CITY OF SALINAS COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: APRIL 21, 2026
DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
FROM: LISA BRINTON, DIRECTOR
BY: ANGELINE ANZINI, CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL
ODED ZALMANOVITCH, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
TITLE: AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SHUMS CODA ASSOCIATES, INC.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Shums Coda Associates to increase the total compensation amount by $200,000 for a maximum compensation amount of $400,000.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Permit Services Division relies on Shums Coda Associates, Inc., as one of five consultants, to supplement City staff in plan review, permitting, and inspection services, ensuring a consistent and timely level of customer service without replacing City employees. Contracting with Shums Coda Associates allows the City to respond efficiently to increases in development applications. The proposed Amendment No. 2 requests an increase of $200,000 bringing the total cumulative not to exceed compensation to $400,000 for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 through Fiscal Year 2026-27. Funding for this amendment will be fully covered through the Permit Services Enterprise Fund using plan check and inspection fees collected prior to requesting professional services.
BACKGROUND:
In 2024, the City conducted a Request for Qualifications to identify qualified consultants. Shums Coda Associates, along with True North Compliance Services, 4LEAF, Willdan Engineering, and TRB and Associates, demonstrated extensive experience providing technical services to building departments across California. Based on the RFQ results, the City Council approved an On-Call List for permit services in July 2024 and authorized execution of Agreements for Professional Services with each firm for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2026-27. Shums Coda Associates was recognized for its certified staff, technical expertise, and proven ability to deliver timely, high-quality, and cost-effective services that support the City’s operational needs.
As permit volumes increased and staffing shortages persisted, the Permit Center required additional technical support to sustain service levels. Amendment No. 1 to the Professional Services Agreement with Shums Coda Associates, approved on October 8, 2024, authorized the use of Shums Coda’s technical staff to address staffing shortfalls and rising workload. This amendment increased the total not to exceed compensation amount to $200,000 dollars.
Due to continued growth in permit applications and the need to provide timely and consistent plan reviews while balancing staff workload, further consultant assistance is required. Amendment No. 2 to the Agreement for Professional Services requests an increase of $200,000 dollars, bringing the total cumulative not to exceed compensation to $400,000 dollars. The original, additional, and both amended not to exceed compensation amount for each Agreement is provided in the table below. Consultant services are billed on a time and materials basis, according to the rates of compensation set in Exhibit B to the Agreement, which is provided in Attachment 4 of this report. Funding will be fully covered by plan check and inspection fees through the Permit Services Enterprise Fund.
Not to Exceed Compensation
Original
Amendment #1
Amendment #2
Shums Coda
$ 150,000
$ 200,000
$400,000
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities 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 CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Because the matter does not cause a direct or foreseeable indirect physical change on or in the environment, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES:
Yes.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
The proposed Amendment supports the City of Salinas Strategic Plan 2025-2028 Goals and Strategies by advancing economic development and housing through timely review of projects that expand the economic base and increase housing supply. It strengthens infrastructure planning through consistent, efficient permit processing. Enhancing the Permit Center’s capacity also improves overall City services. By supporting safe, compliant construction, the Amendment contributes to public safety. These improvements ultimately benefit youth and seniors by promoting well-planned, accessible community development.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
This item was prepared by the Community Development Department, in collaboration with the City Attorney’s Office and the Finance Department.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no direct or indirect impact to the General Fund. The additional cost of $200,000 for increased services will be fully covered by the collection of permitting fees through the Permit Center Enterprise Fund, which was established in July 2017.
The proposed consultant contract spans two fiscal years with an end date of June 30, 2027. There is sufficient budget available and appropriated in the current fiscal year. Future funding is subject to the appropriation of funds and will be included in a future budget process.
Fund
General Ledger Number
(Operating/CIP)
General Ledger Account Name
Remaining Budget Appropriation
Amount Requested
6900
30.3350-63.5010
Outside Services Professional
Services
FY25-26
$157,020.73
FY25-26
$50,000
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement for Professional Services with Shums Coda Associates, Inc.
Amendment No. 2 to Shums Coda Associates, Inc. Agreement for Professional Services.
Amendment No. 1 to Shums Coda Associates, Inc. Agreement for Professional Services Agreement for Professional Services with Shums Coda Associates, Inc.
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