Phoenix eases process for building permits

Efforts by businesses to get building permits will be easier now that the Phoenix City Council has approved a six-month pilot program aimed at "reducing red tape, permit-turnaround times and business expenses." The changes were made as the result of studies by a task force of 125 members led by Councilmen Sal DiCiccio and Tom Simplot. DiCiccio wanted to privatize the process further, but he was overruled by other council members, and he agreed to compromise on the question. "I'm glad we don't have to look at privatizing inspections," Planning Director Debra Stark said. The changes focused on four areas, with a fifth to be worked out later. The areas are site-plan reviews, electronic-plan reviews, tenant improvements and self-certification, with inspections to be considered later this month. Site-plan reviews are reviews of building (or rebuilding) plans to make sure they conform with city guidelines on water and sewer capacity, fire access, traffic, drainage and other items involving public safety and effective use of the building.

Click here to view this article from its source.