Submit Date: Jul 04, 2026
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title
Upload a Resume
City of Napa Boards, Commissions, & Committees Appliction Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
43 years
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?
Yes No
Education:
Santa Rosa Junior College, Associates Degree, September 1981 Calistoga High, June 1978 Please list two local references and their phone numbers:
Gender *
Male
Interests & Experiences
Ben Neuman
Retired- County of Sonoma
Building Department
Manager
Ben Neuman
ATTACHMENT 1
Note: This application allows you to apply for multiple Boards, Commission and Committees; however, only one application can be submitted. Please ensure that your responses clearly address your interest, qualifications, and relevant experience for each Board, Commission or Committee you are applying to.
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals: Submitted
Members can only serve on 1 commission, committee or board at one time. If you are applying multiple bodies, which would you perfer? Board of Building and Fire Appeals
Community Service Experience:
Board Member, CrossWalk Community Church, 2005-2007 Pete Shaw, Pastor Napa County Grand Jury 2025-26
Question applies to Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals 3 of 5 Members MUST serve on the Disability Access Board of Appeals. Are you also applying to serve on the Disability Access Board of Appeals? Yes No
Question applies to Disability Access Board of Appeals
3 of 5 Members MUST serve on the Building & Fire Code Board of Appeals.
Are you also applying to serve on the Building & Fire Code Board of Appeals? Yes No
Question applies to Disability Access Board of Appeals
2 of 5 Members MUST be part of the Disabled Community. Are you part of the Disabled Community?
Yes No
Other relevant experience or expertise:
Building and Safety Division Manager 2012- 2015 Code Enforcement Manager 2002- 2012 Code Enforcement Supervisor 1998- 2002 Building Inspector 1987- 1998 Project Manager - Vintage Structures- 1984-1987 Naval Architect Technician - Mare Island Naval Shipyard, 1980-1984
Additional Questions
Ben Neuman
What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this board? The Board of Building Appeals primary role is to render interpretation of adopted building codes and regulations as they apply to specific projects under appeal. The Board of Accessibility Appeals provides the same function and in addition, can approve technical policy and enforcement direction for the complex web of state and federal accessibility regulations for the jurisdiction. The powers of the Accessibility Appeals Board reached beyond building issues and may address land uses and more.
Have you ever attended a meeting of this board? If so, how many? One meeting in Napa as presiding chair. Many in Sonoma County What duties of this board are most interesting to you?
Code interpretation. I'm a bookish nerd.
What activities of this board are least interesting to you? None. All aspects are interesting.
What programs or projects would you like to see improved or implemented? I have insufficient information to respond to this question at this time.
How would you approach improving these project(s) or program(s)? Same answer as above
Are you involved in any organizations or activities that may result in a conflict of interest if you are appointed to this board? None.
How did you learn of this vacancy?
Internet
Applicants appointed to a Boards, Committee, or Commission will be required to take an oath of office. All application will be kept on file for one year from the date of application.
Public Records Act
Applications are public records that are subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Information provided by the applicant is not regarded as confidential except for the addresses and phone numbers of references and the applicant's personal information including home and work addresses, phone numbers and email address.
Question applies to multiple boards
Form 700 Conflict of Interest Code
California Fair Political Practice Website
Please note that appointees will be required by state law and city conflict of interest code to file financial disclosure statements.
Ben Neuman
Ben Neuman
Experience
County of Sonoma – Building Division Manager
September 2011 to October 2015 – retired as of October 2015 Management responsibility for the Plan Check, Building Inspection and Code Enforcement Sections. 34 Staff total. Duties included:
Development of local ordinances and adoption of model codes. Department representative for administrative hearings and appeals Oversight of all alternative construction methods and materials applications. Development of all budgetary items
Hiring, evaluation, disciplinary action for staff
General management of all plan review and building inspection functions General management of all code enforcement functions including housing, building, accessibility, land use, stormwater quality, grading, septic, and roadway encroachment issues.
County of Sonoma – Code Enforcement Manager
April 2002 – September 2011
Management responsibility for the Code Enforcement Division. Note- In 2011 the Building Division and Code Enforcement Division was consolidated as a recession related cost reduction. Duties as noted above.
County of Sonoma – Code Enforcement Supervisor
May 1998 – April 2002
Directly supervised Building Inspectors, Environmental Health Specialists, Planners and clerical staff within the Code Enforcement Division.
Education
Santa Rosa Junior College
Associate Science Degree, September 1981
Certifications
ICC Certified Building Official, Combination Inspector
References
Ben Neuman
363-7652
2 Submit Date: Jul 04, 2026
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title
Upload a Resume
City of Napa Boards, Commissions, & Committees Appliction Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
43 years
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?
Yes No
Education:
Santa Rosa Junior College, Associates Degree, September 1981 Calistoga High, June 1978 Please list two local references and their phone numbers:
Gender *
Male
Interests & Experiences
Ben Neuman
Retired- County of Sonoma
Building Department
Manager
Ben Neuman
Note: This application allows you to apply for multiple Boards, Commission and Committees; however, only one application can be submitted. Please ensure that your responses clearly address your interest, qualifications, and relevant experience for each Board, Commission or Committee you are applying to.
