Streamline local permitting, please

I recently heard a Freakonomics podcast discussing the fact that productivity in construction has declined 30% since 1970, while almost all other industries have improved dramatically.

This was ironic, since I am currently trying to renovate our 40-year-old bathroom. Our plan was to update the plumbing, light fixtures and tile, and install a new shower window. No changes to the layout were included, so we thought the renovation would be quick.

The only aspect of the project that required a general construction permit was the window replacement. As of Jan. 9, the permit application (submitted on Dec. 11) has not been issued; it is still “under review.” Meanwhile our new plumbing fixtures, lights and vanity are sitting in my garage while we have a gutted bathroom and a garage we cannot use.

Our plumber and electrician cannot even apply for their permits until the construction permit is approved. Our general contractor, who removed the old fixtures and tile, cannot proceed with the new window. This delay is holding up everyone and it is costly.

In my opinion, this helps explain why construction is so inefficient and expensive. The Duval County building department should be able to handle these simple applications in a few days. Since the cost of adequate staffing can be passed along with their permit fees, I see few obstacles to streamlining the permit review process – instead of keeping the expensive, time-wasting operation it is now.

I hope some of our local politicians will seize on this issue and help reduce construction costs for their constituents.

Ed Jenkins, Jacksonville