Improving Development Review

This report by the Washington Governor’s Office of Regulatory Assistance provides local jurisdictions in Washington State with a broad range of options for streamlining local permit processes. The report focuses on six common themes derived from outreach sessions, a straw poll survey, and other research: (1) build mutual understanding; (2) engage all reviewers and stakeholders early; (3) ensure complete applications; (4) analyze process, performance, and costs; (5) use information technology; and (6) implement systems for staffing flexibility. All six themes are underlain by the primary importance of improving customer service.