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Morgan Hill, California
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Zucker Systems
Issues often come up late in a process because one of the functions has not seen the
plans. Plans should be distributed to all functions at the outset of a project.
Public Projects
Approvals often require the developer to pay for public projects that may even be
across town from the proposed development.
Public Works
There is a disconnect between Public Works plan check and Public Works inspection.
Staff wants to use the same standards that are used for public property for
construction on private property.
Residential Allotment
Residential Allotment is the first step in the process and then everything starts at the
same time creating logjams. If the project does not proceed on schedule the applicant
can ask for an extension, which is generally granted. During the recession many
projects were not built and the granting of extensions means that projects carried over
resulting in today’s high number of permits.
The RDO had many problems and there have been attempts to streamline it. There is a
committee currently discussing possible changes. A major problem that a project may
change after an allotment is given and there is not clear process for changes at that
time.
Other Communities
Other cities considered good include Ventura. Fremont is tough but they do provide
good timelines. Mountain View is tough but the process is well defined.
Cities considered bad include Gilroy, Oakland, Los Gatos, and San Jose.
Staffing
Engineering and Fire are particularly understaffed. Planning and Building are also
likely understaffed.
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A group of six customers met on January 26 at the Community Center in a
confidential meeting with a Zucker Systems staff to discuss their experience with the
Morgan Hill development process. The group included a major business owner, real