New Streamlined Development Review Process Helps Bring Bouchon Bakery to Beverly Hills

The City of Beverly Hills is designing a new permit review process that will allow faster approvals for opening and remodeling businesses.

Mayor Barry Brucker in March created a task force, led by Vice Mayor William W. Brien and Planning Commissioner Noah Furie, consisting of council members, staff, contractors, architects and residents who are charged with achieving greater efficiency in the planning, permit and inspection process.

The first initiative focused on restaurants and called for a review process that makes it possible for a new restaurant to obtain a final review within 70 work days following submittal of a completed application. Earlier this month the project yielded its first success: after having received final approvals less than 70 work days after submitting its applications.

Another plan for streamlining includes soon-to-be implemented software that allows plans to be submitted, reviewed, checked and approved online. These online plans will be accessible to owners, architects, contractors and staff.

The City has also begun approving some simple projects in one over-the-counter meeting. These include some straightforward interior office tenant improvements and several small residential projects. Other simple commercial permit applications will be evaluated to see if they can also be approved in one meeting. 

Other improvements currently under discussion include changing City policies that govern Architectural and Planning Commission reviews to permit faster processing. However, the City is always mindful of the impact to residents from traffic and demand for parking generated by any business in Beverly Hills—particularly in areas near residential neighborhoods. Therefore, traffic and parking studies will continue to be required in areas where a new business use may change traffic and parking patterns and intensity.

The Architecture and Planning Commissions are citizen panels established to monitor commercial development. The Planning Commission reviews new construction in the City to ensure that it is consistent with the City’s overall General Plan. The Architectural Commission monitors the aesthetic quality of commercial construction for compatibility with Beverly Hills’ standards and style.

This blog is intended as a means of keeping the community informed about City government. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Beverly Hills Patch.