The coronavirus and its economic fallout have already led developers to begin halting projects, but those still looking to move forward face new delays as government agencies adjust to working remotely. From holding zoning approval hearings to conducting permitting inspections to recording sale and loan documents, a host of government functions are being disrupted by the social distancing policies put in place to slow the spread of the pandemic.
Some jurisdictions have found new solutions, such as holding public meetings through videoconference, while others have postponed zoning meetings by more than a month, creating new delays for projects that were close to breaking ground, and stakeholders fear the delays could extend beyond April.
“There are so many different variables that can delay a project, I think we’re going to see those problems mount up,” Maryland Building Industry Association CEO Lori Graf said. “We’re talking months, not just a couple weeks, because there is going to be such a backlog of projects that aren’t able to come online.”
Graf said the issue that concerns her most is inspections. Because they are one of the last steps before a development delivers, inspection delays can prevent people from moving into a new residential building that is otherwise ready for occupancy.
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