Inlander 1/10/2013

Page 14

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NEWS | GOVERNMENT

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“open for business,� continued...

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A billboard marketing Spokane Valley’s permitting process.

swifter and easier. Both have made efforts in that perspective of not just throwing the rulebook at direction, but the Valley is unique in advertisthe applicants, but walking them through all the ing it. It has spent $75,000 of leftover economic different regulations.� development money on print advertisements, That’s meant new reorganization: a new billboards and TV and radio spots, bragging development services coordinator now assists about having the “Friendliest Permitting Process permit-seekers in navigating through all the in Washington.� different phases and departments. Two planners But it wasn’t always so friendly. have been moved permanently into the permitTraditionally, says John Hohman, commuting center to provide additional on-the-spot nity development director, the Valley was more expertise. And the Valley is getting rid of its two hands-off. They may have handed the developer “permit specialist� positions and replacing them a copy of their regulations, pointed them to their with more advanced “permit facilitators.� website and then let them fend for themselves. “What we’re looking for is a more educated, But that’s not the case anymore. better experienced individual that can help direct Mike Jackson has been city manager since people when they come in the door,� Hohman 2010, when former City Manager David Mercier says. If a resident wants to add a garage to their was dumped by the new crop of conservative house, for example, they may not even know Spokane Valley council members. Jackson says where to start. A permit facilitator, he says, when the previous community development would have the broad knowledge to help them director retired, he began looking for someone to immediately, instead of passing them off to take the department in a different direction. someone else. “This is something we’ve heard about in the The department also went digital. Hohman Valley since incorporation,� Jackson dumped a drawer full of paper permitting says of permitting problems. “It’s documents, many out of date, into recycommon throughout any city — cling. Now the forms are online, always Send comments to permitting is a challenge wherever updated with the latest version. In 2013, editor@inlander.com. the Valley aims to make it even easier. you go.� That’s when Hohman was “We’re getting away from application hired, and he began working on a forms,� Hohman says. “roadmap� to improve permitting. The last 18 You’ll be able to walk into the city, he says, months have been about turning permit employsit down, and the permit facilitator will interview ees from gatekeepers into guides. you. She’ll ask a series of questions about your “The biggest change is our perspective project, then fill out your paperwork for you. and attitude,� Hohman says. “We have taken a You won’t have to write a thing.

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14 INLANDER JANUARY 10, 2013

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