New web page offers permitting documents

The City of Wilmington, working with the Committee of 100 and Corporation Service Company, has posted a new online information web page where residents and business owners can start the application process for permits and licenses.

The city worked with Committee of 100’s Wilmington Working Group, which stressed that the city’s permitting process had to be made transparent, consistent and predicable in order for developers and others to have the confidence to invest in the city.

The first phase of the reform process is the web page on the city website at www.WilmingtonDE.gov/developmentreview The page offers instructions for the development review process and downloadable forms. It features explanations of laws and permitting and a frequently asked questions section to guide residents and developers through the requirements of Licenses and Inspections, Planning and Development, Public Works, Law and the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Corporation Service Company provided staff resources to digitize the city’s paper-based forms so the web page could be constructed.

“The new online information center marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to reform the City’s development review process,” said Mayor Dennis Williams. “The administration has listened to comments from property owners, developers and contractors of all types and has also opened an important partnership with the Committee of 100 business organization to promote responsible economic development and address issues that affect our city’s economic health.”

“Philadelphia successfully transformed its city government from a convoluted and frustrating process to one where developers were encouraged and welcomed into the process, and given guidance during each step of their particular project,” said Leonard Sophrin, the city planning and development director. “This effort resulted in properly reviewed projects that were approved in a timely manner which supported the city’s goal of welcoming new business and residential projects, large and small.”