"Improving the Permit-Processing Experience" Co-hosted by the Chico Chamber of Commerce and City of Chico

Purpose of the Workshop Walk through the process - From Concept to ConclusionWalk through the process - From Concept to Conclusion Interactive discussionInteractive discussion Suggestions/comments will be documented and summarizedSuggestions/comments will be documented and summarized Feedback will be analyzed by staff and responses preparedFeedback will be analyzed by staff and responses prepared

The Planning Permit Process Concept/PreliminaryReview Secure Planning Permits if Needed Plan Check Review Building Permit Approval Sign Off/ Occupancy Inspection

Discussion: Access to Information – How are we doing? Ideas? Experiences elsewhere?Access to Information – How are we doing? Ideas? Experiences elsewhere? Internet – How many users? More permit submittal information needed? Better guidelines?Internet – How many users? More permit submittal information needed? Better guidelines? Access to Staff – Phone, Counter, - Available? Helpful? Polite Attitude? Need to expand our methods of contact?Access to Staff – Phone, Counter, - Available? Helpful? Polite Attitude? Need to expand our methods of contact? Preparing Applications – forms understandable? Correct information requested? How can we improve?Preparing Applications – forms understandable? Correct information requested? How can we improve? At the Concept Stage – Planning and Building

Discussion: ResponsivenessResponsiveness Communication of expectations?Communication of expectations? Communication of issues?Communication of issues? Is the process adequately explained?Is the process adequately explained? Planning Application Submittal and Review How do applicants view planners and other review staff?How do applicants view planners and other review staff? Examples/Suggestions for improvement?Examples/Suggestions for improvement?

Discussion: Zoning AdministratorZoning Administrator Architectural Review Historic Preservation BoardArchitectural Review Historic Preservation Board Planning CommissionPlanning Commission Map Advisory CommitteeMap Advisory Committee Action on Planning Application City CouncilCity Council -Timeliness? - Quality of staff work? - Follow up – after action, is course clear? - Suggestions?

Who may submit plans / obtain building permits: Anyone may submit plans for a building permitAnyone may submit plans for a building permit City of Chico does not have building permit application formsCity of Chico does not have building permit application forms The City will only issue building permits to a property owner or licensed contractor, or an authorized agent of the owner or contractorThe City will only issue building permits to a property owner or licensed contractor, or an authorized agent of the owner or contractor Applying for a Building Permit

Who may prepare plans: Generally plans must be prepared by a licensed Architect or EngineerGenerally plans must be prepared by a licensed Architect or Engineer  Unlicensed person may prepare plans for residential projects of standard construction not requiring structural engineering  Unlicensed person may prepare plans for certain types of very minor commercial projects Quality of Plans Plans must be to scale & minimum 18”x24” sheets Plans must be of acceptable draftsman quality Plans preparer should have rudimentary building code knowledge

Applying for a Building Permit Types of Building Permit Applications: Residential Commercial Over-the-Counter - All “single trade” permits - Multiple trade when plans are not required - Some very minor projects where plan approval is required - 3 sets of plans / 2 sets supporting documents - Plans typically reviewed by two or more departments - Usually 3-4 week review period - 3 sets of plans / 2 sets supporting documents - Plans typically reviewed by Building Division only - Usually 2-3 week review period

Discussion: Are submittal requirements clear? – Access to staff? Online services – what is most important?Are submittal requirements clear? – Access to staff? Online services – what is most important? What is working?What is working? What could be improved?What could be improved? Permit fees/plan check fees – experiences with other municipalities?Permit fees/plan check fees – experiences with other municipalities? Applying for a Building Permit

Discussion: Communication – Is process clear and understandable? Suggestions? Positive feedback?Communication – Is process clear and understandable? Suggestions? Positive feedback? Timeliness – How are we doing? How do we compare to other municipalities?Timeliness – How are we doing? How do we compare to other municipalities? Experiences from other municipalities that we might try?Experiences from other municipalities that we might try? Ease of SchedulingEase of Scheduling Plan Check Process Signs-offs from various departments/agenciesSigns-offs from various departments/agencies Inspections

Conclusion Where do we go from here?