By Mark Squibb
If you’re submitting a building application to the City of Mount Pearl in the near future, you may find your application approved quicker than anticipated.
Council, last month, approved a motion delegating Planning, Engineering and Development Director Scott Batt the authority to approve residential and commercial building permits in an effort to streamline the permit approval process.
“I think this is a smart, efficient, way of doing business,” said Mayor Dave Aker, allowing council doesn’t want to be a “hold up” in the permit process. “Staff obviously understand the guidelines and will seek our approval when there’s variance. But when it’s in accordance with regulation and policy, I think it will be a little quicker from a service level point of view.”
Councillor Bill Antle added that in some cases council has been approving permits that have already been issued.
Council approved the motion to increase Batt’s authority unanimously.
Permits will still be brought forward to council, but for information purposes only.