The trends tracked for this section are Total Full Time Equivalents Dedicated to Processing Permits, Number of Permits Issued for Single Family Standard Plan, and Average Turnaround Time of Permits for Single Family Standard Plan (Business Days). This section was added in FY 2022-2023.
Valley Benchmark Communities
Development Services
Influencing Factors
The speed and effectiveness with which permits are reviewed and issued can significantly affect the average turnaround time for single-family standard plan reviews. Factors influencing this include workflow efficiency, the use of technology for plan submission and review, and the clarity of guidelines provided to applicants.
The number of permits issued for single-family standard plan reviews is often a direct reflection of the housing market's dynamics. Economic conditions, interest rates, and population growth can drive the demand for new housing, thereby influencing the volume of permit applications submitted to and processed by the municipality.
The total full-time equivalent (FTE) dedicated to processing permits highlights the human resource aspect of development services. Budget allocations, staff training, and the overall administrative strategy towards development services determine how well-equipped a department is to handle the workload, directly impacting both the turnaround time for permits and the number of permits that can be processed.
The complexity and stringency of building codes and zoning regulations can affect the turnaround time for permits. A more complex regulatory environment may require more detailed reviews and back-and-forth with applicants, potentially lengthening the permit processing time.
The quality and completeness of the permit applications submitted can significantly influence the processing time. Applications that are thorough and require fewer revisions can streamline the review process, whereas applications that require significant corrections or additional documentation can lead to delays.
*The Development Services section of the Annual Trend Report was established during FY 2022-2023. All the existing metrics in this section commenced collection in FY 2020-2021, giving VBC an existing dataset covering three consecutive collection periods.