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Disability Access Board of Appeals: Submitted
Members can only serve on 1 commission, committee or board at one time. If you are applying multiple bodies, which would you perfer? Board of Building and Fire Appeals
Community Service Experience:
Board Member, CrossWalk Community Church, 2005-2007 Pete Shaw, Pastor Napa County Grand Jury 2025-26
Question applies to Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals 3 of 5 Members MUST serve on the Disability Access Board of Appeals. Are you also applying to serve on the Disability Access Board of Appeals? Yes No
Question applies to Disability Access Board of Appeals
3 of 5 Members MUST serve on the Building & Fire Code Board of Appeals.
Are you also applying to serve on the Building & Fire Code Board of Appeals? Yes No
Question applies to Disability Access Board of Appeals
2 of 5 Members MUST be part of the Disabled Community. Are you part of the Disabled Community?
Yes No
Other relevant experience or expertise:
Building and Safety Division Manager 2012- 2015 Code Enforcement Manager 2002- 2012 Code Enforcement Supervisor 1998- 2002 Building Inspector 1987- 1998 Project Manager - Vintage Structures- 1984-1987 Naval Architect Technician - Mare Island Naval Shipyard, 1980-1984
Additional Questions
Ben Neuman
What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this board? The Board of Building Appeals primary role is to render interpretation of adopted building codes and regulations as they apply to specific projects under appeal. The Board of Accessibility Appeals provides the same function and in addition, can approve technical policy and enforcement direction for the complex web of state and federal accessibility regulations for the jurisdiction. The powers of the Accessibility Appeals Board reached beyond building issues and may address land uses and more.
Have you ever attended a meeting of this board? If so, how many? One meeting in Napa as presiding chair. Many in Sonoma County What duties of this board are most interesting to you?
Code interpretation. I'm a bookish nerd.
What activities of this board are least interesting to you? None. All aspects are interesting.
What programs or projects would you like to see improved or implemented? I have insufficient information to respond to this question at this time.
How would you approach improving these project(s) or program(s)? Same answer as above
Are you involved in any organizations or activities that may result in a conflict of interest if you are appointed to this board? None.
How did you learn of this vacancy?
Internet
Applicants appointed to a Boards, Committee, or Commission will be required to take an oath of office. All application will be kept on file for one year from the date of application.
Public Records Act
Applications are public records that are subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Information provided by the applicant is not regarded as confidential except for the addresses and phone numbers of references and the applicant's personal information including home and work addresses, phone numbers and email address.
Question applies to multiple boards
Form 700 Conflict of Interest Code
California Fair Political Practice Website
Please note that appointees will be required by state law and city conflict of interest code to file financial disclosure statements.
Ben Neuman
Ben Neuman
Experience
County of Sonoma – Building Division Manager
September 2011 to October 2015 – retired as of October 2015 Management responsibility for the Plan Check, Building Inspection and Code Enforcement Sections. 34 Staff total. Duties included:
Development of local ordinances and adoption of model codes. Department representative for administrative hearings and appeals Oversight of all alternative construction methods and materials applications. Development of all budgetary items
Hiring, evaluation, disciplinary action for staff
General management of all plan review and building inspection functions General management of all code enforcement functions including housing, building, accessibility, land use, stormwater quality, grading, septic, and roadway encroachment issues.
County of Sonoma – Code Enforcement Manager
April 2002 – September 2011
Management responsibility for the Code Enforcement Division. Note- In 2011 the Building Division and Code Enforcement Division was consolidated as a recession related cost reduction. Duties as noted above.
County of Sonoma – Code Enforcement Supervisor
May 1998 – April 2002
Directly supervised Building Inspectors, Environmental Health Specialists, Planners and clerical staff within the Code Enforcement Division.
Education
Santa Rosa Junior College
Associate Science Degree, September 1981
Certifications
ICC Certified Building Official, Combination Inspector
References
Ben Neuman
2 Submit Date: Aug 27, 2026
First Name Middle
Initial
Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title
Upload a Resume
City of Napa Boards, Commissions, & Committees Appliction Profile
Mailing Address (if different than Resident Address above) Length of Residence in the City of Napa:
May 2019
Registered to vote in the City of Napa?
Yes No
Education:
University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 1990 Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA, Bachelor of Arts, History, Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics, Minor:
Religion, 1986
Please list two local references and their phone numbers:
Gender *
Male
Interests & Experiences
David Ericksen
Ericksen Legal, PC Attorney
David Ericksen
Note: This application allows you to apply for multiple Boards, Commission and Committees; however, only one application can be submitted. Please ensure that your responses clearly address your interest, qualifications, and relevant experience for each Board, Commission or Committee you are applying to.
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals: Submitted
Members can only serve on 1 commission, committee or board at one time. If you are applying multiple bodies, which would you perfer? Not applicable.
