City and County land development and permitting staff met with the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) on March 27.  Deputy City Manager Ron Kimble and Land Development Manager Dave Weekly, along with Eddie Prince and Cary Saul from the County’s LUESA, updated 225+ attendees on their recommendations to enhance the permitting process in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.  For the past year, City permitting staff has obtained feedback from focus groups, commercial developers, professional design engineers and construction firms.  This process has led to the 12 City initiatives, which are listed below:
 

• Implement a One-Stop Center for City Permitting Activities (FY09)
   
• Implement Accela Automation, the City's New Permit Tracking Software (FY07)
   
• Implement Digital Plan Submittal and Digital Plan Review Capability (FY10)
   
• Implement a Checklist and Gateway Process (FY07)
   
• Establish and Meet a Benchmark for an Average # of Reviews required for Approval (FY09) 
   
• Expand Expedited Reviews Program to Increase Participation (FY09)
   
• Establish and Communicate Policies for (FY09):
  • Subsequent plan review comments
  • Approving plans "as noted"
  • Removing holds for certificate of occupancy
     
• Establish a Conflict Resolution Process and One Person as Final Authority for Expediting Decision Making When Policies / Regulations Conflict (FY09)
   
• Invite NCDOT as a Permanent Presence in CMGC and a Full Team Member in the City's Permit Review Process (FY10)
   
• Develop Marketing Information and Enhance Website with a Customer Focus (FY09/FY10)
   
• Establish Ongoing Training for Staff and Customers (FY09)
   
• Conduct an Annual Users Conference and a Biennial Customer Survey to Receive Improvement Feedback from Customer (FY09)