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Responding to criticism of how it handles development proposals and construction applications, the city of Sacramento says it's launching several big changes this year.
They range from a toll-free help line and putting plans on the Web to a faster turnaround time for applications. Some of the reforms have begun, and others are due to kick in as the year unfolds.
Critics have argued for years that the city needs reforms, partly because its processing techniques are inefficient and outdated. In January, a Business Journal survey of developers, contractors, architects and engineers ranked the city's processing last among 12 local governments. And a flood of applications from the North Natomas building boom has aggravated the problem.
In late 2001, the city formed a commission of industry professionals. to find answers. The Development Oversight Commission filed a set of recommendations last September, and most of the changes now under way originated with that group.
"We spent a lot of time on this, and we're trying to press on to get these things done," said developer Johan Otto, president of Carson Development Co. and one of the commissioners. "They'll be a big plus."
"The industry's view is that time is killing us, and with these we'll be able to do things with a more predictable timeline," said Bruce Starkweather, another commissioner and president of Lionakis Beaumont Design Group Inc., Sacramento's
largest architectural firm.
The oversight commission will also Survey applicants to find out how the changes are going. A consultant will ensure the impartiality of the surveys.
Many of the changes are taking hold now, said Dennis Richardson, the city's chief building official, and Gary Stonehouse, the city's planning...