Permit updates show timely processing

For years, there have been complaints regarding the red tape involved in getting building permits for new construction or remodeling in Cape Girardeau. The concerns expressed by some developers, contractors and business owners became a familiar litany with a common theme: City Hall is a barrier, not a helper.

Despite vigorous attempts to find specific examples of excessive bureaucracy that actually had any sort of negative impact on plans for new buildings or expansions, the Southeast Missourian was repeatedly unable to find anyone who would speak openly about their so-called trials and tribulations with the city permit process.

Several months ago, this newspaper took another step in an attempt to shed some light on the situation. With the full and timely cooperation of city officials, a monthly review of all permit activity at City Hall is published. Cape Girardeau's permit updates for September were in Wednesday's newspaper. Jackson officials also provide a monthly update of permits in that city.

What have we learned?

It's obvious both Cape Girardeau and Jackson have good records when it comes to permit applications and the steps permits go through before they are issued. Each part of that process is monitored, dated and recorded by computer. It's easy to spot any hang-ups.

The majority of permits are handled quickly. Obviously, permit applicants who use contractors and architects who are familiar with city codes are usually processed the fastest. For the most part, the biggest time lapses occur when city officials point out problems and send construction plans back to applicants for revisions. Sometimes it takes weeks before new plans return to City Hall.

Each plan must comply with city codes. The fire department reviews the plans to make sure hazards are minimized. Inspectors follow up after permits are issued to make sure the approved plans are being followed. Occasionally, inspectors have to tell contractors to redo something because it doesn't fit with the plans endorsed by the building permit. Those are problems that could be avoided, but there is always someone who wants to take a shortcut or slip in something that's not up to code.

All of this permit and inspection process, of course, is designed to make the city as safe as possible.

Interestingly, in the months since the monthly permit updates have been published, the complaints that used to be so common have all but disappeared.

It's good to know our cities are taking building safety and code compliance seriously.