Over-the-Counter Plan Review Program

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2016

Have you ever had to get a building permit? The process can sometimes seem overwhelming and time consuming. The Over-the-Counter Plan Review Program was introduced by the Nevada County Community Development Agency (CDA) to the community on July of 2015. The main intent of the program is to simplify the building permit process and improve customer service for the County citizens. The program allows customers, contractors and their designers to schedule appointments with appropriate CDA staff to review and approve plans for qualifying projects. The departments and agencies involved are the Building, Environmental Health, Public Works, Code Compliance and Planning Departments. Local Fire Districts, Service Districts and one (1) of the incorporated Cities are also involved in the program. The program is intended to complete the plan review and permit issuance within a single day rather than multiple weeks. This has allowed homeowners and contractors to start projects quickly. Staff is able to complete the work in a short time while working directly with the customers; this has freed up staff to work on other projects. The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive and customers have walked away with a permit and a smile.