Streamlining and simplification are coming to Santa Monica's building permit process, as the City Council has greenlit a new system aimed at easing the hurdles for businesses and property owners. Approval has been given to engage Speridian Technologies, LLC on a $3.8 million, five-year contract to implement the Clariti system, promising a more efficient path from application to approval, according to the city's official press release.
The decision, met with unanimous votes from the council members, came as a sequel to extensive system evaluations and recommendations from city staff. Notably, the upgraded online platform is expected to go live within the next 18 months, potentially transforming the way the city interacts with business proprietors, "Opening a business can be complicated, so any way we can help to make the process smoother on the city side is a huge win for everyone," Mayor Phil Brock offered in the city's announcement.
Cutting back on bureaucratic red tape, the project aligns with Santa Monica's strategic vision for enhancing economic expansion and cultural vibrancy. It aims to deliver not just a permit application facility but a holistic land management suite that integrates planning, licensing, and enforcement ― all within a click's reach.
David Martin, the Community Development Director, outlined the city's ambitions in the statement saying, "We all have the same goal, which is to get projects in and out of our queue as quickly and efficiently as possible while ensuring safety, environmental and other requirements are met." These improvements are set to build upon Santa Monica's prior efforts to facilitate business operations, which also include easing zoning regulations downtown.
The anticipated benefits of the Clariti system are many, including less manual processing, improved reporting, and easier access to permit metrics. Emphasizing customer satisfaction, the system is designed to offer an intuitive experience through an integrated online portal that enables easier tracking and management of permit applications. It will also aim to create better synergy with other technology systems used by the city. More information regarding building permits and plan reviews in Santa Monica can be accessed here.
