AgdaPkt 2015-07-27 Joint SA and PFA

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7.1.Q. - Page 2 inspections. While much of the work is accomplished by staff, consultants have been retained during high volume periods and for specialized assistance on large scale and complicated projects to augment and enhance the City's ability to provide timely responses to the applicants. In recent years, the expansion of commercial and residential development has precipitated a significant amount of building permit and plan check fees. Building Permit and Plan Check Fees (rounded to nearest 000s) FY Building Permit Fees Plan Check Fees 08 -09 $782,000 $393,000 09 -10 $774,000 $375,000 10 -11 $997,000 $388,000 11 -12 $1,173,000 $871,000 12 -13 $1,881,000 $860,000 13 -14 $2,546,000 $1,506,000 14 -15* $2,050,000 $1,356,000 *Through June 22, 2015 Shums Coda & Associates' proposed on -site fee ranges from $55 to $125 per hour. The proposed off -site fee ranges from 50 to 70 percent of building plan check fees. The consultant fee rates are standard arrangements among many Bay Area communities. Keeping these consultants on retainer allows the City two quickly access four consultants when specialized or complicated applications are submitted. While these fees are consistent with the service provided for smaller projects, the City can achieve a better rate for larger projects that pay significantly higher plan check fees through a competitive bidding process. If Council approves the Shums Coda & Associates' agreement and the other three consultant agreements (presented in separate staff reports), the Building Division will require these four consultants to bid on large projects for plan check services. As a result, the City will receive different and more competitive rates on larger projects through this bidding process. If large projects requiring plan check are submitted to the City, payments to Shums Coda & Associates may be expended more rapidly than anticipated. Staff may need to request additional funds for such large projects from Council at a later date. ALTERNATIVES Council could choose to not approve the Agreement, which will significantly limit the City's ability to review plans, provide counter service to the public, and inspect construction sites within a timely manner. FISCAL IMPACT FY 15 -16 has an approved $324,000 budget ($175,000 in 150-63110-50 and $149,095 in 150 - 63310 -50) for professional services, of which $81,000 is available.