HomeMy Public PortalAbout2007_11_14_r165 Endorsing Land Development Process Improvements
The Town of
Leesburg,
'lirginia
PRESENTED November 14. 2007
RESOLUTION NO.2007-165
ADOPTED November 14.2007
A RESOLUTION: ENDORSING LAND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS
WHEREAS, the Town Council has previously established improvements to the
Land Development Process a high priority; and
WHEREAS, the Council has approved and endorsed initiatives previously
streamlining and improving the special exception process, the site plan process, and
updating the Zoning Ordinance; and
WHEREAS, the Council has endorsed efforts by the Planning Commission and the
Economic Development Commission to examine and make and/or suggest improvements
to the land development process; and
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WHEREAS, the Town Manager has implemented several improvements, as
approved by the Council, over the past two years to create a more business friendly
atmosphere while balancing the health and safety requirements of the Town's codes.
THEREFORE, RESOLVED that the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia as
follows:
SECTION 1. That the Leesburg Town Council endorse the latest
recommendations as reported by the Town Manager on October 22,2007 to improve the
Land Development Process and improve the overall customer service climate by working
to establish an organizational culture that promotes project ownership and balanced
development. Council specifically notes the following new initiatives:
Front Line Customer Service Training
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A RESOLUTION: ENDORSING LAND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
IMPROVEMENTS
Creation of the Economic Development and Land Use Leadership Team
Project owner contact strategy by Town Manager and Economic
Development Director
Development of Project ownership within Economic Development,
Planning & Zoning, and Engineering and Public Works. Specifically the
creation of a single point of contact for each project to assist
developers/landowners.
SECTION II. Council will receive quarterly updates on the development process,
new initiatives, and lessons learned. This report will include updates of all projects.
SECTION III. Council endorses and calls on the Town Manager and Staff to
create a culture that emphasizes getting projects built within our health, safety, and
environmental guidelines AND in a timely and efficient manner.
SECTION IV. Staff is requested to update the appropriate sections of the Zoning
Ordinance, Subdivision Regulations, BAR Guidelines, and DCSM with language
consistent with the following example:
"Recognizing that inordinate delays in acting upon appeals or applications may
impose unnecessary costs on the appellant or applicant, the Town shall make
every reasonable effort to process appeals and permit applications as
expeditiously as practicable, consistent with the need to ensure that all
development conforms to the requirements of this ordinance."
SECTION V. Council further directs the Town Manager to include in the
creation of the Project Management process the following process changes:
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A RESOLUTION: ENDORSING LAND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
IMPROVEMENTS
- Documentation of decision and direction provided during pre-application
process.
- Consolidated comments are to be provided on a single document by the
Town's designated Project Manager. Comments are to document relevant code,
ordinance, or DCSM section.
- A comment tracking system/numbering system is to be created in order
to follow comments through the revision process.
- Suggestion, observations, or non-required changes that staff wishes to
provide comment on are to be provided under separate cover so that it is clear the
changes are not mandatory for approval.
PASSED this 14th day of November 2007.
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Kristen C. mstattd, Mayor
Town of Leesburg
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R07: Endorsing Land Development Process Improvements