La Habra Heights planning commission weighs expedited permit program to reduce backlog

La Habra Heights’ Planning Commission asked staff on Feb. 24 to study an expedited permit process aimed at shortening approval times for limited, routine projects such as patio covers, small additions and HVAC or reroofing work.

Chair Ray Fernandez, who initiated the item, said the proposal grew from complaints that project approvals can take months or years. “I've had architects tell me they won't do plans for the city,” Fernandez said, arguing that faster permitting could encourage people to pull permits rather than do work illegally.

Rafferty, community development staff, described how larger cities run express programs and cautioned that implementing a similar service here would carry costs. “There will definitely be a cost associated with doing something like this because we will have to bring plan checkers in and sit them in,” Rafferty said, adding that some reviews could still be completed in a single visit if applicants bring complete checklists and standardized plan sets.

Commissioners recounted personal examples of extended plan‑check cycles and urged two initial steps: (1) publish clear checklists and pre‑approved detail sets for common work, and (2) analyze the cost and staffing implications of periodic in‑person plan‑checker hours or consultant support. Commissioner Rick Brooks said readily available checklists and sample plans would prevent many resubmissions: “When somebody comes in to say ‘I want to do this,’ someone at the counter could go, ‘you're going to need this, this, this,’ and then they know exactly what they need.”

Staff noted technical constraints unique to the Heights — steep lots, fault lines and varying soils — that limit the scope of projects suitable for express review. Rafferty recommended focusing on lower‑risk items (windows, water heaters, small single‑story additions) and building a fee to cover the additional plan‑check cost. He said plan‑check contractors typically commit to 10‑business‑day turnaround but that having consultants on site for targeted hours could enable same‑day sign‑offs for simple projects.

The commission directed staff to: identify qualifying project types, develop a cost estimate for on‑site or consultant plan‑check time, examine digital submittal requirements, and prepare a written staff report for the next meeting. Alan, the permit technician, was asked to help test what routine items could be handled with a one‑stop approach.

Fernandez said the program could increase compliance and city revenues from permitted work while improving customer service. Rafferty cautioned there was no guarantee every applicant would walk out the door with a permit, but said the city could pilot a monthly or biweekly one‑stop session to start.

The commission did not adopt a policy at the meeting; it asked staff to return with a scoped proposal and cost analysis.