Planning & Development September 2021 e-Newsletter

A monthly e-Newsletter from the Division of Planning and Development – September 2021

A Message from John Zeanah, Director

As we approach the one year since the launch of the Develop 901 Citizen Portal, we’ve made incredible progress in the use of the platform across all application types, and we’re continuing to work on the Portal to maintain ease of use as well as to improve functionality. Over the last month, nearly 90% of construction permits were filed through the online Citizen Portal.

As more users begin to utilize the portal, whether for searching permit activity or for submitting applications, we will welcome additional feedback on how we can improve the experience and encourage repeated use. We have helpful training resources available for using the platform for those who are new users and for those looking for refreshers.

Application submissions to the Develop 901 Citizen Portal assist in a more streamlined application process, but for paper applications, we have instituted new requirements concerning the submission of electronic plans for all commercial building permits and all residential new construction permits in support of a continued efficient process and workflow. Allowing paper, hardcopy plans to be optional, as a result, gives our customers fewer steps to complete in the submission of their applications.

If you are interested in joining our team, we’re currently hiring for two positions within our Department of Housing: Site Inspector and Intake & Outreach Coordinator. These postings close on September 3, 2021.

Search by Record Number Now Available in

Develop 901 Portal

Thanks to our recent Customer Engagement survey, we have learned more about what our Develop 901 Citizen Portal users would like to see for a more helpful user experience. One repeated request was to add a record number as criteria for the Search feature. Now, users are able to search using the property address or the record number.

Click here to view and use the updated Search feature.

Planning and Implementation

Zoning Compliance Review

Beginning in July, the Land Use and Development Services department of the Division began performing a zoning compliance review of all building permit requests in order to better ensure all new construction in Memphis and unincorporated Shelby County meets the regulations of the Unified Development Code. This zoning compliance review includes not only new residential and commercial buildings but also additions to and accessory structures serving existing buildings.

New Requirement for Residential New Permit Applications

Effective August 23, 2021, digital plans are now required for all Residential New (RES-NEW) permit paper application submissions. This change will allow for a more streamlined, expedited review process. When submitting a paper Residential New application, please ensure that the digital plans are in a PDF format on a USB drive.

The preferred method of application submission is through our Develop 901 Citizen Portal, which can be found by visiting develop901.com. If your organization primarily uses our Develop 901 Citizen Portal to submit permit applications, make payments, and upload plans and other application materials, this new requirement should not affect your application submission process.

For more information about this change, please see our previous announcement.

Staff Announcements

Christopher Ulmer has joined Construction Enforcement as a Building Inspector. Christopher was previously a Signs & Zoning Inspector with the Division.

DPD has three Graduate Student Interns joining us from the City and Regional Planning master’s degree program at the University of Memphis:

Sara Barrera is joining us as a Program Assistant with the Office of Sustainability and Resilience. Having previously worked at the Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER), she has a strong GIS background and a firm understanding of local resiliency stakeholders.

Andrea Jimenez is returning as a Graduate Student Intern with the department of Comprehensive Planning. Her previous professional experience in architecture provides a valuable perspective to the team.

Sophie Vogel has been with the Division since July as the Land Use and Historic Preservation Intern. She is joining us all the way from Liverpool, England and also has professional architecture experience.

Upcoming Public Meetings

The Division has returned to holding in-person meetings. Meetings will still be broadcast live on the Division's YouTube channel.

Subscribe to Watch Meetings!

9/9/21 – Land Use Control Board

9/22/21 – Board of Adjustment

9/23/21 – Landmarks Commission

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