Authored by Jacquelyn McCray, a director with Baker Tilly’s public sector advisory practice
Efficient permitting and development review processes are essential for local governments to effectively serve their communities, support economic growth and maintain regulatory standards. A well-functioning review system ensures predictability, consistency and timely project approvals. “When the demand for affordable housing is so great across so many communities, a smooth permitting process is one of the key tools to accelerate much needed housing development,” said Marta Purdy, Director at Baker Tilly.
Challenges in Development Review
Baker Tilly’s process improvement team has observed common challenges across both large urban centers — experiencing a surge in development applications — and smaller municipalities facing growth pressures due to available undeveloped land. Development review often involves multiple, complex stages such as pre-application, intake, land use and subdivision review, infrastructure planning, site plan evaluation, permitting, construction, inspections and final approvals.
These processes typically require coordination across numerous departments (e.g., planning, public works, fire, parks and recreation), external agencies and public bodies (e.g., planning commissions, zoning boards, city councils). Without a cohesive strategy, this complexity can lead to delays, increased costs and frustration for developers and contractors.
Key Pain Points for Local Government
Through our work with local governments, we’ve identified three recurring issues that hinder permitting efficiency:
- Staffing shortages: A rise in permit applications, combined with staffing gaps, often leads to extended review timelines.
- Unclear guidance: Applicants frequently encounter inconsistent or confusing instructions regarding submission requirements and review sequences.
- Sequential reviews: Many jurisdictions rely on step-by-step reviews when concurrent evaluations could significantly reduce delays.
Best Practices for Improvement
To enhance operational efficiency, local governments should adopt proven best practices, including:
- Technology integration: Use digital platforms to streamline access to information, track application status, enable online payments and manage resubmittals.
- Collaborative tools: Foster interdepartmental and interagency communication to improve coordination and reduce review times.
- Customer feedback: Implement applicant satisfaction surveys to identify service gaps and improve user experience.
- Process transparency: Clearly defined procedures build trust and ensure consistent, predictable outcomes.
Optimizing Digital Tools and Software
Data driven decision-making is key to managing workloads and improving performance. By training staff to use analytics and performance metrics, municipalities can better allocate resources and reduce bottlenecks. Baker Tilly’s expertise in digital tools and performance reporting can help governments maximize the value of permitting software such as Accela, TrakiT, MyGov and EnerGov.
Many jurisdictions underutilize these systems due to limited training or outdated configurations. Optimizing these tools can significantly enhance productivity and streamline development workflows.
Take Action Today!
A transparent, consistent and efficient development review process delivers immediate and long-term benefits. Improvements in communication, reduced cycle times and fewer surprises for applicants lead to smoother project approvals and greater community satisfaction.
Baker Tilly’s experienced team is ready to help local governments modernize their land use and permitting processes through strategic consulting and change management support.
In partnership with the Housing Supply Accelerator, NLC and Baker Tilly are teaming and launching two courses, Act Fast: A Fast Track Housing Course for Immediate Impact and Housing Development and Finance, through NLC University. Take the first step toward a more efficient, transparent and applicant-friendly development review process.
Visit the NLC Strategic Partnerships page to learn more about the organizations like Baker Tilly dedicated to making NLC the premier resource for local governments.
Solving Your Local Housing Supply Challenges Starts with NLCU!
Check out the latest courses that NLC University and the Housing Supply Accelerator are offering. NLC University is NLC’s hub for education and leadership development. NLCU programs are designed to offer local elected leaders and municipal staff the learning opportunities needed to positively impact governance and innovation in communities of every size.
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