City streamlines right-of-way permit services

Martha Graham, Public Works Director for the City of St Augustine, has informed local Historic City News reporters that, effective immediately, a new program has been launched to improve customer service for right-of-way permitting; promising a speedier, over-the-counter process.

Available at City Hall, the new “yellow card” over-the-counter permit may be obtained at the Public Works Office during regular business hours. The complete process takes less than a half hour, usually much less.

“We have heard your concerns and are making changes,” Graham said in her announcement this week. “In cases where the work will be completed within one regular work day, at least one street lane remains open, on low-traffic streets; the permit will be issued while the customer waits.”

A permit from the department is required for all maintenance or repair work affecting a public right-of-way, or where work activities such as exterior building maintenance, painting, pressure washing, and gutter cleaning, spill-over into the streets or sidewalks.

“This is a great example of what I’d like to see when I’ve asked for staff to make frequently requested services easier to obtain,” Mayor Shaver told Historic City News on Monday morning. “I’m delighted to see processes simplified for citizens making improvements to our city, and want to encourage others to offer their suggestions as well.”

Permits requiring blocking higher-traffic streets may warrant more review and are typically issued within two business days of application. When a permit is issued, the department notifies emergency services to ensure emergency responses are not adversely impacted by the road or lane closures.

“Our goal is to take care of a customer’s request right then and there if at all possible,” said Bobbie-Jo Manning, Manager of Development and Management Support. “This is just a first step, and we will continue to make improvements. To help speed the process along, the number of staff able to issue permits has been expanded.”