Record number of projects, less staff, still mostly inaccessible
Los Angeles has seen a record number of permit and entitlement requests even as staffing levels at development-related departments has been reduced and the remaining staff continues to largely be inaccessible, according to an analysis of annual reports and budget requests recently released by city departments.
The Department of Building & Safety reported a 6 percent increase in plan-check submittals from the 2020-21 fiscal year to FY2021-22 in its budget report to the City Council in April. The Department of City Planning reported in its annual report last month that the department took in 9,918 applications in 2021, a 30.8% increase over 2020 cases. Meanwhile, DCP staffing is down “nearly 20% due to hiring challenges”.
Lower staffing levels and increased project submittals has caused a delay in processing times for thousands of projects citywide. Compounding the delays is the fact that city offices still remain mostly closed to the public.
Mayor Garcetti’s 2022-23 city budget includes funding for additional positions at both departments. The City Council is expected to approve the budget on Wednesday. Still, it will take months for the departments to fill those positions and the Planning jobs are focused on citywide issues like affordable housing and economic justice programs.
Pacific Crest Consultants has also assisted with a record number of projects in the last 2 years. PCC has increased its staffing, bringing in experienced permit and entitlement consultants to help our clients, architects and project managers during this challenging time.
