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Commission presses city to fix permitting communication as local businesses open
Summary
Members flagged persistent communication problems in planning and building permits that can delay openings; staff highlighted newly instituted pre-application meetings and advised using planning director Dr. John Wagner as a contact while the commission explores a business-liaison role.
Members of the Business Development Commission raised ongoing concerns that Webster Groves has a reputation for being difficult to open a business, citing inconsistent or piecemeal answers from the planning and building process.
"I think we have a reputation as being one of the more difficult places to open a business," one commission member said, describing a recent tenant and ADA-related construction issues that stalled an opening.
Commission discussion focused on communication and navigation rather than code changes. Officials said a business-liaison position has been discussed for years; as an interim improvement staff pointed to newly instituted pre-application meetings, which bring key departments together early in the process to clarify requirements and timelines.
According to the transcript, a speaker noted that planning director Dr. John Wagner, who started in September, is responsive: "If you call or email him, he will get back to you within a day," and staff stressed that the pre-application meeting should be used to assemble inspectors, fire, building, zoning and other relevant staff to outline likely needs.
Why it matters: Several attendees said communication breakdowns — not only technical code requirements — are the main barrier for new tenants. Poor permitting navigation raises costs and delays openings in retail corridors.
What they asked for: Commissioners renewed a call to publicize the pre-application option on the city's outreach channels and to consider a dedicated business-liaison role (funding not specified). Staff said they will include information about pre-application meetings in the newsletter and at the business coffee.
Next steps: Staff offered to invite planning staff (including the building commissioner) to a future meeting to answer specific case questions. No formal policy or budget vote occurred at this meeting.
