DCD reports improved permit processing times; staff to pursue fee, code and SmartGov updates

Sev, representing the Department of Community Development, presented permit and planning metrics to the council, showing steady permit volumes since 2022 and a notable dip in average days to process building permits in 2025. Staff attributed improved turnaround partly to SmartGov and said they plan to integrate more permitting workflows into that platform in 2026.

On land‑use activity, Sev reported that the number of applications has been steady and many land‑use permits remain in review due to hearing‑examiner processes and public review requirements. Staff are updating the critical areas ordinance (CAO, code section 18.35) and expect internal review of the draft ordinance in late January with planning‑commission and council briefings this spring and adoption targeted this summer.

Planned 2026 work items include a systematic permit‑fee study (last updated about nine years ago) with a goal of adoption by September, SmartGov integration of shoreline and tree‑removal workflows, preapproved building‑permit plan sets as an incentive pathway (possible support for affordable housing), and reconstitution of a building advisory committee to bring external expertise into code and building issues.

Sev told the council that code enforcement capacity will be increased by one officer per the adopted budget, improving case management across islands, and that the department will continue digitizing records to reduce public records requests time and to make archived permit records publicly accessible.

Council members praised improved permit processing and asked staff to share slide decks in the council folder for ongoing oversight.