Amid concern about the recent approval of building permits for two corporate area properties that were previously in breach, Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has sought to clarify that as-built building permit applications are open to every citizen.

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation approved amended applications for 2 Weycliffe Close, in Beverly Hills, Kingston 6 and 18 1/2 Lyndhurst Road, Kingston 5, at a building and planning committee meeting held on January 8.

This, after both properties, which are linked to high ranking officials, were flagged for breaches.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the KSAMC, Mayor Swaby argued that the amended applications for both buildings were reviewed and approved for regularization, with bi-partisan support.

Mr. Swaby said the KSAMCc recognizes that the ‘as built’ application process may inadvertently incentivize non-compliance and could be misused.

He said several measures have been put in place to prevent this.

Mayor Swaby added that action is also being taken to improve overall compliance with building permits.

He said in keeping with recommendations from the integrity commission, a 3 member panel will be named to conduct an administrative review of the building approvals process.