2024-04-08-minutes-public-works-study-session

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]Appendix 8 Methodology We obtained the evidence used to support the findings, conclusions, and recommendations in this audit report during our fieldwork period (January to September 2023), with some additional follow-up work afterward. To address the audit objectives, we used a variety of qualitative and quantitative approaches, which are summarized below. Reviewed laws and identified leading practices We reviewed state law related to the "120-day rule" for permit approval time to identify requirements for local government permit processes (RCW 36.70A and RCW 36.70B). We also reviewed the state building code, as defined in Washington laws and regulations, which adopts the International Building Code (RCW 19.27.031 and WAC 51-50-003). The International Building Code includes certain types of permits, such as for grading and utilities, which we distinguished as civil" permits in our audit report. We conducted online research to identify relevant leading practices. The Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA) published the guide "Local Government Permitting: Best Practices," which addressed permit processes. The full report, published in 2008, is available on the ORIA website. In determining implementation status for governments, we assessed factors such as whether governments used the practice for all three permit types and whether the governments used the practice for the audit period. Interviewed local government staff and reviewed supporting documentation We conducted interviews with staff at each audited governmenfs relevant department(s) to gain an understanding of their permitting processes. We also requested and reviewed policies, procedures, local ordinances and regulations when applicable, and other relevant documentation to assess permitting processes and compare them to legal requirements and leading practices, and to verify information from our interviews. Evaluated permit data We requested permit data from the six audited governments, covering all permit applications submitted during calendar years 2019 through 2022, to determine timeliness of government review and final decisions. Data reliability testing For each audited government, we met with relevant staff to gain an understanding of the government's permitting systems. We also wanted to determine whether they could provide sufficient and appropriate data for us to evaluate how long it took to fully process permit applications. We gained an understanding of the quality controls each government had in place to ensure permit data was accurate and complete. However, we did not evaluate governments' system controls for their permitting systems. Growth Management Act Appendix B 51