Move to Streamline City Permits on Agenda

How would you like it if the city of Novato streamlined its building permit process? That will be on the docket Monday night at a meeting of the Novato Planning Commission, along with a proposal to update the local zoning code.

In May, the Novato City Council heard a city staff report about ways to change the permit process that would benefit not only the public but for a planning division staff that has lost four key positions over the past three years because of budget cuts. The council agreed that changes should be drawn up and examined.

As for the zoning code changes, most of them are long-accumulated corrections and clarifications, according to a city staff report. They pertain to permits for things such as wireless communications antennas, trees, hillside building regulations, alcohol sales at restaurants, medical marijuana dispensaries and the on-site art requirements for significant developments.

The full city report is attached. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at .