Future Growth Area and Housing Permit Processing
May 13, 2025
Finance Committee
Lisa Brinton, Community Development Director
Overview
Staff resources are insufficient compared to volume
Division and department coordination is lacking process for final decision-making Zoning, building, engineering and fire codes have different criteria that can be confusing or even conflicting Internal Hurdles
Customer Complaints
Future Growth Area (FGA) Coordination
FGA Internal Hurdles
Lack of staffing experience and technical expertise in processing subdivision maps and complex entitlements Lack of designated project manager to facilitate and expedite decision-making New regulatory environment of SB 330, Density Bonus Law, etc.
Current Planning Staffing Request - FGA Support
Assistant Community Development Director
Current Planning
Code Enforcement
Advanced Planning and Project Implementation (APPI)
Senior Planner
Discretionary
Senior Planner
Ministerial
Senior Planner
FGA/Project Management
Proposed FY 2025/26
Associate Planner
Assistant Planner
Assistant Planner
Assistant Planner
Associate Planner
Future Proposed
Consultants
Proposed FGA Coordination Team
FGA project management
Weekly primary team meetings
Regular updates to coordination team
Secondary decision-maker involvement
Senior Planner (1.0 FTE)
Community Development
Primary Team
Public Works
Fire
Library and Community Services
Secondary Decision-Makers
Police
Administration
& City Attorney
Improved FGA Team Coordination
Add a Senior Planner with high-level technical expertise to provide project management Provide a designated point of contact for internal accountability and for applicants to navigate processes Serve as lead on tracking and ensuring compliance with regulatory processes
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Coordination
ADU inspected by City of Salinas in 2025
ADU Internal Hurdles
Plans have a high number of review cycles; due to vacancies consultants currently process reviews Residents need more guidance than experienced developers Designers and/or owners do not understand complex regulations or submit incomplete plans Requirements by Permit Center Function
Permit Services – Building Code: Distance requirements depend on construction method Current Planning – Zoning Code: 6 ft apart or structurally connected via a wall, breezeway, etc.
Fire Prevention – Fire Code: Adding sprinklers can impact distance requirements between structures Example: ADU Setback Requirements
Permit Services Staffing Request and Integration
Chief Building Official
Plan Check Supervisor
Future Proposed
Plan Checker I
(Sr) Plan Check Engineer
vacant
Senior Planner
FGA/Project Management
Proposed FY 2025/26
Plan Checker II
Building Permit Specialist/Plan Checker I
Plan Checker I
Future Proposed
Consultants
ADU Team
Improved ADU Team Coordination
Prioritize quality reviews by increasing capacity to spend more time with homeowners and designers Begin Owner-Designer-City meetings to minimize resubmissions through early communication and education Improve communication of complex regulatory environment with dedicated internal review team City of Salinas’ ADU Pre-Approved Plans
Comprehensive Zoning Code Update
Objective Design Standards
Appropriate Level of Permit Processing
User-Friendly, Clear and Illustrative Examples and Documentation Development Design Standards
Level of Permit Processing
Administrative or Ministerial or Discretionary
Ease of Use and Interpretation
Opportunities
Areas of Focus
Business Navigator
Assists entrepreneurs and small business owners with navigating regulatory processes Provides connections to technical and financial resources Limited Term Position Ends June 30, 2025
Staff recommends adding the position to its workforce
Questions?
For more information, contact the Community Development Department (831) 758-7387
https://www.cityofsalinas.org/Your-Government/Departments/Community-Development