Santa Rosa expediting building permits
I want to comment on a recent article in Santa Rosa’s Press Democrat. The March 10th issue featured an article by Kevin McCallum on the subject of a new policy for over the counter permit reviews by the City of Santa Rosa. The article describes how the City can issue building permits with an over the counter review, allowing construction to begin immediately rather than wait for 4 to 6 weeks or longer for the traditional plan check process.
I am much encouraged by this and as an architect; I applaud any process that will allow building construction to start as early as possible.
Unfortunately in my opinion building departments and planning departments are viewed as cash cows. When reviews take a long time it prompts the agency to add to the fees because it is taking so long, there is no accountability. Agencies do not care if a project gets approved or built and are often obstructionist. As long as the agency gets to collect their fee they do not care about the outcome. The longer it takes to gain approval, the more a project costs. The interest on the construction loans and the loss of revenue because of the delays can be significant and can make the difference in the success or failure of a project.
Construction is one of the major economic indicators. In the recent economic downturn building construction has been especially hard hit. The economic recovery has been slowed by changes in government policy and lending practice changes. These changes have been brought about by individuals and a banking industry that essentially ponzied the real estate market into an unsustainable condition. While many got rich(er) (and none have been punished), the rest of us carry the financial burden this criminal and fraudulent behavior created.
Well, a little off track, but that is part of the beauty of a blog. It does not have to make sense. Back on track: If the politicians really want to get the economy going there needs to be stimulus for the construction industry. Make it easier, cheaper and faster to build and the economy will turn around faster than the current pace of recovery.