Development Services Permitting Delays and Process Improvements

Stated that minor changes between site plan approval and building permit drawings should not force projects back to the beginning of the review process.

Called for consistent decisions, accountability, and clearer standards in the historic district, noting that minor adjustments often face shifting requirements.

Suggested that staff should rely strictly on the zoning code rather than using the comprehensive plan to impose personal design requirements.

Praised the expertise of the planning and historic preservation staff while agreeing that the review process could be refined for greater efficiency.

Stated the city is understaffed and needs to invest in additional personnel and automated systems, pointing to Boca Raton and Palm Beach County as examples.

Suggested that the city set specific goals for historic preservation and actively advocate for preserving historic properties and buildings.

Recommended adding building staff, providing warnings about potential delays during pre-submittal meetings, and utilizing process-mapping expertise.

Suggested updating LDRs to give staff clearer administrative authority and offered her agency's expertise in green, yellow, and black belt process mapping.

Asked the city manager to reinstate the Downtown Development Authority's longstanding process of having development services employees present at monthly board meetings.