Smart Permit: A Blueprint for Success

The genesis of Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network was a downturn in the Silicon Valley economy and the exodus of companies to other regions and states due in part to their frustration with regulatory and attitudinal challenges at city halls in Silicon Valley. Other regions and states were taking advantage of this frustration and recruiting our companies.

After a one-and-a-half-year planning process that brought together business leaders, elected officials, academics, and consultants, Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network was incorporated in 1993 and the Regulatory Streamlining Council was formed. This Council created the foundation for Smart Permit.

After hearing stories of cities taking up to three years to complete a permit for a company whose product became obsolete in 18 months or less, the Council convinced several cities to undertake streamlining of their permitting processes. The second major project, streamlining the number of building code amendments, involved leadership from four cities and participation by 29 jurisdictions.

The results were incredible. The codes were unified throughout the region and the number of amendments reduced from 400 to 11. Other regions in California and across the nation took notice.

With a foundation of timeliness and simplification, the third project was undertaken – put the permitting process online, with electronic connections between architects, contractors, and city halls. A small staff at Joint Venture and Smart Valley with volunteers from industry and local government provided leadership for the Smart Permit project. The results of these efforts are captured in this guidebook.

Price: $15.00 for members and $25.00 for nonmembers.

Buy this publication with a credit card. See How to Use the PTI Store for ordering information.

01-31-2002