SANTA FE, NM - The City of Santa Fe’s Land Use Department announces Third-Party Plan Review (TPPR) services as a new pilot program designed to streamline building permitting for large housing and commercial projects and to augment staff capacity. 

This service is intended to support the city's ongoing efforts to help facilitate housing development and needed commercial infrastructure.  Applicants can request this service starting Monday, April 22, 2024.  Third-Party Plan Review services are offered at a 20% premium above the standard plan review fees in order to cover administrative costs.

The City of Santa Fe has contracted with SAFEbuilt to provide this service which is intended to reduce the review time of building permit approvals and to help ensure timely project starts.

“Third-party review is a great step forward,” said City of Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber. “It’s a great way to provide faster service and it’s another demonstration that the City is looking for innovative ways to improve the customer experience for folks who are doing business with the City. With the importance we’re placing on affordable and workforce housing, third-party review couldn’t come at a better time.”

This initiative will not only benefit developers, builders, architects, and planners through faster turnaround times and greater transparency but will also contribute positively to the overall community.  The Land Use Department will publish an FAQ document on the city’s website to help applicants make the best use of this tool.

TPPR Benefits and Information Include:

• For the Building Community: Reduced administrative logistics and providing faster permit approval timeframes for new multi-family housing and commercial construction projects.

• For Residents: The service allows increased capacity for staff to manage the processing of permits not being reviewed by TPPR, helping reduce the time residents and businesses wait for approvals.

• Economic and Social Impact: Faster permitting supports the local economy by speeding up investment and job creation related to construction and development.

• Certified Expertise: Third-party plan review consultants are experienced and certified professionals with a proven track record nationwide, known for completing deliverables efficiently and effectively with clear communications. This tool provides an alternate means to expedite the process without sacrificing quality or safety.

Tom Graham, AIA, Assistant Land Use Director for Santa Fe, who has managed the project to fruition, said: "Integrating SAFEbuilt's remote plan review services will significantly enhance our operational efficiencies and enable better coordination is system not only expedites our review processes but also increases transparency for all stakeholders involved, aligning perfectly with our commitment to public service and accountability."

This partnership highlights the city’s commitment to employing innovative solutions to enhance service delivery and support community development.

Introducing a third-party plan review is a strategic move towards modernizing its approach to city planning and building, ensuring that Santa Fe continues to thrive as a vibrant and dynamic community.

About the City of Santa Fe’s Land Use Department: The Land Use Department is responsible for planning, zoning, and development review processes to ensure sustainable growth and vibrant communities in Santa Fe. You can visit the project website, santafeldcupdate.org to learn more about the Land Development Code update process.