Title
Approval of Community Planning and Development Request for Additional Staff
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Move to approve the staffing increases and place an ordinance on first reading for City Council.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommendation from the Finance Committee.
Report
Issue:
Should the Council increase staffing for Community Planning and Development (CP&D) to meet development demands and appropriate permit revenue to cover the costs?
Staff Contact:
Karen Kenneson, Business Manager, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8277
Presenter:
Karen Kenneson, Business Manager
Background and Analysis:
During the economic downturn there was a significant decline in new construction and the corresponding revenue. Since 2008, CP&D has cut 12.75 positions 10 of which were directly related to permitting and inspection. Development activity has been on the rise for the past three years and the Department is struggling to meet customer demand due to lack of adequate staffing. Commercial permit valuations are already well above those of the previous 3 years. The Department is also on pace to conduct over 13,000 inspections.
The increase in construction translates to increased revenue to support this work.
Earlier in 2015, City Council approved the addition of a Building Plans Examiner and a combination Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer. The increased development activity that necessitated the addition of these positions also creates the need for additional positions to support this work:
Office Specialist II
Additional administrative support is necessary to aid the work of the planning and building divisions' increased permit and project loads. One half of this position is already funded via professional services and provides night meeting support (minutes) to the seven Council Committees, boards and commissions that CP&D supports.
Permit Specialist
An additional Per...
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