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Morgan Hill, California
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Zucker Systems
Building Permit and Inspection Function
The Morgan Hill building permit function is seen as “great.” However, it takes over a
week to get an inspection. Next day inspection is desired.
Communication
There is poor communication between Community Development and Public Works.
Some communication issues also exist with Building and the others but less so.
Consultants
The use of consultants is fine. The use of third party plan checks is particularly good.
Development Review Committee
The DRC is not considered effective and developers are not allowed to attend, which
is an issue.
Overview
Morgan Hill staff are very friendly.
Partnering
Developers like to see themselves as being in partnership with the city and this was
the case in Morgan Hill. However, in recent years this approach in Morgan Hill seems
to have deteriorated.
Problem Solving
Most Morgan Hill managers are seen as good problem solvers and willing to work
with you, particularly the Assistant City Manager and the Building Manager.
Process
Morgan Hill’s development processes are not well defined. Once you get out of the
processes that do exist it can be very difficult – “things are loose and goosy”.
Staff comments on reviews are not clear or concise. The same issues come up on
repeat processes and it is hard to rely on prior processes. Issues tend to be revisited for
each process.
There are no clear timelines for most of the processes and timelines are very slow.
Virtually everything in the city requires a development agreement.
The city lacks performance standards.