Community Service Experience:
Board of Directors, Crosslight Theater Company - 2008-16 Board of Directors, Walnut Creek Little League - 2006-2010 Council Advisor, St. Matthew Lutheran Church - 2008-2017 Sunday School Superintendent, St. Matthew Lutheran Church - 1994-1996 Construction Professional Related Groups (ACEC, AIA, SEAOC, NSPE) Counsel - Lamorinda Soccer Club - 2017-2019 Youth Soccer Referee 2002-present
Question applies to Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals 3 of 5 Members MUST serve on the Disability Access Board of Appeals. Are you also applying to serve on the Disability Access Board of Appeals? Yes No
Other relevant experience or expertise:
I have been an practicing attorney focused on the design, construction, and real estate industry for nearly thirty years. I have advised during the contracting and planning of such projects and have handled the litigation resulting from such projects. Those projects have involved both new construction and renovation. In the course of those projects and disputes, Code and Fire Protection has been a frequent issue. As a result, I am very familiar with such Codes and their application. In the course of those matters, I have regularly investigated and resolved issues involving permitting agencies such as local and state fire marshalls, building departments, OSHPD, and DSA as well as oversight entities such as OSHA. Specifically as it relates to access issues, the interpretation and application of the Americans with Disability Act and similar provisions has been a frequent topic. My involvement with accessibility issues has involved design, construction, and property operation and management.
Additional Questions
David Ericksen
What is your understanding of the role and responsibility of this board? In the first instance, this Board is a local appellate body to review challenges to the interpretation and application of Building and Fire Codes by local officials. The secondary function of the Board would be to consult and advise as to potential policy and procedure changes within the City of Napa.
Have you ever attended a meeting of this board? If so, how many? Yes - 1
What duties of this board are most interesting to you?
I am interested in all of this. These and related topics have been the core of my professional life for thirty-five years. However, that has most often been in resolving problems after they have occurred. This would create the opportunity to avoid such issues and uphold the standards which benefit the community of Napa, its citizens, and its visitors. Above all, Building Codes and Fire Codes are about public safety and the reliability and safety of our built environment. Getting it right at the outset matters and I would be honored to be a part of that process.
What activities of this board are least interesting to you? None.
What programs or projects would you like to see improved or implemented? The primary purpose of this Board is not to initiate programs or projects, but is to interpret, apply, and enforce the applicable Codes. The primary objective is to intelligently and pragmatically interpret those Codes to specific issues, projects, and properties. My goal would be to do so with open-minded and knowledgeable insight while considering the input of the participants and a collective debate and decision-making with my fellow board members.
How would you approach improving these project(s) or program(s)? See previous answer. In addition, appeals will often illustrate or bring to light gaps, inconsistencies, or other issues with existing Codes and I would hope to not just rule on the current issue, but also bring forward those issues for administrative or political action of correction, enhancement, or improvement.
Are you involved in any organizations or activities that may result in a conflict of interest if you are appointed to this board? Only if one of my design professional clients was involved in the specific project and issue.
How did you learn of this vacancy?
Other
David Ericksen
Applicants appointed to a Boards, Committee, or Commission will be required to take an oath of office. All application will be kept on file for one year from the date of application.
Public Records Act
Applications are public records that are subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. Information provided by the applicant is not regarded as confidential except for the addresses and phone numbers of references and the applicant's personal information including home and work addresses, phone numbers and email address.
Question applies to multiple boards
Form 700 Conflict of Interest Code
California Fair Political Practice Website
Please note that appointees will be required by state law and city conflict of interest code to file financial disclosure statements.
David Ericksen
DAVID A. ERICKSEN
For nearly three decades, an accomplished litigator, advocate, negotiator and counselor focused on the construction, real estate, and professional services industries. Focused in California and on the West Coast, with practice and services consistently spanning the country and beyond.
Repeated success in trial and arbitration. Transactional, general counsel, and risk management to clients large and small. In regular demand throughout the industry for guidance and presentations to professional organizations. The foregoing has resulted in repeated industry recognition for quality and value added service and guidance.
EMPLOYMENT
Severson & Werson (San Francisco & Irvine, California) – 1991-Present Construction & Environmental Practice Leader – 1997-Present Shareholder – 1997 –Present – (Fastest elevation to Shareholder in Firm History) President – 2009-2013
Executive Committee – 2013-2018
Fifteen Years Recognition as California “SuperLawyer” – Peer Ranking for Top 5% Nominated for U.S. Supreme Court Bar by American Council of Engineering Companies Washington State Supreme Court – 1990-1990
Clerk to Justice James M. Dolliver
EDUCATION
University of California, Berkeley, School of Law – 1990 Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, Washington) – 1986 Summa Cum Laude
Degrees in Mathematics, History, and Religion
Scholar/Athlete of Year & NAIA All-Region Scholar Athlete (Twice) – Baseball
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Successful Bench & Jury Trials with Durations of Two Weeks to Four Months Successful Arbitrations in California and elsewhere
Negotiation of Contracts on Routine Basis and Up to Multi-Million Dollar Public Projects General Counsel to Approximately 100 Design and Construction Firms Frequent Speaker and Published Author Locally, Regionally, Nationally, and Internationally