Builders waiting longer for permits
A growing tons of contractors say they're waiting longer on building permits in Columbus.
And its not just plumbers and electricians complaining.
"Permits can take a join of months," said Yaromir Steiner, whose company co-developed and now manages Easton.
"Time is in money. If a tenant opens faster or if a building is completed earlier, the dollars in the economy are spent faster."
Steiner said contractors and companies should not have to attend to longer than two weeks.
The city is working to streamline the process, said Tracie Davies, kingpin of the Department of Building and Zoning Services.
That's necessary, said Catherine Blackford, executive manager of the Builders Exchange of Central Ohio, a trade group that represents 900 companies.
"The urban district is acutely aware of those issues. They know it's becoming a serious issue in attracting further development," Blackford said.
Three years ago, retirement community-improvement contractors were upset after the city raised the permit fees to fund the building and zoning responsibility.
