Report from the Department of City Planning relative to evaluating the effectiveness of promoting public interest and how transparency has increased with the development and implementation of the Processes and Procedures Ordinance.

Summary

This report from the Department of City Planning (DCP) evaluates the effectiveness and transparency of the Processes and Procedures Ordinance, which became operative on January 22, 2024. The ordinance aimed to standardize and consolidate land use entitlement processes, reducing them from approximately 120 to 60. The DCP implemented a comprehensive outreach and training plan for both the public and internal staff to ensure a smooth transition. The report indicates that the ordinance has increased clarity and legibility of the Municipal Code, making it easier for the public to navigate entitlement processes. Data shows over 5,144 cases filed under the new ordinance, with 65% being administrative reviews. The DCP recommends receiving and filing this report, noting that more time is needed to fully assess the ordinance's long-term impact on transparency and public interest.

Citizen Impact

The Processes and Procedures Ordinance aims to make the process for obtaining land use and development entitlements clearer and more transparent for residents and applicants. This could lead to a more predictable and understandable system when engaging with the city on development projects.

Confidence

high