Posted by Kevin Jacobsen / Joel Runck

The City of Duluth is looking to remove roadblocks and frustration when it comes to issuing construction permits. It's part of a plan by Mayor Don Ness to streamline permitting for businesses wanting to expand or for homeowners looking to improve.

Duluth business leaders say getting permits from the city can be challenging.

"You go into one door, they would tell you one thing, then send you to the next department, they would tell you something else send you out-no one worked together," said Andy Peterson with the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.

Another business owner, John Erickson with DSWG Architects, said, "The frustration is usually related to the time required to get through the process."

Some say getting necessary permits from the city can take more than a month. City officials say they have a plan to fix the problem. The mayor says one day soon the city will combine the planning division, a portion of the current building safety office, and engineering services related to construction development. Together those would form the 'Department of Planning and Construction Services.'

"We're creating a one-stop shop for development and investment in the City of Duluth," said Duluth Mayor Don Ness.

Officials say the new system will help businesses get the permitting they need in a more timely manner.

"We're going to be able to shorten the time that it takes to process those permits and more importantly-be able to give better customer service," said Peterson.

The Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce says it's on-board with the plan that business owners say will promise fewer hassles.

Officials say city staff will be operating functionally in the new model starting next week. The mayor says the new combined office will be rolled out to the public in May of 2010.