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Agenda Report
July 21, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Planning & Community Development Department
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZATION FOR SUBMITTAL OF GRANT APPLICATION
LETTER OF COMMITMENT AND ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION FOR
THE HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM
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RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Find that the actions proposed herein are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3);
2. Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit a letter of commitment for submittal of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application.
BACKGROUND:
As a result of the declaration of a major federal disaster for the LA County Wildfires, the State of California is eligible for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program ("HMGP") funding aimed at reducing or eliminating risks of future damages. The HMGP is administered by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services ("CalOES") and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency ("FEMA"). The HMGP would provide assistance for post-disaster building code activities continuing past the 180-day Public Assistance limit of July 15, 2025. The grant is aimed at providing assistance for the development, adoption, evaluation, enhancement, and enforcement of building codes and standards.
The Planning and Community Development Department submitted a Notice of Interest for the HMGP to seek financial assistance for costs related to the rebuild efforts.
Specifically, for costs related to plan review for the issuance of building permits, including on-site staff to assist with over-the-counter plan check, permitting, and building inspection services. CalOES approved the N01 and invited the Planning and Community Development Department to develop a full application for hlMGP funding. i
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MEETING OF07/21/2025AGENDA ITEM NO.3
Contract for Plan Review Services
July 21, 2025
The proposed project must be in conformance with Pasadena's FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.
FEMA requires applicants to provide a letter committing to meet the Non-Federal Share (Match) funding requirement of at least 25% of the total approved project amount. The Federal Cost Share is 75% of the total project cost. Staff estimates plan review and on- site staff costs at approximately $2,000,000. The 25% share for the City would be $500,000.
The grant, if awarded, would be used for consultant services to support the cities rebuild program which has been established to provide individualized support to residents who lost their homes in the Eaton Fire and includes expedited plan review and inspections for rebuilt homes.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that a resolution is adopted authorizing the City Manager to submit a letter of commitment matching funds at 25% from the Building Fund ($500,000) for submittal of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application. These funds will be used for future consultant work and will not cover expenses incurred to date. As required by the grant an RFP process must be completed to select plan check consultants specifically for fire related plan review work. Staff is currently undergoing the RFP process and will be ready to move forward with contracts if awarded the grant. It is anticipated the City will be notified by December if they will be awarded monies and what amount. Staff would then return to the City Council with the contracts for the plan check consultants for this specific work.
COUNCIL POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The proposed action furthers the City Council's strategic plan goals of ensuring public safety and increasing conservation and sustainability. In addition, the action furthers the City's mission to deliver exemplary municipal services.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
Find that the recommended actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines per Section 15061(b)(3). The contract award is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.
Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to the provisions of CEQA.
Contract for Plan Review Services
July 21, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this action. If the grant opportunity is awarded, staff will return to Council to appropriate the required 25% matching funds ($500,000) to the proper budget accounts. The required match will be paid from the Building Fund and there are sufficient funds to cover this expense. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
Respectfully submitted,
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JENNIFE^'PAIGB^
Director of Planning & Community
Development Department
Prepared by:Reviewed by:
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hauren Cousins
Management Analyst II
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Kri,st^n Johnston
Ma'n^gement Analyst V
Approved by:
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MIOyElT MARQUEZ
City Manager