Update the Planning Department case tracking software to capture information about variance requests to find patterns and look into whether changes are needed in IDO regulations.
Lead: Planning Department, Timeline: Short-term (1-2 years), MOS: Case tracking software incorporated into system
Increases in variance requests may only reflect a lack of strict adherence to the regulations regarding the granting of variances. If variances are routinely granted, they will be routinely asked for. The cost to appeal a decision and the time involved discourages participation in the process. Easily obtained variances dilute the planning process.
Mardon Gardella
Tue, 10/19/2021 - 12:17pm
Patterns in variance requests will likely track with crime reporting; i.e., more people requesting higher walls in areas of more break-ins and homeless. So rather than change a rule to make higher walls, we need to fix the root problem that is leading to people wanting higher walls. (And many people just do not understand that a higher wall can make them more vulnerable, as the criminal can--once they have gotten over the wall--break in unobserved, take more time, etc.
Patricia Willson
Thu, 10/14/2021 - 8:32pm