Even in slow times, building department staffs are stretched thin due to severe cutbacks and layoffs.
Big ticket construction projects typically pay the bills. As is the case in many cities, the San Jose Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement Building Division has been heavily impacted
by the real estate downturn and its consequences. In general, the City is facing the most challenging fiscal crisis in its history. City revenues have been drying up, with the bulk of construction being commercial tenant improvements, remodels and additions, often with low valuations.
Despite the cities’ grim financial state, currently there are not any plans to change the STI, ITI, or Express Permit processes. City sources also indicate that there are no plans to change the permit fee, plan check fee structure or to extend the turnaround time for standard submittal plan checks. However, as a result of staff reductions, there will be fewer appointments available each day.
To cut costs, the Building Division has further reduced its hours of operation where walk-in submittals are accepted and consultations are held. This has exacerbated the already long wait times for those without appointments.
Previous estimated wait times ran in the range of 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours. Recent layoffs and retirements have further reduced the current counter staff to two technicians from the previous six to eight, who are available to serve the general public without appointments. They are only available from 9:00 to 11:00AM, and from 1:00 to 3:00PM. The same reduced hours of staff counter availability also appear
to apply to Express appointments as well, further constraining and already crowded calendar.
It is reasonable to expect wait times far in excess of 3 ½ hours. Designers should not consider visiting the Building Division without an appointment.
We are very interested in your comments and feedback, please email us at feedback@aaidesign.com
