LYNNWOOD, WA (December 17, 2015) - The Lynnwood community will notice some changes at the former Permit Center located at 4114 198th St. SW.  The Permit Center is rebranded as Lynnwood Development and Business Services to reflect an increased emphasis on customer service, communication with customers, and access to information and services.

This "one-stop" location provides convenient access to information and services from Community Development, Economic Development, Fire Prevention and Public Works.

“Our customers need to get information quickly and easily”, said Paul Krauss, Community Development Director.  “For example, we learned that information was not easily found online; we needed to fix our webpages.”  The team at Lynnwood Development and Business Services collaborated, and under the guidance of Christy Murray, Economic Development, completely redesigned the Development and Business Services pages of the City of Lynnwood website. 

“The most commonly requested information is now up front and foremost” said Murray.  “We have improved accessibility to forms, information on rules and regulations, and fee schedules.  You can also request inspections online”. 

Plans are underway to allow customers to pay fees and submit plans electronically.  In the first half of 2016 the City expects to roll out an online service portal for customers to submit applications for building permits.  According to Krauss, customers will be able to set up personal accounts, pay for permits, check the review status, print permits and schedule inspections, conveniently online.  Customers are always welcome to visit or call if they prefer.

To help track the results of these efforts, Lynnwood Development and Business Services is conducting an on-going customer survey to learn what they do well and where they need to improve.  Email surveys are being sent to recent customers.  Surveys are also available at the customer service counter at Lynwood Development and Business Services.  City staff encourages customers to provide feedback to help guide continuous improvement.

This important project was undertaken as one of Mayor Smith’s “fix-it” challenges for 2015.

Visit Lynnwood Development and Business Services online.

About City of Lynnwood

Incorporated in 1959, Lynnwood is the economic hub of South Snohomish County. Situated at the convergence of interstates I- 5 and I-405, Lynnwood’s accessibility, variety of housing and employment options, colleges and outstanding park system attract a wide variety of businesses and residents. For its diverse population of more than 36,000, Lynnwood is a great place to live, work and play. Lynnwood Moving Forward: Our Community Vision – the City will be a regional model for a sustainable, vibrant community with engaged citizens and accountable government. Lynnwood is…a great deal more!

Contact:

Paul Krauss
Community Development Director
pkrauss@ci.lynnwood.wa.us
425-670-5401