MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Land Use and Environmental Services Agency
Code Enforcement
January 10, 2008
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Plan Review Task Force
Priority Review
Size of Projects,
Application/ Scheduling,
Time of Review,
Logistics (Staffing, Hours, Conference Rooms)
1. Introduction, issue and background
Beginning in January 2007 the Plan Review Task Force (PRTF) reconvened to review issues pertaining to the
plan review services provided by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement (MCCE). One specific goal set by
the PRTF was to investigate the feasibility and demand for Priority Review. The PRTF has met
periodically from January 30, 2007, with meetings covering the following topics:
• Discussion of recent trends in industry
• Discuss and identify the demand for Priority Review
• Outline possible strategies to implement Priority Review
• Review of ideas from members of the PRTF and selected outside parties
The Priority Review Program is described below. The scheduled start date is to be determined.
2. Plan Review Task Force Priority Review Program
This program will be used as an incentive for high performing customers to assist them in shortening their
plan review and permitting times in the overall project timeline.
2.1 Type of Projects:
Priority Review will follow the same guidelines as Express Review when determining eligible projects:
2.1.1 Do not allow:
A. Daycares
B. Schools
C. Hazardous
D. High Rise (new construction only)
E. High Piled Storage
F. Projects for DOI
G. Large Assembly (defined as 300 occupants for new construction, 1,000 occupants for
renovation)
H. Adult Establishments
I. R Occupancies, Multi Family R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4
J. I Occupancy
L. Special Events (Must have CPM Approval)
M. REHAB
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Priority Review Program
January 10, 2008
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N. Chapter 34
2.1.2 High performing teams who have gone through the OnSchedule process for the initial review and would
like to place the project into Priority Review for the 2nd or subsequent review may do so without the above
project type restrictions. The project must still meet the time criteria established for Express Review projects
which is no review may take longer than 6 hours.
2.2 Application/Scheduling:
Customers will submit the Express Review application to be evaluated and scheduled for review.
Customers will be notified by email when their project is scheduled for review, the dates they may submit
drawings, the deadline for submitting the drawings and a gatekeeper checklist to ensure the project
package will include all necessary information. The customer is responsible for confirming the
appointment by responding to the email.
2.2.1 This program requires agreement on expectations of service provided as follows:
A. Application will be modified to include an area for the high performing customer to request
Priority Review.
B. OnSchedule Coordinator will set the project appointment and notify the customer by phone
and/or email. The email will include a gatekeeper/self gate checklist for the project.
C. Customers have the option of accepting the project’s scheduled appointment. The customer will
need to send an email confirmation of acceptance.
D. If the customer does not accept the project’s scheduled appointment:
1. The customer must notify the OnSchedule Coordinator of the request for a new project
appointment.
2. The customer must outline the dates the project appointment should be scheduled.
3. If the customer wishes to change the project appointment and it results in changing the
requested reviewers, the customer must verify in writing this is acceptable.
E. Once the new project appointment is set, the customer will send an email confirmation of
acceptance.
2.3 Time of Review:
2.3.1 Small Projects
A. Sealholders must be present for the entire time.
B. Must bring the required number of drawings
2.3.2 Medium/Large Projects
A. Sealholders present at start of review for the first hour to provide an overview of scope
of work and answer questions raised early in the review. They may leave if they provide
contact information and be able to return in 15 – 30 minutes. They must return for the last
hour of the review, or when contacted, whichever is earlier for the redlining of drawings.
B. Must bring the required number of drawings
2.4 Logistics:
2.4.1 Time Allotment
A. Reserve 20% of available Express Review appointments for the Incentive customers.
B. If the slots are not used, that time would be reallocated to the review of pool projects
(RTAP, re-reviews)
2.4.3 Hours of operation
A. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
B. 8:30 – 3:45
C. Increase hours and availability as warranted by demand.
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Charlotte, North Carolina • (704) 336-2831 • Fax (704) 336-3839
www.meckpermit.com
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Priority Review Program
January 10, 2008
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Assumptions:
Assumption #1: Program will have no exception (political or otherwise) and is applied across the board.
Advise upper management that special allowances will undermine the program and
service to the Industry.
Assumption #2: Refers to primary trades, B/E/M/P
2.6 The Priority Review startup will be phased in.
A. The program will be established and await the qualification of high performing customers. As
high performing customers are identified, the program will begin holding the 20% time
allocation.
2.7 Industry notification of Priority Review startup.
A. As soon as the public hearing is complete and the BDC votes in support of the program
description, a targeted letter writing campaign will be affected to advise all project designers of
the program startup.
1. Plus an intense public presentation and information campaign will be planned with the HBA,
MGCA, and other trade associations.
2. At least four public presentations will be held in brown bag lunches at the Hal Marshall
Service Center
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS • PARTNERSHIPS
700 North Tryon Street • Charlotte, North Carolina • (704) 336-2831 • Fax (704) 336-3839
www.meckpermit.com