(1265) Building and Planning Division

The mission of Resource Management Agency (RMA) Building and Planning division is to provide high-quality customer service in the areas of land use, development and resource protection to residents and business operators throughout the unincorporated areas of San Benito County. The team ensures that projects comply with the General Plan, County Code, State and Federal law, and are implemented in a way to achieve good planning standards that are safe, healthy and legal.

• Implemented online application and payment processes so applicants can apply, pay and schedule inspections online

• Hired new Assistant Director of Planning to replace former Director who resigned mid-year

• Expanded Planning staff through internal promotion and new hires. This will enable Planning to more efficiently process applications and manage projects such as San Juan Oaks

• Assign management of housing grant activities to newly hired Assistant Planner

• Leveraged Accela permit system to enhance management of client development deposits balances

• Electronic permitting – ongoing maintenance, updating and streamlining procedures, including auto-deposit of electronic payments

• Adequately staffing department to reduce bottlenecks in processing applications

• Recruit and develop trained personnel to increase breadth and depth of in-house services able to provide to applicants. Implement processes to increase productivity, maintain continuity of oversight and engagement in projects. Evaluate General Plan provisions to see how to best implement guidelines or make recommendations for modifications that accommodate major changes that impact the Plan. Complete review and recommendations for Zoning ordinance. Reduce backlog of and more efficiently manage code violations. Implement violation fee tracking in Accela. Create avenues for staff development and opportunities for career growth.