CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: May 20, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. ___ - 24 AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT WITH RRM DESIGN GROUP FOR PLANNING AND
BUILDING RELATED SERVICES FOR THE PERMIT READY
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT PROGRAM
SYNOPSIS
The City Manager requests the City Council’s authorization to execute a Professional Services Agreement with RRM Design Group (“the consultant”) to preform planning and building related services associated with the creation of a “Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit Program” (“PRADU”). The consultant will work with the City to develop three unique pre-approved ADU plans for homeowners’ to utilize that will streamline Accessory Dwelling Unit (“ADU”) production within the City.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City is required to comply with the provisions of Assembly Bill 1332 (AB 1332), which requires local agencies to develop a program for the pre-approval of ADU plans to assist with the streamlined production of housing. The residents of the City are expected to be the primary beneficiaries of this action, making plans available for their use without the cost of preparation by a licensed professional. AB 1332 does not specify a minimum number of ADU plan types that must be made available; however, in the interest of providing variety and options, City staff is recommending three options be made available, all 800 square feet or less in size. The program must be adopted by January 1, 2025, pursuant to state law.
On March 26, 2024, the Budget Committee recommended the allocation of $75,000 through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay for the preparation of at least three plan options for pre-approved ADU plans. At the time of the Budget Committee meeting, Staff had estimated the project cost based on research of neighboring jurisdictions with similar programs already in place. However, staff has since issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), and the responding proposal included a total project cost of $94,950, including a 10 percent contingency.
Analysis
Staff issued an RFP on April 1, 2024, seeking qualified firms for the following services:
• Creating construction-level permit drawings for approximately three unique detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) floor plans (studio, 1-bedroom, & 2-bedroom options), all 800 square feet or less, and with different architectural style options, to be made available for use by citizens seeking to construct an ADU on their property. • Plans must be designed to meet the current 2022 California Residential, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, Energy, Green Building, and Fire codes. • The City also requests that the proposal include the incremental cost for each additional ADU floor plan.
RRM Design Group submitted a project proposal for the City’s consideration by the required deadline. Staff has reviewed the proposal and determined that RRM Design Group is a qualified firm to complete the scope of work. RRM Design Group, which has been in business for more than 45 years, employs a team of architects, landscape architects, engineers, surveyors and planners. They have extensive experience working with public agencies on a variety of projects, including developing ADU plans for the cities of Dublin, Concord, Walnut Creek, and San Ramon (among others).
RRM Design Group proposes to provide three ADU options that will include varying design components that will offer nine total designs, from three layout options. In addition, the proposal includes providing structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plans required for building permit issuance. The scope of work includes attendance at one public hearing, with an option for a second, if deemed necessary. Additionally, RRM proposes to complete the work within six months, meeting the January 1, 2025 timeframe.
FISCAL IMPACT
RRM Design Group’s total project cost is $94,950, which includes a 10 percent contingency of $8,400 and an optional public hearing if needed. The project will be funded through ARPA. There is approximately $351,000 in the ARPA Government Services Category that could be applied for this project, which is more than adequate to cover the scope of services.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with RRM Design Group and reimburse costs with American Rescue Plan Act funds.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Continue the item to a later date with direction provided to staff.
2. Do not adopt the resolution.
ATTACHMENTS
Proposed Resolution
Exhibit 1 – Proposed Professional Services Agreement with Scope and Fee Exhibit 2 – RRM Design Group Statement of Qualifications Prepared by: Haley Croffoot, Senior Planner
Reviewed by: Troy Fujimoto, City Planner
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager