Palm Springs permit backlog sparks frustration among homeowners

Palm Springs residents are growing increasingly frustrated as a reported backlog in the city's permit process continues to cause significant delays in home improvement projects. In response to mounting complaints, the city is taking steps to address the issue.

Palm Springs homeowner Sharon Bourne initiated her permit application process in May to install more energy efficient windows and doors ahead of the hot summer months. She said it was only recently approved.

"This really should be a rubber stamp kind of situation. It's just replacement windows, nothing changing in the architecture," Bourne said. "It just kept getting put off, and they said that they're very backlogged."

Another resident, Bill Harradence, applied for a solar panel installation permit in July and is still awaiting approval. "I just don't understand what's taking so long. I know it's very frustrating as a homeowner," Harradence said.

In response to the growing concerns, the Palm Springs City Council is considering a $100,000 contract with a building official and plan review firm to expedite the permit process and reduce the backlog. The decision is set to be made on Thursday.

City officials have assured residents that improvements are on the horizon. They anticipate significantly shorter plan review turnaround times and resolution of the permit backlog in the coming months. Over the last six weeks, city staff claims to have reduced the backlog by 33 percent and overdue solar permits by 58 percent.