Nickels streamlines construction permit process

SEATTLE—Mayor Greg Nickels issued last week an executive order intended to streamline the construction permitting process, a step he said is necessary to support business and create jobs.

Executive Order 01-03 requires the Department of Design, Construction and Land Use (DCLU) to review simple building permits within two working days and complex building permits within six weeks. Land use decision must be published within 120 days.

The DCLU, according to the executive order, is instructed to eliminate multiple permits and approvals wherever possible. Departments required to sign off on permits—transportation, public utilities and city lights—must develop and adopt written, predictable standards and immediately implement ways to expedite approvals.

“Streamlining permitting by removing needless delays and unnecessary obstacles helps us support business and create jobs,” Nickels said.

“We must have a permit process that is coordinated, responsive and solution-oriented,” he added.

A technology team will be convened to research the use of technology for multi-department approvals and improve access to information. The team will report back to Nickels by July 1.

The executive order compliments the hiring of the city’s first business adviser, Kris Effertz, who will troubleshoot problems with permits and city services for businesses.

“We’re going to use common sense in permitting and ensure projects fit well in the city. The next step is simplifying our confusing and outdated land use code,” Nickels said.

Office of the City Mayor release, February 6

Reader Comments

Discuss this article in the forums!