Board asks staff to prepare data tracking for permit variances

Board members signaled support for adding a standing agenda item to track permit variances systematically and to use that data to inform future decisions.

Committee member (S9) proposed the board ask staff to identify how the city will collect and present variance data, specifically for length and square footage variances: "I would like to propose that we add to a future agenda a discussion of how we collect data regarding variances," S9 said. The member asked whether staff could recommend staffing options (intern or permanent) and whether the city should compile a historical record in addition to prospective tracking.

Code/Regulatory staff (S6) said the purpose of placing the item on the agenda is to authorize staff to gather preliminary data and to ensure the board is willing to expend staff resources: "So the purpose of having this section in the agenda is, to allow staff to gather the data for the request and, of course, that the board is on board with the request as we expend staff resources for that." The board indicated informal agreement and staff said it would aim to return next month with a starter package of materials and preliminary recommendations.

Members suggested the package include counts of variances by type (length, square footage), frequency over time and staffing cost estimates. The board did not take a formal recorded vote on this procedural agreement; staff will prepare materials for a future agenda for board consideration.