Background and Analysis
During the March 26, 2025 City Council Strategic Planning meeting, the City Council set an objective focused on youth civic engagement and expanding youth engagement opportunities within the City of Citrus Heights.
Youth engagement is a critical component of building a vibrant and inclusive community. Many municipalities have successfully implemented youth advisory bodies to:
• Provide a platform for youth voices in local government. • Encourage civic responsibility and leadership skills. • Strengthen connections between young residents and city decision-makers.
Currently, Citrus Heights does not have a formal mechanism for youth input on city policies and programs. Establishing a Youth Commission aligns with the City’s strategic goals of community engagement and leadership development.
This report presents the findings and recommendations on the establishment of a Youth Advisory Commission or a Youth Advisory Liaison to the City Council.
Youth Advisory Commission
A Youth Advisory Commission would serve as a voice for the youth of Citrus Heights to identify their unmet needs, review existing programs, and provide recommendations and information to the City Council and the public at large on topics related to youth as follows:
• Advise the City Council and staff on policies, programs, and initiatives impacting youth.
• Provide recommendations to enhance youth engagement in civic life and community development.
• Participate in community projects and City events, serving as ambassadors for City programs.
• Review and comment on proposed ordinances or programs affecting youth. • Identify and propose youth-led initiatives aligned with City priorities. • Prepare and present an annual report summarizing activities, recommendations, and accomplishments.
• Attend monthly meetings and periodic City Council meetings to maintain active participation.
The Youth Commission would be comprised of 13 Citrus Heights students who are entering grades 8 through 12 and reside in the City of Citrus Heights. Meetings would be held at least once a month between September and May. Members would serve a one-year term and may be reappointed for one additional consecutive term, for a maximum of two years of service.
The Youth Advisory Commission will be supported through the City Clerk’s Office. Staff will develop an application process, including outreach through schools, social media, and community organizations.
ITEM 11 Agenda Packet Page #151
Subject: Presentation of Findings and Recommendations for a Youth Advisory Commission or Youth Advisory Liaison
Date: February 11, 2026
Youth Advisory Liaison to the City Council
Some municipalities have developed a Youth Advisory Liaison position, generally open to junior and senior high school students. Some cities provide a monthly stipend or scholarship opportunity for their participation as a Youth Liaison due to the time commitment of attending City Council meetings twice a month, as well as other staff briefings with individual Council Members.
Items to consider with a Youth Liaison position are:
• The Youth Liaison would attend regularly scheduled City Council meetings, except closed session, and have a designated seat at the dais. • The Youth Liaison would be encouraged to participate in discussions during City Council’s deliberation on agenda items and have a non-binding vote. • The Youth Liaison would be invited to attend staff briefings offered to individual Council Members, except those briefings on any matters that are otherwise privileged.
While this option would engage our local youth by providing a voice in public policy, planning, and decision-making, one liaison may not fully represent the diversity of youth experiences across the City of Citrus Heights. Youth participants may need additional orientation or mentorship to understand complex policy issues and meeting procedures.
Recommendation
To demonstrate the City’s commitment to the engagement of a diverse representation of youth in the community, staff recommends the City Council consider adopting a resolution that would formally establish a Youth Advisory Commission. This option is intended to create a structured forum for youth voices, provide meaningful input on City programs and policies, and foster leadership development among students in grades 8–12. Establishing the Commission will ensure ongoing collaboration between young residents and City leadership, strengthen community engagement, and reflect the City’s dedication to inclusive governance.
Attachments
1. Resolution Establishing a Youth Advisory Commission
ITEM 11 Agenda Packet Page #152
RESOLUTION NO. 2026- ___
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS,
CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING A YOUTH ADVISORY COMMISSION
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights (“City”) recognizes the importance of civic engagement and leadership development among youth; and WHEREAS, providing youth with opportunities to participate in local government fosters civic responsibility, promotes diverse perspectives, and strengthens the community; and WHEREAS, a Youth Advisory Commission can serve as a forum for youth to advise the City Council on matters affecting young people; and
WHEREAS, the local school calendar year is August through June, it is appropriate for the Youth Advisory Commission terms to mirror school terms and commence in August.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED AND ORDERED that the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights does hereby:
1. Establishment of a Citrus Heights Youth Advisory Commission The City Council hereby establishes a Youth Advisory Commission to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council relative to providing input on City projects and services as they relate to youth as follows:
a. Advise the City Council and Staff on policies, programs, and initiatives impacting youth. b. Provide Recommendations to enhance youth engagement in civic life and community development.
c. Participate in Community Projects and Events, serving as ambassadors for City programs. d. Review and Comment on proposed ordinances or programs affecting youth. e. Identify and Propose Youth-Led Initiatives aligned with City priorities. f. Prepare and Present an Annual Report summarizing activities, recommendations, and accomplishments.
g. Attend Monthly Meetings and Periodic City Council Sessions to maintain active participation.
