San Rafael, CA – To improve customer service with the development review process, the County of Marin is looking into recommendations from an advisory group that include simplified and better-organized regulations, expanded online options, an improved communications strategy a front-counter liaison service and a new plan checker position.
The Regulatory Improvements Advisory Committee (RIAC) has collected input and written a report to be presented to the Marin County Board of Supervisors at 1:30 p.m. September 9. The RIAC report examines ways to make it easier for people to understand and navigate the development review process and to provide feedback to the County’s Community Development Agency (CDA).
Other committee recommendations include examining environmental review guidelines, providing more training to design review boards, and an ombudsman to handle mediation.
In 2012, the Supervisors directed the CDA to form an advisory group to evaluate strategies and identify opportunities for improvements in the permitting process. RIAC was comprised of people involved in construction, community interest groups, architecture, business and real estate. The committee’s focus has been on identifying options for improving the efficiency of the CDA’s permit review process and improving communication with a variety of stakeholders. Input from the general public was also elicited at two community workshops held in March 2013 and July 2014.
“(The RIAC members) volunteered a lot of time and really took ownership of the project,” said Lisa Wise, who facilitated the committee with CDA. “A lot of what they did focused on the permitting process from the standpoint of small business and individual homeowners rather than the large expensive projects. Since it was a diverse committee, we’re happy that we got consensus on focusing on particular areas, and those will provide a good starting point for the Board of Supervisors to take the report forward and point out some of the highest priorities.”
The September 9 meeting, which is subject to change, is to take place in the Board Chamber, Suite 330, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael.