Sonoma County planning department to restore public hours

Doing planning and building business with Sonoma County is about to get a little more convenient.

Starting July 6, the Sonoma County’s Permit and Resource Management Department will restore hours that were cut during the recession and reopen its doors on Fridays.

“Business is up,” said Tennis Wick, the department’s director. “We need more permit center hours to serve our customers.”

The department first closed its doors on Fridays in July 2011 as a result of county budget cuts. Starting next week, the doors will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday except Wednesdays, when business hours begin at 10:30 a.m.

Business involving development, agriculture and natural resources has been increasing over the past two years, Wick said.

“On some days, we’re seeing more than 155 customers, and often, they’re getting permits issued the same day they apply,” he added. “That’s up 20 percent from last year … we’re working as fast as we can.”

Wick said the expanded hours will help county planning staff process requests quicker.

You can reach Staff Writer Angela Hart at 526-8503 or angela.hart@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @ahartreports.