2. Membership/Organization
a. The Youth Advisory Commission shall consist of 13 youth members who reside in the City of Citrus Heights. The members shall be students who are entering grades 8 through 12. b. Members shall serve a one-year term and may be reappointed for one additional consecutive term following re-interview and selection through the established process, for a maximum of two years of service.
c. The Youth Advisory Commission shall meet at least once each month between September and May.
ITEM 11 Agenda Packet Page #153
d. The City Council Education & Community Programs 2x2 Ad Hoc Committee will review Youth Advisory Commission applications and recommend youth members to the City Council for approval.
e. Members of the Youth Advisory Commission will receive no compensation for their services.
The City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, this 11th day of February 2026 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
MariJane Lopez-Taff, Mayor
ATTEST:
Amy Van, City Clerk
ITEM 11 Agenda Packet Page #154
CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: February11, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council Members
Ashley J. Feeney, City Manager
FROM: Casey Kempenaar, Community Development Director
Amy Van, City Clerk
Joesph Cuffe, Chief Building Official
SUBJECT: First Reading of an Ordinance to Repeal Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 5.
Construction Board of Appeals and Add Chapter 18, Article XXXI, Building Code Board of Appeals
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council introduce for a First Reading, read by title only, and waive the first full reading of Ordinance No. 2026-___, An Ordinance of the City Council of City of Citrus Heights, California, Repealing Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 5 Construction Board of Appeals and adding Chapter 18, Article XXXI Building Code Board of Appeals, to the Citrus Heights Municipal Code relating to Buildings and Building Regulations.
Strategic Plan Alignment
This item is in alignment with the following City Council priority:
Goal: Preserve and Enhance Public Safety.
Fiscal Impact
There will be no fiscal impact associated with this ordinance; however, the City will achieve some cost savings through reduced recruitment efforts and other various administrative document filings.
Background and Analysis
At the January 8, 2025 City Council meeting, two members of Council requested staff bring forward amendments to the Municipal Code to modify the Construction Board of Appeals (CBA).
ITEM 12 Agenda Packet Page #155
Subject: Construction Board of Appeals Update
Date: February 11, 2026
The Municipal Code establishes the CBA, a board appointed by the City Council.
This approach ensures the board is comprised of individuals who have the technical expertise to consider technical appeals and ensure a board with no vested interest or conflict with the appellant. This gives the City the flexibility of always having qualified and trained individuals available to hear these cases, and gives the customer a true, clear direction for code-compliance moving forward.
Existing Ordinance
The current ordinance requires the CBA be comprised of five members of the public, who are “qualified by experience and training” and willing to serve a four-year term as a member of the board.
Since incorporation, the CBA has met 11 times (10 times to elect officers and one time to hear an appeal). Despite the infrequent use of the CBA, the board is necessary to serve for hearing appeals of the Building Code. Although this is an important tool, the infrequent need coupled with the expertise necessary to consider appeals of a technical nature has led to difficulties recruiting residents to serve on the CBA.
Prior to 2013, at least one member of the CBA was required to be a licensed architect. Due to recruitment challenges, the ordinance was modified to eliminate this requirement. The ordinance has not been modified since 2013, and recruitment and maintenance of a board that meets infrequently has proved challenging. Since incorporation, the CBA has met eleven times, with ten out eleven as perfunctory board items with no appeals business, and only one meeting related to an actual appeal.
Proposed Ordinance
In response to challenges with recruitment and technical nature of the building code, the proposed ordinance transitions the CBA from a board of citizens to a board comprised of three Chief Building Officials, with two alternates, from neighboring jurisdictions to serve as the CBA. This approach ensures the board is comprised of individuals who have the technical expertise to consider technical appeals and ensure a board with no vested interest or conflict with the appellant. This gives the City the flexibility of always having qualified and trained individuals available to hear these cases, and gives the customer a true, clear direction for codecompliance moving forward.
The ordinance also proposes relocating the appeals process from Chapter 2 to Chapter 18 to align the process with the existing building codes and regulations, which will consolidate building regulations information in one location.
Environmental Review
The proposed Council action is not a “project” under CEQA.
