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Council gives first reading to Department of Development Services to consolidate permitting and inspections
Summary
Council approved first reading of an ordinance to create a Department of Development Services, consolidating permitting, building inspections and the engineering division to streamline development review and improve customer service; several council members requested committee review before second reading.
Charleston City Council on March 11 gave first reading to an ordinance creating a Department of Development Services that consolidates permitting-related functions now spread across departments, including building inspections and the engineering division.
City staff described the department as part of an ongoing organizational effort begun during the budget process. Staff said the new department will centralize services for applicants and property owners engaged in projects of any scale'from single-house additions to large developments'with the stated goal of making review and permitting processes simpler and more consistent. Staff said recruitment for a department director is underway.
Councilwoman Parker supported the goal but asked that the proposal be reviewed by the Human Resources committee between first and second reading because it represents a structural change. Other council members said they supported moving forward without delay but indicated openness to routing the ordinance through committee for additional discussion. Councilmember Bauvin suggested clarifying which council committee will receive future oversight, noting the reorganization moves functions but does not create new services.
Council approved the first reading motion. Staff will proceed with director recruitment and will accommodate committee review if council requests it before the second reading and final adoption.
