design review revamp
The purpose of the Design Review Process revamp is to enhance the accessibility, efficiency, and transparency of the design review process for both the City and applicants.
design review revamp: youngstown, ohio
This initiative focused on identifying and addressing procedural inefficiencies, improving communication, and ensuring a smooth experience for applicants. By coordinating with multiple stakeholders, we mapped a cohesive design review process using a user-centered approach, aligning the process with legislative requirements, highlighting our attention to detail and commitment to compliance.
Goals and Objectives
Streamline Process: Simplify and clarify the design review process to reduce inefficiencies and improve the applicant experience.
Improve Communication: Establish clear communication channels and provide comprehensive resources for applicants.
Ensure Compliance: Align the design review process with existing legislative requirements and update any discrepancies so the City is in compliance with legislation.
Anticipated Outcomes
Smooth Applicant Journey: Minimize confusion and frustration for applicants by providing clear guidance and a single point of contact.
Increased Efficiency: Reduce unnecessary efforts and backtracking, and streamline the workflow for city representatives.
Enhanced Transparency: Ensure all stakeholders are well-informed and aligned in their expectations and responsibilities.
Applicant Empowerment: Equip applicants with the necessary tools and information to independently navigate the City’s design review process.
My Role and Contributions
After participating in several Design Review Committee meetings, we identified the need for a revamped process and conducted interviews with key City representatives, including the city engineer, contracted planners, the Director of CPED, code enforcement, the law department, and other points of contact. This research provided us with a deep understanding of the existing inefficiencies and legislative inconsistencies within the existing process.
Three needs emerged from these insights: a streamlined internal process flow; a simplified applicant journey; and significant legislative updates to codify the current process.
To facilitate better communication and support for applicants, we developed a comprehensive Design Review Process Guide complete with a new design review application and established a dedicated email address for all design review inquiries, eliminating the need for applicants to search for a point of contact. The Design Review Process Guide equips applicants with the tools necessary to navigate the process independently, ensuring a smoother experience.
To foster continuous improvement, we designed and implemented a survey to collect feedback from recent applicants. The insights gained from this feedback will continuously be integrated into process enhancements, further improving the efficiency of the design review process. This comprehensive approach not only resolves communication issues but also provides a user-friendly path for applicants, significantly enhancing the overall effectiveness and perception of legitimacy of the City’s design review process.
