As Ferris attracts more development, here is what you need to know

FERRIS – Take a look around the City of Ferris, and it is easy to see it is a sleeping giant. Most certainly poised for a building boom.

“The city is on the verge of becoming a much more significant and established development market, and is beginning to attract a variety of developers,” said Mike Grace, Ferris Assistant City Manager and Chief Operating Officer. 

“One of the outcomes will be greater diversity in the city’s housing stock.”

Greater diversity means some growing pains and changes too.

With the recent hire of Grace, the city’s development processes have evolved. 

Grace said related efforts will continue, but have already resulted in a more efficient, streamlined operational model.  

“More specifically, the building and permit functions are more integrated into the city’s overall development process,” he added.  

As for why the changes are needed the short answer according Grace is, “In order to establish a more consistent, effective and recognizable platform, changes include, but are not limited to consolidation of department reviews into a more consistent and effective process, recognition and integration of various, key inter-department functions and updates to application forms.”

Things are also stricter now when considering safety regarding the city’s development and building.

“With an improved process and the presence of more experienced staff, the City is better able to more consistently enforce its existing policies and regulations,” Grace explained. 

“The community will begin to notice more consistent application of existing regulations and corresponding improvements to the city’s appearance and quality of development.  

Additionally, enhanced lighting standards and forthcoming developments that will include sidewalks will assist in enhancing pedestrian safety.”  

Some of the challenges the city faces with the growth includes keeping up with the increased permitting activity and acclimating the development community to the city’s enhanced development review processes.

With roughly about 250 homes in the works – and as many as 400 more in the planning stage, Ferris staff are keeping an eye on everyone’s safety and a progressive future for Ferris.

“The Building and Permits Department accepts and processes various types of development permits and, currently, coordinates the city’s development application and permit review processes,” Grace concluded.