Development Services Review. Final Report. Zucker July 2016

estate, surveyor/planner, developer, engineer, and a homebuilder. Issues discussed are arranged alphabetically below.

City Council The City Council normally sides with the neighborhoods.

Cooperation There used to be more applicant – staff cooperation than there is today. Issues primarily relate to Planning.

Direction of the City There is a shift in the direction of the city, partially caused by hiring of staff from San Jose. This shift may not reflect the desires of the citizens.

Engineering Engineering is very slow.

Fees Fees are very high and they escalate 5% each year. The voluntary (required) conditions also add to the cost of the project. Measure C Last year a committee was appointed to look at measure C and it is still meeting. Agreements can be re-negotiated during an extension. During the recession, many of the allotments were bought by larger out-of-town developers changing the nature of the city. Other Communities Good communities include Hollister, and San Juan Bautista. Building was once good in San Jose. Mountain View is tough but you know what you will get. Gilroy has pre- develop meeting which is good. Comparable communities include Gilroy and Pleasanton.

Performance Standards Performance standards are needed, particularly related to timelines for reviews and approvals.

Morgan Hill, California

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