Approval process changed for some city projects

The Las Vegas City Council has enacted a change that's intended to make the development process easier and faster for many projects that need city approval.

Special-use permits, variances and most site development plans can now get final approval from the city Planning Commission. Previously, the commission would review projects and make a recommendation, with the council voting on final approval. The change can shorten the process by as much as six weeks.

The new process is intended for changes to already approved projects and smaller new developments, city officials said.

Mayor Oscar Goodman said the Planning Commission will deal with the "routine" matters and noted that applications that are more complicated or contested can be brought to the City Council by a council member.

"Basically, it's a time-saving device," he said.

The idea for the change came from an efficiency study .