The City has engaged the Latimore Company, LLC, to assess the development review process and permit review performance of the Department of Planning & Community Development and to make findings and provide recommendations for process improvements that advance development review and project workflow predictability, efficiency, and collaboration of City services.

The City of Bainbridge Island Development Review Assessment Findings and Recommendations report includes a discussion on the current development review workflow process; public feedback on the development review process; baseline permit review timelines; identification of development review process strengths and constraints; and recommendations for development review process and project workflow improvements.

The next steps will be to implement the recommendations by: improving codes, design standards, development review application procedures, forms, handouts, checklists, and electronic submittal requirements; utilizing SmartGov project tracking software features; enhancing online development review project information; addressing roles and responsibilities in development review processes; establishing project level of service standards; measuring workflow project schedules; and enhancing collaboration.

In all, the development review project work program contains 12 transformational elements. Near and long-term work program priorities, project schedules/timelines, and projected implementation costs need to be identified.

To assist with next steps, a Citizen Customer Advisory Board (CCAB) or Task Force will be formed (consisting of 10 members) who together represent the development industry (architects, developers, contractors) and community. The Task Force will also include a representative of the Design Review Board, Planning Commission, and the City Council to provide feedback and support in the implementation of the Development Review Assessment report recommendations.