Planning and Permitting Update
August 11, 2026
Lisa Brinton, Community Development Director
Angeline Anzini, Chief Building Official
Identified Issues and
Resource Needs
Customer Complaints
Internal Hurdles
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
Organizational Chart - Planning
Chief of Planning
Current Planning
Advanced Planning and Project Implementation (APPI)
Senior Planner
Discretionary
Senior Planner
Ministerial
Management Analyst
Associate Planner
Assistant Planner
Assistant Planner
Assistant Planner
Administrative Aide
Consultants
Associate Planner
*Represents vacant positions
Community Development Director
Planning Manager
Planning Efficiencies
Operational improvements supporting Planning and Permitting Improve Interdepartmental Review Coordination
Improve communication and coordination between reviewing departments to support efficient project review.
Develop Planning Procedures, Forms, and Standardized Processes Develop and refine planning procedures, forms, checklists, and workflows to improve consistency for staff and applicants.
Strengthen Reporting, Data Quality, and Quality Control Improve project reporting, data accuracy, and quality control to support reliable decision-making and consistent project records.
Centralize Project Information Management
Organize project documentation and information through centralized resources to improve access, collaboration, and consistency.
Primary Issues and Roadblocks Identified
COMMUNICATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE
Poor customer service/navigation
Lack of accountability/caring
Delayed response time to inquiries
STAFF TRAINING & COVERAGE
Working in silos (Departments/Divisions)
Lack of cross training/back up
Processing delays due to absences
PROCESSING & WORKFLOW
Outdated planning checklists
Number of review cycles (back and forth)
New requirements late in process
TECHNOLOGY
Outdated systems
Functional issues (visibility)
Bottlenecks
Staff Training and Coverage
Currently Underway
First Fridays
Values in Action Plan
Values incorporated into Performance Agreements
Near-Term
Cross-training of staff
Designated alternates
Timing for acceptance of Payments
Longer-Term
Establish contractor support for Current Planning
Processing and Workflow
Currently Underway
Digitize signatures where possible/Open Forms
Collecting checklists and forms examples
Residential permit application guide
Near-Term
Identify consultant(s) for process mapping
Create project specific checklists for application intake Commercial permit application guide
Longer-Term
Implement Workflow improvements
Update applications, checklists, forms
Publish guidance on workflow
Stand up a "Tiger Team" to expedite projects
Technology
Currently Underway
RFP released
Vendor selected
Permit system implemented
Near-Term
Launching Sali – Salinas' City Bot
Project manager selection
External needs assessment
Webinars/Training for current system
Longer-Term
Internal needs assessment
Statement of qualifications for new permitting system
Step-by-step videos for current system
Organizational Chart - Permitting
*Represents vacant positions
Community Development Director
Permit Services
Supervising Plan Checker
Inspections Manager
Management Analyst
Plan Checker I/II
Combo Bldg Inspector I/II
Combo Bldg Inspector I/II
Combo Bldg Inspector I/II
Admin Analyst I
Plan Checker I/II
Chief Building Official
Plan Checker I/II
Plan Checker I/II
Combo Bldg Inspector I/II
Combo Bldg Inspector I/II
Permit Analyst
Permit Technician
Permit Clerk
Permit Clerk
Permit Clerk
Permit Technician
Permit Center Coordinator
Permit Technician
Permit Technician
Admin
Clerk I
Combo Bldg Inspector I/II
*Represents approved FY 27/28 positions
Values in Action Plan
Value / Definition
How It Is Seen
How It Is Measured
Accountability
Own the outcome:
We individually follow through on commitments, make data-informed decisions, and proactively step in to get things done.
Disc AgreementMaintain accountability and professional respect across divisions Permit Services
Inspections are available on the next business day and scheduled at the customer's request. Permit intakes are processed in compliance with state law.
Code Enforcement
Proactive enforcement cases are opened in each district in a fair and consistent manner, and cases are closed once compliance has been achieved.
Current Planning
Projects are processed in compliance with state law, City procedures and established review timelines.
APPI
Long-range plans and implementing projects are informed by accurate technical studies and robust community engagement.
Administration
Outcomes are available and transparent for the community.
Housing
Grant-funded projects and commitments are kept on track.
Permit Services
90% percent of building permit inspections are available on the next business day and scheduled at the customer’s request. Meets or exceeds state timelines for completeness.
Code Enforcement
Generate a report after each cycle showing the number of cases opened and confirming a minimum 50% closure rate for all districts.
Current Planning
Meets or exceeds statutory timelines for application completeness determinations and project review milestones.
APPI
Adoption of long-range plans and completion of implementation projects.
Administration
Update department and division Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on City website quarterly.
Housing
Meet expenditure and timeliness requirements for CDBG, HOME and ESG grants.
Service Excellence Anticipate, respondand deliver: We commit to provide high quality effective service to all DiSC Agreement Provide consistent, empathetic service to the public
Residential Permit Process
Salinas Plan Review Timelines
Project Type
1st Review
2nd Review
3rd Review
4th Review
5th Review
New Commercial, Major TI w/ Structural or Stormwater
15 Working Days
10 Working Days
5 Working Days
3 Working Days
3 Working Days
New SFD, Non‑Structural and Minor TI’s
10 Working Days
5 Working Days
3 Working Days
3 Working Days
3 Working Days
Minor Non‑structural Remodel w/o Engineering or Planning; B, M or S Occupancy 5 Working Days
3 Working Days
3 Working Days
Miscellaneous Permits
3 Working Days
3 Working Days
3 Working Days
Complete application submitted by applicant
Sent to applicant for corrections from Building and Planning Reviewed by Building, Addressing, and Planning
2nd round reviewed by Building and Planning
Application approved. Sent to applicant to pay permitting fees 8 DAYS
11 DAYS
6 DAYS
6 DAYS
9 DAYS
1 DAY
Plans Stamped – Permit Issued
Time with City – 18 Days
Time with Applicant – 23 Days
Building Permit Applied to Issued
Real Permit Example:
749 square foot ADU
Total Days: 41
Complete application submitted by applicant
Sent to applicant for corrections from Building and Fire Reviewed by Building, Fire, and Planning
2nd round Reviewed by Building and Fire
Application approved. Sent to applicant to pay permitting fees 5 DAYS
13 DAYS
62 DAYS
9 DAYS
113 DAYS
8 DAYS
9 DAYS
2 DAYS
3 DAYS
2 DAYS
Plans Stamped – Permit Issued
Time with City - 34 Days
Time with Applicant – 192 Days
Building Permit Applied to Issued
Real Permit Example:
Commercial Tenant Improvement
Sent to Applicant for corrections from Building
3rd round reviewed by Building
4th round reviewed by Building
Sent to Applicant for corrections from Building
Total Days: 226
Website Enhancements
RFQ and Consultant Support for
2028 Software Replacement
PROJECT TIMELINE
Questions?For more information contact permit services (831)-758-7251https://www.cityofsalinas.org/your/government/departments/community-development