The process of securing building and occupancy permits is expected to be shorter and more convenient with the establishment of a one stop shop at the Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar.

With the streamlined process, the building permit division under the Office of the City Engineer and all offices and line agencies involved in the issuance of building and occupancy permits are housed in one building. These agencies include the Office of the City Treasurer, City Planning and Development Coordinator, City Assessor as well as the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The Building Permits and Certificate Occupancy Systems (BPOS) One Stop Shop is located at the second floor of Centro Latino in Paseo del Mar.

Operation of the BPOS one stop shop started August 20.

The establishment of the one stop shop was an offshoot of a 2-day coaching and mentoring activity facilitated by the USAID’s Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE) Project Aug. 6-7 and participated by representatives from concerned City departments and other government agencies.

During the said activity, the city government identified strategies that will reduce lag time in the issuance of the building and occupancy permits and guarantee smooth operations of the BPOS one-stop-shop.

The same is pursuant Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 and RA 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Act of 2018. (Sheila Covarrubias)