1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director
MEETING DATE: July 1, 2025
SUBJECT: First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with De Novo Planning Group for Phase II of the Zoning Ordinance Update
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with De Novo Planning Group for Phase II of the Zoning Ordinance Update and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
BACKGROUND
On May 2, 2023, the City Council approved an agreement with De Novo Planning Group to update the General Plan and zoning ordinance, including all CEQA analysis. The focus of the update was a response to an outdated General Plan and implementation of the 6th Regional Housing Needs Assessment cycle and implementation of programs in the Housing Element.
The General Plan Update, Environmental Impact Report and Phase I of the Zoning Code Update were finalized at the end of last year. Phase II of the Zoning Code Update is pending, which includes Objective Design Standards, Commercial Lot Consolidation Incentives and other general updates to the commercial and mixed-use development standards. The agreement is due to expire on June 30, 2025, unless extended in writing by the City.
DISCUSSION
At the February 21, 2023, City Council meeting, staff estimated the project to cost approximately $1,300,000. Of the three proposals, De Novo’s proposal came in the lowest ($1,324,482). In addition to the competitive cost, the work product and quality that De Novo demonstrated was the most comprehensive and reflected the needs for the City as
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 7k
2 expressed in the Request for Proposals.
The attached amendment, if approved by the City Council, will extend the agreement with De Novo Planning Group until June 30, 2027, to complete Phase II of the Zoning Code Updates related to the General Plan Update.
FISCAL IMPACT
Anticipating this large project, the City Council previously approved a remaining allocation of $200,000 to complete Phase II of the Zoning Code Update. The project is expected to incur minimal costs during fiscal year 2024-25 and most of its costs during fiscal year 2025-26. Funding is appropriated in the Adopted Budget.
OPTIONS
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute the first amendment.
2. Do not authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
3. Provide staff with further direction.
ATTACHMENT
1. Draft First Amendment to the Agreement with De Novo Planning Group Approved by:
_______________________
Andrew Vialpando
City Manager
Prepared by:
__________________________
Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director