In January I ordered and had built a double-wide mobile home to be placed on 2½ acres of good land I have owned for about 50 years. I am still trying to get a building permit.
I have spent many years in business working with people in all walks of life and situations. Lately I have spoken to dozens of people regarding Snohomish County Planning and Building Department. I have not heard any positive words for the department. However, when I speak to staff members of the department, they are courteous, polite, etc., what I hear is the blame game and finger pointing. The department heads cannot even agree with each other. The only thing the citizens are asking for is “tell us what the department wants and we will get on with it.” When questioning a delay, we are accused of muddying the water. Another project “same as mine” in another county was approved in under 10 days.
Snohomish County Planning and Building Department is in serious need of management direction. In my opinion, it should come from outside the department. The department needs a leader. Someone needs to address this issue. I feel that a citizen looking for a building permit should not need to deal with endless waiting periods when a conversation could readily solve a lot of issues.
Conrad Olsen
Snohomish
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