La Mesa Works To Streamline Permit Process, Plans Open House Event

LA MESA, CA — With a goal to streamline the city's permitting process and two new leaders on the team, La Mesa has scheduled an open house event for the community development department.

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet department officials at the Oct. 17 event, including the new director of community development, Lynnette Santos, and the new building official, Robert Fisher. Community members will also have a chance to learn more about the department's initiatives to enhance the city's growth and well-being.

"Given the community development team's daily interaction with the public, we believe it's essential for our community to get to know the individuals behind the process," city spokesperson Grecia Aguilar told Patch. "Our team will be available to introduce themselves and answer any questions related to the permitting process, including the introduction of our new online instant solar permit application process."

The city has worked to streamline the permitting process since 2021 and has made "significant progress since then," Aguilar said.

La Mesa introduced an online permit portal called Maintstar, which allows residents and contractors to submit permit applications online. Last week, the city launched an online instant residential solar permitting application process.

"These efforts underscore our dedication to improving our permitting system and providing the highest level of service to our community," Aguilar said. "This goal has consistently remained at the forefront of our priorities. To ensure its success, we have welcomed two new team members, Lynnette and Robert, who will oversee the project's continued development."

As the city's new building official, Fisher leads La Mesa's community development initiatives.

Fisher, who joined the city in August, has more than 25 years of combined experience in both the private and public sectors. He recently served as the deputy director of community development and building official for the city of Covina for over four years.

Santos, who joined the city earlier this month, holds a central position in advancing La Mesa's development endeavors as the new director of community development.

Santos previously served as the chief of departmental operations in the planning and

development services department at the County of San Diego. Before her tenure at the county, Santos dedicated almost 20 years to the city of Chula Vista, where she held various positions, in both current planning and long-range planning.

The open house event will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at the La Mesa Police Department's Community Room at 8085 University Ave.