System Aims to Shorten Approval Process

AURORA, CO-The third-largest city in Colorado has launched its “Enhanced Development Review Process.” The city council wants the new review process to be clearer, more predictable and accountable.

The process was designed to reduce review time for everything from the smallest tenant finish project to a large master-planned community. A typical new project now seeking a building permit that requires site plan, civil pan and building review has been shortened by 30% to 40%.

An applicant in each part of the process–planning, civil plans, building–will receive no more than three reviews. At that point, a decision will be made to approve, deny or reject the plans.

Applicants will be informed on the progress every step of the way and will receive a “report card” at the end of each part of the review process.

The city worked closely with the development community to refine the process.

In addition, the city met with the Aurora Economic Development Council, the chamber, the DIA Business Partnership, and the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver.

About 100 property owners and consultants attended a two-day workshop to learn details of the new program.