Atlanta Adopts BUILDING PERMIT REFORM
The value of the REALTORS, governmental affairs program is measured in opportunities created, costs avoided, and savings secured. This value was demonstrated in on November 29, 2011, when Mayor Kasim Reed signed into law a package of sweeping reforms of the city’s building permit process.
Adoption of this new law was the top legislative priority of the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS who along with the Atlanta Board of REALTORS and other coalition partners had worked for over a year to craft and pass the proposal.
“It has been a priority of my administration to find solutions to the challenges that have plagued our process for many years,” said Mayor Reed. “This plan will reduce the number of days to receive a permit and improve customer service while also streamlining the process for our residents.”
The permitting reform law also:
· Consolidates permitting functions within ’s Office of Buildings;
· Enables fast-tracking of permits for interior residential renovations and commercial tenant buildouts of up to 3,000 square feet;
· Establishes specialized services to address after-hours needs of contractors;
· Creates a combination inspection program;
· Offers homeowner clinics for small home improvements; and
· Creates an Enterprise Fund to ensure that permit fees will used exclusively to financially support the delivery of these services.
Prior to this reform, permit applications were routed through as many as three different departments before receiving approval. According to a 2005 study, this process lengthened the time to approve a permit by as much as 90 days.
“Reforming the building permit process in is an important step toward making our city a more attractive location for companies wanting to expand or relocate their business here,” said John Ferguson, president of the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS “We are proud to support this effort, because we know that it will mean better customer service and a reduction in costly delays for our clients on all sides of the transaction.”
ROBERT BROOME IS THE GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR FOR THE ATLANTA BOARD OF REALTORS AND THE ATLANTA COMMERCIAL BOARD OF REALTORS.
Public Schools: A Toolkit for REALTORS
Schools are an important factor in a community’s quality of life and are, therefore, an important factor in the business of real estate. “How are the schools?” is one of the most common questions fielded by real estate agents throughout the United States. By familiarizing themselves with issues that affect public education, REALTORS can be better prepared to make a difference in their schools and communities. NAR has produced a toolkit to help REALTORS enhance their knowledge and understanding of the public school system so they can become involved in improving their schools and communities. CLICK HERE to view this toolkit and download valuable information that will help you to better serve your clients by getting involved in your local schools.
www.garealtor.com GEORGIA REALTOR I 9
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