City hall is launching a project to streamline its processes for handling applications for licences and permits.
The Permit and Licence Process Transformation Program will run for the next 2.5 years, replacing an outdated system, and will include:
- streamlining 40 permit tracking systems into one;
- streamlining 636 business licence categories into fewer than 100;
- a single point of contact for those requesting permits; and
- the ability to apply, pay and print permits online.
The city’s licensing and permits generate $50 million annually. The processes outlined in the project are expected to generate $3.5 million per year by 2018.
A motion is being put to council on March 13 for council to approve a total budget for the program of up to $25.97 million – more than seven times the annual anticipated economic benefit.
The changes are a result of the Vancouver Services Review, a program launched by the city in 2009 with the intention of ensuring the best value of city services for taxpayers.
