Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Safety and Permits warns 2026 cuts risk slower reviews; pledges technician hires, express reviews and to deny incomplete applications
Summary
Tammy Jackson, director of the Department of Safety and Permits, told the council at the Oct. 27 budget hearing that the department aims to standardize building-safety compliance, reduce staff touches per permit and expand outreach — even as proposed 2026 cuts would limit training and raise turnover risk.
Tammy Jackson, director of the Department of Safety and Permits, told the council at the Oct. 27 budget hearing that the department aims to standardize building-safety compliance, reduce the number of staff touches per permit and expand outreach and reform initiatives — even as the proposed 2026 budget trims personnel and operating funds.
"Last year during this time, we had less than 100 employees. And as you'll see from the presentation, we have over 100 employees today," Jackson said, then outlined new process goals that include weekly by-appointment days, online how-to guides and a commitment to "deny incomplete applications within 5 days." She framed those steps as low-cost changes meant to shorten review timelines and reduce back-and-forth with applicants.
Jackson reviewed 2025 and 2026 figures to the council: the department reported roughly 110 actual employees on its rolls; Jackson said the adopted 2025 operating budget was about $10.7 million, while the 2026 proposed budget shows a personnel-services variance of roughly $1.82 million and a smaller operating reduction. She told members the cuts, if realized, will limit the department's ability to retain and train staff and will increase maintenance and operational disruptions.
Why it matters: Safety and Permits touches many construction and business openings across the city. Jackson told council members that process improvements — and new permit technicians who can do zoning and plan review for interior, non-footprint renovations — are intended to make permitting work faster for small contractors and business owners.
Council members pressed Jackson on measurable timelines. Jackson acknowledged current published timelines in the 1-Stop system are out of date; she said the department plans to publish realistic median times after it standardizes procedures. She also confirmed the department has begun co-locating reviewers (including Public Works) on the same floor to reduce inconsistent answers and said the planned permit technician positions will provide an internal concierge for applicants.
What Jackson said she will do without more money: deny incomplete applications within five days (a practice recommended by the Matrix consultant), continue quarterly after-hours outreach events, and roll out online short video and PDF how-to guides that explain common application deficiencies.
Discussion vs. decision: The council did not vote on budget items during the hearing. Jackson described direction and operational changes she intends to implement; she warned that the proposed personnel reductions would constrain recruitment and training and could increase staff burnout and turnover.
Sources: Remarks from Tammy Jackson, Department of Safety and Permits, Oct. 27 council budget hearing; line-item budget numbers presented by the department.
