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Letter from the Planning, Building & Public Works Director
Making Des Moines a great place to live, work and have fun, with a business friendly reputation, and a City government known for great customer service, efficiency and wise use of resources.
The Planning, Building and Public Works Department was formed in July 2005, growing out of the former Community Development and Public Works Departments and the maintenance and facilities team from the Parks Department.
We are very proud of the diverse set of skills and experiences and commitment to great customer service shared by this team -- our maintenance staff, front counter permit technicians, planners, engineers, code enforcement staff and administrative support.
Des Moines is being re-discovered because of our livable community, affordable housing, great location, and terrific views and amenities. As a result, the City is in the middle of an unprecedented development boom. Investors are buying up vacant property along Pacific Highway South and Downtown to develop and even existing buildings to re-build. As of July 2007, over 400 new building lots are being planned or built. More than 20 new commercial project applications have already been reviewed in 2007.
This is taxing our planners, building plan reviewers and inspectors and causing us look for new ways to improve and streamline our permitting processes, improve our over-the-counter customer services, and improve our development regulations. We have also stepped up our code enforcement effort and are working hard to clean up some long standing problem properties scattered throughout our community.
The demand for City services is also increasing. We understand that economic development will generate more tax revenues to support these City services and also help increase family wage jobs. Our Department plays a very important role in helping attract new business and expanding businesses already here.
We also plan for, build and maintain the City’s street and storm water systems. We also maintain the City’s parks and buildings. As you often notice, keeping up with these aging facilities is a challenge, requiring more effort and money each year. A few years ago we rebuilt Pacific Highway South between 216th and Kent-Des Moines Road, earlier this year we completed a new bridge over Des Moines Creek, and we’re now rebuilding 16th Avenue South between 260th and 272nd. We also are repairing damage from storms in 2006 and 2007 at Saltwater Bridge, along Des Moines Memorial Drive and in Beach Park.
We look forward to working with you in making Des Moines an even better place to live, work and have fun. Please contact me directly if you have ideas on improving our services.
Grant L. Fredricks, P.E.
Planning, Building & Public Works Director