This action is excluded from the definition of a “project” under §15378(b)(4) of the State CEQA Guidelines, and is exempt from CEQA under § 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines (the “common sense exemption”) as it does not involve commitment to a “specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment.
ITEM 12 Agenda Packet Page #156
Subject: Construction Board of Appeals Update
Date: February 11, 2026
Attachment
A. Ordinance No. 2026-____, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights, California, Repealing Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 5 Construction Board of Appeals and adding Chapter 18 Article XXXI Building Code Board of Appeals to the Citrus Heights Code relating to Buildings and Building Regulations.
ITEM 12 Agenda Packet Page #157
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-001
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE IV, DIVISION 5 CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADDING CHAPTER 18, ARTICLE XXXI BUILDING CODE
BOARD OF APPEALS TO THE CITRUS HEIGHTS MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO
BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CITRUS HEIGHTS HEREBY DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Declaration of Intent.
In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Chief Building Official relative to the application and interpretation of the technical building & safety codes of the State of California and the Citrus Heights Municipal Code (“Code”), there shall be and is hereby created a Building Code Board of Appeals.
SECTION 2. Repeal of Municipal Code Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 5 Sections 2-300 to 2- 320.
Citrus Heights Municipal Code Article IV, Division 5 – Construction Board of Appeals, Sections 2- 300 to 2-320 are hereby repealed in their entirety.
SECTION 3. Add Article XXXI to Chapter 18 of the Citrus Heights Municipal Code Article XXXI, Chapter 18, Citrus Heights Building Code Board of Appeals, is hereby added to the Citrus Heights Municipal Code and shall read as set forth below:
Sec. 18-900. Title.
This article shall be known as the “Citrus Heights Building Code Board of Appeals” (referred to as the “Board”). The Board has authority to hear appeals to the following laws and regulations of the State of California, the City of Citrus Heights, and other regulations, statues, and standards that pertain to building construction and Fire, Panic and Life-Safety:
• Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (commonly known as the California Building Codes).
• Citrus Heights Municipal Code Title 18, Buildings and Building Regulations. • Portions of the 2018 International Swimming Pools and Spa Code. • Portions of the California Health and Safety Code.
• Portions of the California Business and Professions Code. • Portions of the California Government Code.
ITEM 12 Agenda Packet Page #158
• Other Technical Codes.
Sec. 18-901. Membership:
a. The Building Code Board of Appeals shall be composed of three Chief Building Officials, with two alternates, serving in jurisdictions outside of the City of Citrus Heights, which may include employees of consultant companies serving as Chief Building Officials in a local jurisdiction.
A list of accepted board members will be kept by the City Clerk, and members will be called upon in successive order by the City Clerk when needed. Board members will serve until the appeal case reaches its resolution, or they are dismissed by the City Council.
Sec. 18-902. Qualifications:
The Building Code Board of Appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction, all building systems, and the public health and life-safety aspects of said systems and standards and are not employees of the jurisdiction.
A member may not have any interest in the property which is the subject of the appeal to the board.
Sec. 18-903. Administration:
The Citrus Heights Chief Building Official shall take action in accordance with the decision of the Citrus Heights Building Code Board of Appeals.
Sec. 18-904. Meetings:
The Building Code Board of Appeals shall hold meetings as needed. At this meeting, a Board chairperson shall be selected, and the Board may consider items such as implementing processes, and recommendations relating to future hearings and procedures.
Sec. 18-905. Limitations on authority:
a. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of the Code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of the Code do not fully apply or an equally good or better interpretation of construction is proposed. b. No decision of the Board may reduce any life-safety issue, fire protection requirements or any degree of structural integrity, nor lessen the strict adherence to the codes. The Building Code Board of Appeals shall not set division policy, or over-ride existing division policy aside from where it involves interpretation of the code.
Sec. 18-906. Granting Modifications:
Whenever there are practical difficulties involved with carrying out the provisions of the technical codes of the City of Citrus Heights, the Building Code Board of Appeals may grant modifications for individual cases, provided it is found that special circumstances make strict adherence to the code(s) impractical and that the modification is in conformity with the intent and purpose of the code(s) and ITEM 12 Agenda Packet Page #159
that such modification does not reduce any life-safety issue, fire protection requirements or any degree of structural integrity.
