Business Friendly Cities “We’ve Got it Made”: Developing Relationships with Clearfield Business and Industries

The Survey City made a concerted effort to contact business via a web base survey that was attached to each signature, post cards and a mass campaign. All 1,300 of Clearfield’s businesses were contacted via the methods listed above. The Survey (via SurveyMonkey) was made available 24 hours a day to all businesses. Clearfield Business SurveySurvey

Takeaways Businesses appreciate online services for the application of business licenses. Digital services for building permits is greatly appreciated by contractors, for expediting reviews efficient submittals. Revisions made for the processing of home daycares and preschools was advantageous to reduce the time taken review and approve these businesses. Sign ordinances and regulations are an ongoing concern for all business. Businesses are interested in being part of solutions within the City, and are more willing to work together when they understand why the regulations are in place.

Responses and Comments “I called and spoke to staff in permitting about the situation we had with our customer loosing power over the weekend because of an accident that took a power pole out. RMP already had the customer on temp power for us but we needed to put a new meter base in and get her back on permanent power to finish taking care of the customer. Staff was instrumental in helping us with the whole process from getting the permit to having RMP make sure they could reconnect power when we were done. We weren't sure if RMP would be able to reconnect on the short notice but the staff made the request themselves which is why we were able to take care of our customer in a much more timely way. Thanks again Clearfield Staff!” “It appears that the city has a genuine concern for the people building in their city and want to make it as simple and cost friendly as possible. It was nice to deal with people that had common sense. Keep up the good work.” 73 percent of respondents were moderately or very satisfied with Clearfield’s City Staff services provided. 88 percent of respondents did not experience any unforeseen requirements or have any incidents with Staff following initial application.

Signage outreach & education: Staff provided a letter to all business within Clearfield outlining, graphically the Sign code regulations. Graphics and letter were mailed to all 1,300 business with in Clearfield. Letter ask property/business owners to assist in identifying signage that was not in compliance with Clearfield Code. Business and staff worked to resolve illegal signs and provide businesses with clarification on allowable signage and relief on signage that was legal non-conforming.

Clearfield City Sign Code Education

Access to City information: Does your city/town have sufficient business information available on the website? YES Does your city/town explain how to obtain licenses on the website? YES Does your city/town have ordinances that are easily accessible, searchable, and online? YES Does your city/town participate in the State of Utah’s One-Stop business registration? YES Can businesses obtain necessary information from the city easily and quickly? YES

Areas for consideration: Have you updated your code and ordinances to reflect recent legislation? YES Review your business development fees YES Streamline your business application process YES Review your zoning and code amendment process YES Review and streamline your development review process YES Review and streamline your building permit and site approval process YES Review your sign code and sign permit process YES Review your impact fees YES (just reduced) Review and streamline building inspection process YES Review and streamline wastewater inspection process YES Update your General Plan or Transportation Plan YES Utilize the Land Use Academy of Utah training videos for local elected officials, planning commissioners, business leaders, and the general public YES

Communication: Create a process to improve communication between city/town, business leaders, & the general public YES Articulate to business leaders and the general public how business fees are invested in the city/town (via newspaper, website, or social media) YES Articulate to business leaders and the general public why certain regulations exist YES Join and participate in the local chamber YES Create a process for regular dialogue between city staff and business leaders about continued improvement and implementation YES

QUESTIONS?