Bill To Streamline Permitting Process Goes to Legislature

BOSTON-A proposal that could streamline the permitting process for businesses seeking to relocate to Massachusetts is expected to be submitted to the Legislature today by Gov. Mitt Romney. The Streamlined Municipal Permitting Initiative is a voluntary program that would allow municipalities to designate specific development sites to be permitted within 180 days, making it easier for developers to win local permit approval.

In exchange for opting into the plan, communities would be able to qualify for incentives, including priority consideration for state grants, technical aid to review and revise local development rules and aggressive state marketing of priority development sites. The state also would commit to a fast-track permitting process under the proposal.

David Begelfer, chief executive officer of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties’ Boston branch, tells GlobeSt.com that the legislation is sorely needed to bring new businesses to Massachusetts. “Clearly the state of Massachusetts is far behind other states when it comes to permitting property. That is putting us at a disadvantage.” He is hopeful it will start some competitive movement among municipalities where those that do opt in to the plan will be seen as having an advantage.