Douglas County, Colorado launches plan to cut red tape, speed up business development

Douglas County Unveils Ambitious "Red Tape Reduction Action Plan" to Foster Business Growth

Douglas County, CO – In a significant move aimed at supercharging local economic development, Douglas County leaders have launched a comprehensive "Red Tape Reduction Action Plan." This initiative seeks to streamline bureaucratic processes and incentivize business establishment, positioning the county as a premier destination for investment and job creation. The announcement has been met with both enthusiasm from aspiring entrepreneurs and cautious queries from residents concerned about unchecked growth.

The plan comes as a beacon of hope for individuals like Becky Stroh, co-owner of the Hideaway Bar & Grill in Castle Rock. Stroh and her husband realized their dream of opening their own restaurant in 2012, a journey that, while ultimately successful, was fraught with the frustrations of a protracted permitting process. "It’s all we ever wanted to do," Stroh told CBS Colorado. "Finally, we got to the point in our lives where we’re like, ‘All right, we’re ready to open up our own place.’" However, the road to opening, and even subsequent remodels, proved arduous. "Permits just take a while," Stroh recounted. "So getting approvals take a long time… The LED sign outside, that I remember that permit took six weeks. It would just be nice to know when are we going to get the permit? How long is this going to take?"

Stroh’s challenges recently escalated dramatically when, in May of this year, the Hideaway Bar & Grill was set on fire. A disgruntled customer, reportedly ejected the night before, has been charged with arson. "Even still, it’s hard to believe that it’s real," Stroh shared, describing the emotional toll. The devastating incident forced the restaurant to close, leaving Stroh, her husband, and their staff suddenly jobless. Despite the immense setback, their resolve remains unshaken. "This isn’t going to stop us. It’s going to make us stronger," Stroh declared. "We will be back."

However, months later, progress has been slow, largely due to the complexities of remediation and the anticipation of further permitting. "If it’s a complete rebuild, we’re really scared that it’s going to take two years, you know, because, again, you have to wait for all these approvals before you can pick up a hammer," Stroh expressed.

This very sentiment underpins the county’s new initiative. "We know in Douglas County that time spent navigating bureaucracy is a hidden tax," Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle stated. The newly launched Red Tape Reduction Action Plan aims to address these pain points directly, with the ambitious goal of making Douglas County the most "business friendly" county in the nation.

Ellie Reynolds, CEO of the Douglas County Economic Development Corporation, emphasized the county’s commitment. "While the state might have some regulatory challenges, here in Douglas County, we want to make sure that when it comes to speed to market, that we’re delivering really fast." Commissioner Van Winkle reiterated this vision: "Our goal is simple — to make Douglas County the best place in America to invest, to build, to create jobs. Businesses need certainty, predictable processes and consistent expectations, allowing companies to plan, invest and grow with confidence."

The action plan was developed in collaboration with the Red Tape Reduction Task Force, a diverse group including representatives from Xcel Energy, South Metro Fire, and prominent developers like Westside Development and Sterling Ranch’s Brock Smethills. Key aspects of the plan involve accelerating development timelines and significantly reducing unnecessary regulatory hurdles. "You can open your doors in Colorado, in Douglas County, and get a tenant improvement permit in two weeks or less," Reynolds proudly stated.

Van Winkle elaborated on the broader economic benefits, linking efficient processes to affordability. "When a housing developer needs to spend more time navigating the bureaucracy, that adds cost to a home, and we don’t want that in Douglas County… Thoughtful economic development and investment is an investment in our quality of life. When we invest in business, they bring jobs, and jobs fuel our economy. They fund our growth, and they pay for everything from our schools to roads and bridges to supporting our hardworking taxpayers."

However, the prospect of increased development has raised concerns among some community members who value the county’s "small-town feel." When asked about this by CBS Colorado’s Olivia Young, Commissioner Van Winkle assured residents that the initiative does not signal unchecked growth. "We want smart growth in Douglas County," he affirmed. "We want to make sure, whether it’s this business or that business, that our electrical grid is strong, resilient, and being taken care of, so that a new company doesn’t come and take over the electrical grid; they’re adding to it and paying their own way. Same with water. Water is such a precious resource to the people of Douglas County, to the future Douglas County, that we can’t compromise our water. So we’re not compromising anything when it comes to the quality life people expect."

For Becky Stroh, these new initiatives could translate into a faster recovery for the Hideaway Bar & Grill. "That would be incredible, weight off your shoulders, you know, just one less thing to have to stress about," she said, acknowledging the overwhelming community support she has already received since the fire.

While specific previous permit wait times were not detailed by county leaders, they now commit to drastically reduced timelines, ranging from 10 to 64 days depending on the permit type. Full details of these new benchmarks are available in the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan. Commissioners also indicated plans to integrate AI into their processes while maintaining a "human touch" where necessary, striving for efficiency without sacrificing personal oversight. Douglas County is clearly on a mission to redefine its business landscape, promising a more accessible and agile environment for entrepreneurs and investors alike.