MIN CHC 1999-09-29 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• would be appropriate for that portion of concern, or responsibility, to be passed on to the Building Department, or the Department of Public Works, in that they already have inspectors who are out in the field, and we felt that it would be efficient if those inspectors, with some training, were able to look at some of the land use issues and conditions that are mandated by the Planning Department. As an example, setbacks. While the Building Inspector is out there and checking on building requirements, again with some training, could easily ensure that the builder or the homeowner is in conformance with the proper setbacks. And that would alleviate a lot of these variances that are coming before the department. I know it probably surprises you with the stance the Commission is taking on this and I just, maybe, relate to you some of the reasons that have come up that formulated this recommendation. We like the idea that, if you were to separate the Planning Department from the Department of Public Works, and pass on some of these responsibilities, in that the Planning Department would then have more time to focus on Tong range planning, and we certainly applaud that, so that this County does not become reactive, but becomes proactive in planning, however, we felt that for a long range planner to do their planning, they need to know the everyday details about the permitting processes and all of this, so that they'd know what the problems are when the people come in and so forth. It kind of works hand in hand, so we felt that it might be detrimental if you separate the two. Another area of concern that was brought up by the Commissioners were, you know we work hand in hand with the Department of Public Works when it comes to some of their policies and their regulations, as an example, when it comes to road standards, as part of a condition of a change of zone or a permit and so forth, and some of the Commissioners felt that the Department of Public Works already have their hands full in that they have not been able to adopt policies regarding things like road standards and so forth. It's kind of an unwritten policy that is being used by them, so they come into the department and say, well, for this change of zone, we require curbs, gutters, sidewalks, 50 foot right-of-way on the roadways, and so forth, and again, there is no adopted policy on that. So those are the major areas of concern that they had. Another item that had come up was one Commissioner had felt that it puts too much authority with one department. That there'd be no check and balance means. That it would be attractive for political decisions, but as accumulative of these concerns, the Commission recommended against the transfer. RAY: Kevin. BALOG: Just out of curiosity, what; is the Planning Department's or Planning Commission's role on the subdivision permit? TANAKA: It's with the Planning Department, the Director. Not really with 13