Regulatory Barriers - Nation Call To Action: Reports

Cincinnati was a 2005 recipient of the Robert L. Woodson Award as the result of adopting a new zoning code that was more responsive to the needs of affordable housing. The new zoning codes streamlined the approval process through the creation of the One Stop Development Center and initiated a cooperative pre-development meeting process along with reducing zoning code set-backs to promote infill construction.

After signing on to the National Call to Action in January of 2008, a new Planning Department was established, made up of the former Planning Division, and the Permit and Development Center, both of which were part of the Department of Community Development and Planning. These departments were consolidated to streamline the administrative structure of the city to processes the issuance of building permits, as well as all zoning approvals needed for a new development. In addition, the new Buildings and Inspections Division instituted a customer friendly, on-line plan submission and payment process for permits and licenses and a weekday after-hours and weekend review and inspection services. These operation changes were implemented to better accommodate the busy schedules of builders and developers in the city. The Building and Inspections Division also created a "premium service level" in which, for a fee, representatives of all pertinent departments will meet face-to-face with the developer�s team to resolve issues related to the issuance of a permit within a single day.