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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Contract Amendment with True North Compliance Services in the amount of $300,000 for Plan Check Services (Contract #8002154)
1. Motion to authorize contract amendment with True North by $300,000 for new not-to- exceed amount of $700,000 to provide as-needed Plan Check Services
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for February 24, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Building & Safety has utilized third-party plan check and inspection services for nearly two decades to supplement in-house services when the need arises for specialized knowledge, to offset vacancies, or when the demand of services surpasses staff’s ability to meet. In April 2023, a Request for Proposals was brought to Council with three recommended companies. These companies have assisted in filling the gaps in specialization and capacity, and kept permit timelines to a reasonable level. All three vendors have been utilized, however, the services of True North Compliance Services (“True North”) have been utilized with greater frequency.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that this amendment be approved as it allows staff to continue to select and utilize the vendors that meet the specific needs of the division and the community.
ANALYSIS
Third-Party Plan Check services are currently provided by True North, JAS Pacific, and VCA Code Group. Having three different contracts for a multi-year period gives the department the greatest flexibility in meeting needs of the public when demand may be at a higher level and also provides the greatest depth of knowledge and expertise for challenging projects.
The use of these contractual services to supplement Building and Safety’s inspection and plan check services are only used on an as-needed basis when demand for said services exceeds staff’s ability to complete projects in a reasonable time or to supplement services at times of staffing level changes. Through the strategic use of contractual plan check and inspection services, the Building and Safety Division has been able to provide a high 5b2
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level of service to the development community, even when high plan check and inspection volumes have exceeded staff’s capacity.
True North currently employs the personnel who specialize in the expertise that Building & Safety requires, and is therefore utilized with greater frequency than the other two vendors, both of whom are still utilized for other plan check services. To ensure the ability to continue to provide these services for grading, electrical, plumbing, and other specialized plan checks, staff requires this amendment with True North.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
No outreach is necessary as a Request for Proposals was issued in 2023, resulting in awards.
FISCAL IMPACT
The additional available amount resulting from the amendment with True North will only be used on an as-needed basis and will remain within the new not-to-exceed amount of $700,000 over the course of the 5-year term of the existing agreement (July 2023 to July 2028). The cost for the current fiscal year for all Third-Party Plan Check services is budgeted at $225,500, which was included as a part of the FY 2025-26 budget. With this amendment, the True North Purchase Order will be increased, but will not exceed the contractual services budget. No new appropriation is being requested at this time.
The existing appropriation is outlined below:
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$225,500 43110-1010-CDD-2501 General Fund
Department Cost Center Program
Community
Development
Building & Safety
The cost for the remaining terms of the contract will be included as a part of the annual budget process.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
The amendment increasing funds for plan check and inspection services with True North does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environmental and is therefore exempt from further environmental review. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)).
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
The names and business addresses of the members of the board of directors, the chairperson, CEO, COO, CFO, Subcontractors and any person or entity with more than 10% interest in the company proposed for contract in this Report are attached in Exhibit 1, in accordance with City Campaign Finance Ordinance No. 5744. 5b3
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ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Do not approve the amendment. This will reduce staff’s ability to maintain permit timelines and may restrict the ability to sufficiently provide plan check services to the community.
Alternative 2: Any other alternative not presented by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Prepared by:
Tamar Sadd, Deputy Director of Community Development
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit 1: Campaign Finance Disclosure