Published May 2004

EDC’s Model Permit System has ‘2020 Vision’

We at the EDC are always coming up with great ideas. Our team works diligently to put these ideas into action. We are especially rewarded when the product of our endeavors surpasses even our most optimistic forecasts. And, it’s extra satisfying to have all that hard work recognized by others.

That’s exactly what happened this year at the Puget Sound Regional Vision 2020 Awards presented March 25. Our Model Permit System (MPS) was one of only seven achievements honored this year. Awards are granted to those inspiring projects, plans and programs that improve the business environment and quality of life in the Puget Sound region.

The atmosphere at the awards presentation was heady with goodwill and shared success. We scored a thumbs-up from Bob Drewel, executive director of the Puget Sound Regional Council. Later in the evening, both an Eastside city and a federal representative suggested this project be considered at the federal level.

Vision 2020 is a far-reaching plan focusing on growth management, the economy and transportation for today and tomorrow. It emphasizes people and agencies working together toward common goals; planned, synchronized growth; and more astute use of resources. The counties, cities, towns, transit agencies and ports in the central Puget Sound region have embraced the idea to promote a more promising future.

The Model Permit System is a compilation of process enhancements designed to improve the predictability, efficiency and teamwork in land-use permitting. Developed by the EDC through a public-private partnership with cities throughout the county and members of the building community, this model program has exceeded even our best expectations.

The project was originally piloted in four cities. Now in the 15th of this 18-month project, there are seven cities on board, three in the wings and two more very interested.

Further fueling the success of the MPS project has been some positive yet unexpected outcomes. The city of Bothell has, with the aid of the MPS, enjoyed a victory in the significant 60 percent reduction in time required for boundary-line adjustment review — an average three months’ savings. Six Marysville projects were able to take advantage of the construction window last summer that they would likely have missed without the efficiencies built into the MPS.

“Special kudos to the city of Marysville who took the MPS and ran with it farther than anyone else,” said Kurt Latimore of The Latimore Co., working in conjunction with the EDC to implement the MPS project. “Twenty percent faster subdivisions, of which there are many under way in this north-county city, and 50 percent faster construction plan reviews. They’ve set the standard for improvement via the MPS. Major projects are now looking at Marysville, which borders the Tulalip Reservation. The city is prepared to deliver.”

Going beyond the original scope of the project, cities involved in the pilots have been working to create common processes and forms to promote even greater efficiency. With the knowledge gained during the 2003 trials, these cities are formulating plans to extend the system into other permitting arenas. And, it looks like the resources are being lined up to put some of these new permitting plans into action.

We’ve seen a recent wave of support from the public and private sector earmarked for expansion into construction and building plan review in 2004. Five, possibly six, cities and a growing number of development firms have already come forth with financial commitments toward this next phase of public-private partnership initiated by the EDC.

In January 2003, it was hoped that by the end of that year Snohomish County would be recognized as having communities with a new efficient, fair and effective permitting process that benefits business, local government and citizens. I think we’ve done that and much more.

Deborah Knutson is president of the Snohomish County Economic Development Council. She can be reached at 425-743-4567 or by e-mail to dknutson@snoedc.org.

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