Discussion and possible action to approve a budget amendment in the amount of $100,000 from the General Fund Contingency account to the Building Development Division’s operational budget account for Contract Plan Review Services.

The Building Development Division is responsible for providing construction plan review services in order to ensure the safety of building occupants within homes, work places, and other buildings constructed within the City. The review of the construction plans is critical to providing the level of safety expected at the earliest and most cost effective time, when the project is in the review stage. 

The City has experienced significant growth over the last few years and the Building Development Division has seen high levels of activity. The division has had two vacant Plans Examiner positions open since February 2021. These positions have been difficult to fill, as observed by many municipalities throughout the valley and nationwide. While a Plans Examiner I position has recently been filled, time is needed to train the employee and for the employee to come up to speed with City policies and procedures. 

In order to assist staff with successfully completing plan reviews in a timely and efficient manner, the City contracted with outside firms to complete plan review on an “as-needed” basis. This has helped staff streamline response times and continue to provide a high level of quality customer service These services have been funded utilizing salary savings of the two vacant Plans Examiner positions, in addition to $50,000 authorized by City Council for contract plan review services.    

Over the next several months, it is anticipated that several major development projects are forthcoming. The volume and requests of which, will be above what can be provided by in-house staff. Outsourcing of these projects for review will be necessary. By doing so, additional funding is required. While the cost of these services is offset by the revenue generated by plan review and permit fees, budget appropriation is necessary.

On January 4, 2022, City Council authorized a $50,000 budget amendment for outside plan review services. This was requested as part of the fiscal year 2022-midyear budget amendments.

Staff recommends approval of a budget amendment in the amount of $100,000 from the General Fund Contingency account (1000-0300-570000) to the Building Development Division’s operational budget account (1000-0650-520099) for Contract Plan Review Services.

The cost of the contract plan review services is offset by the revenue generated by plan review and permit fees.