Sec. 18-907. Hearing Procedure:
a. For any matter in which an action or decision by the jurisdiction has been appealed by the Appellant, no representative of the jurisdiction shall be permitted to participate on the Board, vote on, or consider the matter under appeal. The jurisdiction may only participate in such hearing as an advocate and interested party.
b. The Appellant shall submit the application and payment to the Chief Building Official of the jurisdiction. Once received, the jurisdiction shall date stamp the application; within 10 business days process the payment, schedule and secure a meeting room for the hearing; notify the Board chairperson of the request along with a proposed hearing date. A hearing before the Board of Appeals shall be attempted to be set for a date that is not more than 60 business days from the date that the request for hearing is filed, but in any event, no later than 90 business days. The person requesting the hearing shall be notified of the time and place set for the hearing at least 10 business days before the hearing. If the Chief Building Official submits a written report or other documentation to the Secretary of the Board for consideration at the hearing, then a copy of such report or documentation shall be served on the person requesting the hearing at least five business days before the hearing. c. No hearing shall be held unless the Building Code Board of Appeals hearing fee has been paid in advance, as adopted by the City.
d. Failure to Appear. The failure of the person requesting the hearing to appear at the hearing shall constitute a forfeiture of the fee and will exhaust his or her administrative remedies.
e. The chairperson shall notify the Board of the hearing date requested. If a quorum is available, the chairperson will notify the Jurisdiction which in turn will notify the Appellant confirming the hearing date, time and place.
f. The Jurisdiction, upon confirmation of the hearing date, shall forward any necessary documentation to the Subject Matter Expert (SME) in that jurisdiction, qualified to advocate on that jurisdiction’s behalf and make a recommendation to the Board on the subject matter under consideration. The SME at the hearing may or may not necessarily be the Chief Building Official of that jurisdiction.
g. Rules of Order. The Board of Building Appeals shall endeavor to follow Robert’s Rules of Procedure.
h. At the hearing, the Appellant shall have a time limit of 20 minutes to present its case to the Board. At the Appellant’s discretion, the Appellant may provide exhibits; call upon expert testimony; and in any reasonable way, provide evidence to support its case.
ITEM 12 Agenda Packet Page #160
i. The Jurisdiction’s Subject Matter Expert shall then be given the opportunity to provide exhibits, call upon expert testimony, and in any reasonable way, provide evidence to justify the decision/code interpretation that is being appealed. The Subject Matter Expert will have 20 minutes to present its rebuttal. The Chief Building Official of the Jurisdiction will not have a vote at the hearing and will not serve on the Board which hears the appeal. j. The appellant and the jurisdiction will be allowed one final summary statement, limited to 10 minutes each, to the Board prior to final deliberations; k. Continuances. The Building Code Board of Appeals may continue the hearing and may request additional information from the Chief Building Official or the person requesting the hearing before issuing the decision.
l. The Board shall then deliberate:
I. Render a decision; or
II. Deem it necessary to set dates/times for additional tests, hear additional witnesses, conduct research, or
III. deliberate further, as needed prior to rendering a decision. m.A decision shall be made by a majority of the quorum. n. Once a decision is rendered, either at the time of the hearing or later, the final determination letter will be prepared within 10 days of the final decision; o. The Jurisdiction will be responsible for taking minutes of the hearing and preparing the final determination letter;
p. In any appeal, the Appellant making the request shall incur the cost of any tests required by the Board to substantiate the Appellant’s claims.
q. The chairperson will forward a digital copy of the application, documents, plans, minutes, letter, etc. after each hearing to the City Clerk for filing and record retention purposes.
Sec. 18-908. Decision:
After considering the testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, the Building Code Board of Appeals shall issue a written decision to uphold, reject, or modify the Chief Building Official’s determination. The Building Code Board of Appeals shall state the reasons for the decision and shall send a copy of the decision to the person that requested the hearing and to the Chief Building Official.
The decision of the Building Code Board of Appeals is final, and may not be further appealed administratively.
Sec. 18-909. Notices Served:
Method of Service. The decision required to be given shall be served on the responsible party either by personal service, by first class mail, or by certified mail, return receipt requested, or e-mail.
SECTION 4. Severability.
ITEM 12 Agenda Packet Page #161
If any section, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.
SECTION 5. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action is excluded from the definition of a “project” under §15378(b)(4) of the State CEQA Guidelines, and is exempt from CEQA under § 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines (the “common sense exemption”) as it does not involve commitment to a “specific project which may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment.
SECTION 6. Effective Date and Notice.
This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after its adoption, provided it is published in full or in summary within fifteen (15) days of its adoption, in a newspaper of general circulation published and circulated in the City of Citrus Heights.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Citrus Heights this 11th day of February 2026 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
MariJane Lopez-Taff, Mayor
ATTEST:
Amy Van, City Clerk
ITEM 12 Agenda Packet Page #162