KINGMAN – The City of Kingman’s Development Services Department recently held its second Developer Workshop, an ongoing initiative launched by the City Council to foster stronger collaboration between city officials and the local development community. These workshops provide a platform for developers to discuss concerns, receive updates on city processes, and explore opportunities to improve efficiency in the permitting and development review process. The event brought together city staff, council members, and local developers, with Development Services Director Jason Moquin leading the discussion.
To kick things off, Moquin introduced key department staff and outlined several major improvements planned for 2025, including:
* A long-overdue update to the Drainage Design Manual, which was last revised in 1988.
* Zoning code amendments to clarify regulations and streamline the permitting process.
* The launch of a new electronic permitting and submittal portal this fall to streamline the application process.
A key topic discussed during the previous workshop was the turnaround times for permit approvals. At this session, many developers acknowledged significant progress, with fewer backlogged permits and only a few large outstanding projects remaining. Since joining the City last summer, Director Moquin has prioritized clearing permit backlogs and improving efficiency. His department is now working toward a revised timeline of 120 business days to complete the entire review process and 30 business days for the first review, provided no major revisions are required.
Another discussion point was the process of implementing new rules and regulations. The City emphasized its commitment to ensuring developers are actively involved in the policymaking process, particularly regarding upcoming initiatives such as the Drainage and Design Manual. According to Director Moquin, the department remains dedicated to fostering collaboration with the development community by hosting workshops in advance of major zoning changes and policy updates. These efforts aim to keep developers well-informed and engaged before new regulations take effect.
The workshop also included a discussion on market conditions and development trends. Many developers noted that uncertainty in the economy and political landscape is leading to a slow start for 2025, as people wait to see how conditions unfold. However, there is optimism in the market, with the expectation that lower interest rates could lead to an increase in development activity later in the year.
The next Developer Workshop is tentatively scheduled for late April.
For more information about the City of Kingman’s Development Services Department, please visit: www.cityofkingman.gov.
