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Staff proposes land-disturbance sequencing to let utilities and infrastructure start earlier
Summary
Staff described a land-disturbance permit (LDP) approach used elsewhere that separates on-grade and above-grade reviews so utilities and pad work can begin while later approvals continue. Staff cautioned the city must manage rework risk if building-plan reviews later require changes.
Howard Kims described a land-disturbance permit sequencing he implemented in another jurisdiction that splits disciplines into on-grade (utilities/infrastructure) and above-grade (building) reviews so groundwork can proceed sooner. He said the approach "lets them mobilize" while later components are finalized but warned that if building-plan reviews later require changes, significant rework and cost can occur.
Kims illustrated the tradeoff with a retirement-home example: an LDP allowed the contractor to start cutting dirt, but a later life-safety review required additional site access around the building and the developer had to redo construction work. Council members said the LDP idea merits more study and asked staff to include risk notes in the proposed flowcharts.
