Fixing the Broken Permitting Process

The current permitting system is failing. It is slow, expensive, unpredictable, and plagued by EnerGov glitches. Contractors face inconsistent reviews, shifting requirements, and unacceptable delays. The result is predictable: homeowners bypass the system, unlicensed work increases, and backlogs choke the department. This is not sustainable, and it will be fixed.

My Action Plan

We move immediately. I will initiate an independent third-party audit of the EnerGov system and the Development Services Division to identify failures and eliminate them. In coordination with Council, we will streamline the online portal, surge staffing where volume demands it, and enforce strict internal deadlines that meet or exceed state standards. No exceptions, no excuses.

We will implement a “one-touch” fast-track lane for simple residential permits, designed for speed and efficiency. If it’s straightforward, it gets done fast.

Permit fees will be rebuilt from the ground up and tied strictly to actual costs. No padding. No hidden revenue streams. If it’s not necessary, it’s gone.

We will deploy real-time public dashboards to track wait times and performance. Transparency drives accountability, and accountability drives results.

End state: a permitting system that is fast, fair, predictable, and affordable; one that rewards compliance, supports growth, and works for the people, not against them.