University, permits advance in Peoria

Peoria is making headway on two development fronts: the opening of Trine University, the city’s first university, and a study to improve its permitting process.

The city’s Economic Development Advisory Board got an update on these and other projects last month.

The Maricopa Community College District has approved Trine University’s application as a transfer partner, making it possible for students to transfer MCC credits to Trine.

Trine is on track to open this spring with a focus on mechanical, electrical, civil and biomedical engineering, city Economic Development Director Scott Whyte said. It has its license to operate in Arizona.

Peoria landed the university in October when the City Council voted to spend $1 million to $2.5 million to assist the school.

Classes will begin in a 17,000-square-foot building at 83rd Avenue and Thunderbird Road. The university aims to enroll nearly 200 students during the spring semester and 3,270 students by its fifth year.

Work continues on a study by consulting firm Zucker Systems to improve Peoria’s permitting process.

The city is considering adopting a self-permitting process similar to Phoenix, which allows certified architects to review and approve their own plans. Phoenix conducts audits to ensure quality.

Whyte said self-certification is an important part of the study, but the city also is exploring other ways to expand its permit offerings.

Electronic plan submission, online permitting and overthe-counter plan review for minor changes are under consideration, he said.

Brad Remp of Zucker Systems said he has talked to Phoenix development staff about the self-certification program to see how it could be best implemented in Peoria.

He said the process is being used less often than the city anticipated.