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November 17, 2016 / Law Alert

Collier County revamps its “fast track” development process

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The Naples Daily News covered a story recently regarding Collier County’s newly revised “fast track” permitting process. We received several inquiries from clients regarding the new structure and wanted to share the information.

Who is eligible?
The county has identified the following industries, as identified by NAICS and SIC code specific categories, for the fast track:

  • aviation/aerospace
  • clean technology
  • defense/Homeland Security
  • financial/professional services
  • information technology
  • life sciences
  • logistics and distribution
  • manufacturing

For businesses that are new or expanding, based in Collier County, and sell goods or services primarily outside of the area, the county will provide expedited reviews of development orders and permits. This includes applications for zoning/use entitlements, site planning, subdivision platting and building permits.

How to qualify
First, property taxes for the business, both real estate and tangible property, must not be delinquent. Second, the business’s financial statements (balance sheet and profit & loss) must be available for a required preliminary meeting with the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce and the Collier County Office of Business & Economic Development. Following that meeting, the county will confirm eligibility and if approved, provide a “fast track approval letter” to submit to the Collier County Growth Management Department to indicate qualification for the fast track program.

What is the benefit?
The revised fast track program allows the Collier County manager to approve overtime compensation and other resources, such as outside consultants, to expedite the permitting process for qualified businesses. The standards used for approving permits are the same, but the fast track will provide expedited approval for those who qualify.

Questions? Does my business qualify for the fast track?

For more information please contact Javier Pacheco, Ted Walters, Josh Bialek, Patrick White or any member of Porter Wright’s Construction Litigation Practice Group.