MAYOR ANNOUNCES ONLINE 'ONE STOP SHOP' FOR DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY
Web site launched out of collaboration between Planning, Codes, other Metro departments
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 19, 2009) -
Mayor Karl Dean announced today as part of his economic development initiatives the launch of a new Metro Web site which will make it easier for builders, developers, and homeowners to get construction permits and development-related information.
The Development Services site at www.nashville.gov/ds makes the process faster and more convenient by bringing the necessary information together in one easily-navigated location. It was developed over the last six months with input from the development community and customers of Metro departments involved in the development process.
The site will also include continually updated information on proposed changes in codes, rules, and regulations, along with a way for developers and the public to comment on those changes as they are being considered.
“As a government, we need to do all that we can to make it easier for companies and individuals to navigate the process for building and developing in our city, and to be involved as that process is changed” Dean said.
“Over the last several years, Nashville has been moving towards a development and permit process that reflects the best practices of our time with documents submitted and reviewed online, and inspection reports completed in real time. This site brings all of those tools together, and I applaud the Metro departments that collaborated to make it possible.”
The Web site has links and information from all Metro departments and affiliates involved in the developing and permitting process, including Planning, Codes, Fire, Health, Public Works, Water and Nashville Electric Service.
“This is a major step toward our goal of building a more sustainable community,” says Rick Bernhardt, Executive Director of the Metro Planning Department. “It will make the permit process faster and easier for everyone – from large developers to individual homeowners.”
Terry Cobb, Director of the Department of Codes and Building Safety, said: “When completed, this Development Web portal connects all the departments, all the development and permit processes, and all the pieces into an online One Stop Shop for those needing information to efficiently navigate our regulatory processes. It'll be a useful tool for homeowners and a powerful resource for businesses who are considering investment, development, relocation, expansion or construction in Nashville.”
The Development Services site is the latest step in Metro’s efforts to streamline the development process. Metro has also installed computer programs to allow customers to electronically submit plans online for proposed construction projects. A single set of plans can now be reviewed electronically and concurrently across departments, meaning all Metro departments can comment on the same set of construction plans within the same time frame.
The online plan review program, as well as the review process and comments, are completely transparent to the permit applicant. This allows greater interaction and communication between departments, minimizing potential inconsistencies or conflicts and saving customers time and money.
Belmont University was the first to file plans for a major project online with their new Pharmaceutical School.
For media inquiries contact:
Janel Lacy
(615) 862-6020
janel.lacy@nashville.gov