CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
Budget Response Report #62
June 15, 2023
Question:
What is the cost to conduct an organizational assessment of the Community Development Department and specifically the Planning, Building, and Engineering permit workflow and counter operations?
Response:
Modernizing the permit processes for the Building & Safety Division was identified by the City Council as a strategic planning objective. To accomplish this goal, a multiDepartment team was formed which identified core workflow requirements and researched software platforms that could assist with streamlining department practices.
City Tech Solutions’ Permits Pro application was identified as the preferred provider of a cloud-based building permit and inspection application that will provide the City with the tools necessary to improve operations and enhance services for the building community.
City Council approved the contract with City Tech Solutions on March 21, 2023.
The application will also serve the needs of other departments and divisions, moving all plan checks and a number of permit processes fully online where they can be managed in a user-friendly portal that provides accurate, timely and informative updates to applicants and internal staff. The City is working with the consultant to get the software ready for implementation by September 2023.
Although this software is expected to create operational efficiencies and improve services, there may be other workflow and communication tools that could improve the interrelated functions of the various counter services provided by the Community Development, Public Works and Finance (cashier and business licensing) Departments.
Additionally, the Planning and Building & Safety Divisions workload distribution model is older and efficiencies may be identified in evaluating workload management and assignment options and tools. A third-party assessment of the Divisions’ operating structures would be helpful in identifying more contemporary practices.
The cost for providing an assessment is estimated to be $75,000 - $100,000.