Sammamish Enhances Permitting Process with Electronic System and Pre-Application Conferences

The City of Sammamish is making strides to improve its land use and permitting processes, as highlighted during the City Council meeting on April 9. The city has adopted an electronic application system, 'My Building Permit,' which eliminates the need for paper submissions and has significantly sped up processing times. According to city staff, this modernization is already yielding positive results, with officials noting the efficiency of the new system. Furthermore, mandatory pre-application conferences will be required for complex projects, enabling applicants to receive early input from city staff. Community Development Director David Pyle emphasized that these conferences are essential for navigating complicated applications and ensuring a smoother process.

The city is also clarifying vesting rules, which allow applicants to 'grandfather' their projects under existing regulations, stressing the importance of timely fee payment for this process. To enhance predictability, optional pre-development services are being offered, allowing applicants to review their plans before formal submission. These initiatives aim to streamline the permitting experience for Sammamish residents and ultimately lead to faster project approvals and reduced development costs.