) permits and discretionary permits subject to environmental review and public hearings, noting that conditional use permits and other discretionary items commonly require at least a 90‑day process including review and, where applicable, environmental documentation. The speaker said current staffing includes one principal planner, two senior planners, two associate planners, two assistant planners and that a planning aide is joining soon.

Councilmember Carlos Figueroa and others pressed for faster turnaround and asked whether the department needed more staff. The planner said the department is comfortable with current staffing levels but that efficiency gains are possible, and that not all delays are in planning — reviews by other divisions (for example, water utility or public works) also affect throughput.

Staff said the city has purchased e‑permitting software and will implement electronic submittal and workflow to speed plan review and corrections. Several councilmembers also sought a single point of contact for development customers; staff said the city is studying options for a one‑stop shop and will return to the council with a recommendation about location (options mentioned included 201 Building and Banner Tower) and with a plan for which departments would be colocated (business license, community development, public works, plan check and related functions).

Council discussed potentially folding economic development and housing back together after vacancies and turnover in the newer economic development structure. The city manager agreed to bring options back to the council for consideration.