During the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Development Services Department continued to review plans and issue building permits for construction projects even after the closure of Town Hall. On Thursday, April 16, 2020, the Development Services staff instituted additional services to assist customers with their projects.
Although Town Hall is closed to the public, applications will be reviewed by the Building Safety and Planning Divisions by bringing the documents to Town Hall on Thursday afternoons between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The main doors into Town Hall are being unlocked during this time and the public counter near the elevator has been designated in the lobby where plans can be dropped off and picked up. Staff will retrieve the plans and begin review the following Monday. Staff will coordinate with the applicant regarding the retrieval of plans, resubmittal of plans, building inspections, and any other follow up required.
“We recognize that these are challenging times for the development community and we want to ensure Fountain Hills can be as responsive as possible,” said Development Services Director John Wesley. “Accepting these applications now rather than later will help prevent a backlog of applications when the pandemic subsides and Town Hall is open to the public again,” continued Wesley.
“I am pleased that our Development Services Department staff found a way to maintain social distancing and safety for our employees and customers while still continuing to provide much needed services in our community,” stated Town Manager Grady Miller.