(Washington, DC) Beginning Monday, July 30, 2007, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) will launch a pilot program that allows customers to schedule meetings with DCRA's zoning technicians.

Each zoning review appointment is scheduled in 15-minute increments. Customers provide questions at the time an appointment is made. Zoning review staff will research questions prior to the scheduled meeting so that they can provide guidance and answers.

"DCRA understands that many of our customers need face-to-face meetings after an initial review to clear up questions or gain further guidance regarding zoning reviews," said Acting Director Linda K. Argo.

"Our previous method was not serving our customer's needs," said Argo. "The new scheduled system will be more efficient and responsive–no more in-person sign-up; appointments can be arranged on the phone."

Previously, customers had to come in at 8:30 am to schedule a same-day appointment between 3 and 5 pm.