This section provides direction and considerations to local governments for improving the way that development applications are processed. Note that the Guide to Development Applications is an externally facing document to help applicants navigate the process, while this section provides the structure for supporting a functional review process within the planning and development department. It covers best practices and suggestions for development procedures policies, delegation of authority, staffing structure and roles, internal application review, external referrals and input, and breaks down the overall process into 6 parts. ​

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The suggestions in this section are meant to be modified to adapt to the local government’s context and capacity.