DATE: MARCH 21, 2023
DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
FROM: MEGAN HUNTER, DIRECTOR
BY: MELISSA GUILFOYLE, ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST I
TITLE: ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF UP TO $80,000 OF FUNDING FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION FOR THE CALIFORNIA AUTOMATED PERMIT PROCESSING PROGRAM (CalAPP) RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a resolution authorizing:
the City Manager or designee to execute any agreement or related documents necessary to accept up to $80,000 from the California Energy Commission for the California Automated Permit Processing Program (CalAPP); and Permit Services Fund appropriations totaling up to $80,000, if CalAPP funds are approved, in the Community Development Department, Permit Services Division to fund temporary pay, outside services, computer software and hardware, and training to implement said program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On March 3, 2023, Permit Services applied for a grant with the California Energy Commission to help fund the streamlining of residential solar applications. The total amount of funding for the State of California is $20 million and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2023, but because funding is limited and could be expended before that date, the City of Salinas applied earlier on March 3, 2023. Shortly after submitting the application, the City of Salinas received a Payee Data Record Form to receive funding. Based on population, the City is eligible for $80,000 through the California Automated Permit Processing Program (CalAPP)to assist with the integration of an automated solar permit software application called SolarAPP+.
BACKGROUND:
In December 2022, Senate Bill 379 was passed by the State of California legislature. The goal of SB 379 is to streamline permitting for solar energy systems to promote the development of solar energy and storage projects in the state. Per Senate Bill 379 most jurisdictions in California are required to implement an automated permitting platform that verifies code compliance and issues permits in real time. This automated permitting platform must be adopted by each jurisdiction and be fully functional by September 2023.
DISCUSSION:
CalAPP funding is intended to encourage cities to accelerate processing and turnaround time for residential solar permits. This funding is ultimately intended to help California meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction goals through an easier installation process and reduction in permitting costs for local governments. The amount awarded is based on the population of the city. The City of Salinas is eligible for $80,000 due to its population falling between 100,000 and 200,000 residents.
The grant allows the funds to be used for the following budget items; ongoing in-house staff labor costs associated with adoption and maintenance of the platform, ongoing third-party or consultant time associated directly with adoption and maintenance of the platform, ongoing staff training and education, training events, subscription costs for permit tracking software in support of the platform, as well as essential hardware or equipment necessary to support adoption of the platform.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action – “authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute any agreement or related documents necessary to accept up to $80,000 from the California Energy Commission for the California Automated Permit Processing Program (CalAPP) and related appropriation” is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378) STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The CalAPP grant aligns with the City’s “Effective and Culturally Responsive Government” strategic plan initiative. The funding will allow the Permit Services Division to close technology gaps by streamlining the efficiency of residential solar permits The CalAPP grant aligns with the City’s “Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability” strategic plan initiative. The funding will allow the City of Salinas to participate in a statewide initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making it faster and easier for residents to obtain permits for residential solar panels.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The CalAPP grant will be administered by the City’s Permit Services Division in the Community Development Department (CDD). CDD will coordinate and collaborate with the City’s Finance and Legal Departments to review any related agreements and ensure the efficient, full disbursement of funds.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Additional costs for the implementation of the automated residential solar application will be supplemented by the Permit Services Enterprise fund. There is no General Fund impact.
Funding would be appropriated to the following accounts:
up to $20,000 will be placed in the account “Outside Services Other Outside Services.” The funds in this account will be used for consultants to assist with software integration and for a public relation’s firm to assist with public education. G/L account 6900.30.3350-63.6010 up to $15,000 will be placed in the account “Other Charges Training.” The funds in this account will be used to send Permit Services staff to trainings in order to educate staff to more efficiently utilize the software application. G/L account 6900.30.3350-64.2500. up to $15,000 will be placed in the account “Supplies & Materials Computer Supplies & Hardware.” The funds in this account will be used to purchase necessary computer supplies to effectively run the software application. G/L account 6900.30.3350-62.8520. up to $30,000 will be placed in the account “Salaries & Benefits Temporary Pay.” The funds in this account will be used to hire temporary staff that will assist in the implementation and maintenance of the software platform. G/L account 6900.30.3350-61.2000.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
California Automated Permit Processing Program Grant Funding Opportunity Notice Page | 3
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CITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORTCITY OF SALINASCOUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF SALINAS
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT