The city of Bainbridge Island’s Planning and Community Development Department is now scheduling appointments for people applying for building permits and also offering the option to apply online for other permits.

City officials said the change is being made to improve customer experience during the development review process.

“These efforts are part of a multi-year program to improve the development review process by creating a more timely, efficient and thorough review of applications,” said Gary Christensen, the city’s director of planning and community development Gary Christensen.

During the appointment, an application will be uploaded immediately to the online portal system for the applicant and staff to review. This will allow for real time online viewing, which officials note is a significant improvement to current practices.

The departmentis planning to offer 20 appointments per week and will adjust accordingly if there is additional demand.

People can still submit a building permit application in person, but city officials said scheduled appointments will take priority.

Appointments can be made by visiting the planning counter at city hall; by sending an email to pcd@bainbridgewa.gov; or by calling 206-780-3750.

Online application services are also being offered by the city for permits for solar, roofing, plumbing and mechanical projects.

Online scheduling for building permit application appointments is coming soon, officials said.

“Successful organizations are always looking for ways in which to improve, provide better service and an enhanced customer experience,” Christensen said. “The job of improving the development review process is challenging and never ending. In addition to streamlining the process, assuring there is thorough and quality review time is equally important.”