PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Developers could speed up the permitting process for projects in Philadelphia, but they'd pay a hefty price. It's the idea behind overnight shipping: faster service for a higher fee. But can it work for Philadelphia's Department of Licenses and Inspections? A bill introduced in City Council, Thursday, suggests the answer is yes.
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Sponsor Maria Quiñones-Sanchez says that for some time the Building Industry Association has wanted a way to get through the review and permitting process faster.
"The discussion's been around how much more are they willing to pay to expedite some of their issues," she said.
The bill would allow developers to jump the line, so to speak -- get their plans reviewed and permits approved faster. By design, it would not be cheap. The bill explains that L&I currently charges just enough to cover its costs, but if it did that for accelerated review, there would be no disincentive to seek the faster route, which would overwhelm the department and, basically, defeat the purpose.
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The fee schedule she proposes is likely to be just a starting point, but she's aiming high: 60 cents per square foot for the building permit, $350 per application for accelerated review, $700 surcharge for zoning, plumbing, electrical and fire suppression permits.
She says if the fees were low, everyone would ask for accelerated review, and wait times would grow.
"This issue is actually being able to deliver the review process in a more timely manner," she said. "This was shared with the private sector and is in line with national best practices."
Still, she expects what she calls a "conversation" about the fees as the bill moves forward.
