1 TO: Philippe Eskandar, City Manager
FROM: Isidro Figueroa, Community Development Department DATE: April 13, 2026
SUBJECT: BUDGET SUBMISSION FOR FY 2026-27
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
YEAR-END SUMMARY (FY 2025-26 BUDGET VS ESTIMATED)
The Department is anticipated to end the fiscal year with a savings of $69,492 or 2.9% below the current budget. The primary reasons are listed below:
Personnel budget anticipates a savings of $167,270 due to personnel vacancies. Services and Supplies is projected to come in under budget overall, with savings across several programs offsetting higher costs in certain line items. Expenditures for planning consulting services exceeded the FY 2025–26 adopted budget due to mid-year adjustments related to staffing vacancies and development-related work. Of this amount, $42,674 will be reimbursed by The Huntington Library. Savings are primarily due to deferred program implementation, budget reallocations, and encumbrance funds, reflecting strategic cost management, project timeline adjustments, and operational efficiencies. The primary reasons for the savings are due to the following:
FY 2025-26 FY 2025-26 Bud. Vs Est.
Bud. Vs
Est.
Description Budget Estimated Diff $$ Diff %%
Personnel 1,900,167 $ 1,732,897 $ (167,270) $ -8.8%
Services & Supplies 518,091 615,870 97,779 18.9%
Total: 2,418,258 $ 2,348,767 $ (69,492) $ -2.9%
$18,500 being unspent is largely due to the transition to a new vendor last fiscal year, which slowed removal activity during the implementation period. In addition, peafowl service requests vary throughout the year and are affected by seasonal breeding patterns and shifts in local bird activity between neighborhoods.
$5,000 being unspent on the Tree Incentive Program due to no public interest and no formal developed program guidelines.
o An estimated $17,000 in savings to cost center #101-14-4150-0001 (Other Contract Services – Economic Development) is projected as staff has worked directly with the community and property owners to advance previously stalled economic development projects, reducing the need for outside consulting services. At this time, staff does not anticipate pursuing a separate economic development study this fiscal year, though funding remains available should priorities shift. Budget Overages: An anticipated overage of approximately $16,000 in cost center #101- 14-4202-0000 (Legal Noticing) is projected. Funding for legal noticing related to public hearing items, including Conditional Use Permits, Zone Text Amendments, and Variances, has not been separately budgeted in recent fiscal years. As a result, current expenditures exceed the available allocation. The overage reflects a high volume of mandated public noticing and associated outstanding invoices for these entitlement applications. Staff will continue to monitor expenditures in this cost center and evaluate appropriate adjustments in future fiscal years to better align the budget with actual noticing activity.
FY 2026-27 PROPOSED BUDGET
Personnel
The Department’s Full Time Equivalent (FTE) is 12.55, 12 Full-time and 0.55 Part-time positions. A Senior Planner position is proposed to be frozen in FY 2026-27 as a budget-balancing strategy.
Salaries & Wages are projected to be $55,854 or 3.8% decrease from current budget.
Services & Supplies
The proposed FY 2026-27 Services and Supplies budget totals $510,786 compared to the FY 2025- 26 adopted budget of $518,091, which represents a $7,305 decrease or a 1.4% decrease from the current budget. Overall, the Department has reduced expenditures where feasible while FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27 YOY Budget
YOY
Budget
Description Budget Proposed Diff $$ Diff %%
Personnel $ 1,900,167 $ 1,863,991 $ -1.9% (36,177)
Services & Supplies 518,091 510,786 -1.4% (7,305)
Total: $ 2,418,258 $ 2,374,777 $ (43,481) -1.8%
maintaining required service levels. A cost increase in certain cost center accounts is necessary to account for rising contract rates, inflation, and expanded service needs. A decrease of $12,322 in cost center #101-14-4150-0000 (Other Contract Services) is primarily due to no anticipated expenditures for the General Plan Safety Element in FY 2026-27 and limited remaining costs associated with the City’s broader General Plan Update. Funding for peafowl removal has been reduced to reflect slowed removal activity and seasonal fluctuations in breeding and localized movement patterns. The Tree Incentive Program allocation has been removed due to lack of public interest and the absence of formally adopted program guidelines.
A decrease of $10,000 in cost center #101-14-4150-0001 (Other Contract ServicesEconomic Development) reflects staff advancing projects directly, reducing the need for consulting services, with funds remaining available if needed. An increase of $16,000 is proposed for cost center #101-14-4202-0000 (Legal Noticing), which did not have a prior-year allocation. This increase reflects mandated public noticing requirements for entitlement projects, including Conditional Use Permits, Zone Text Amendments, and Variances, as well as outstanding invoices related to recent public hearing activity.
The proposed printing budget increases from $10,000 to $12,000 #101-14-4316-0000 (Equipment Repair and Maintenance) is needed to account for the use of color printing for Design Review Committee and Planning Commission packet production. Additionally, the Stoneman copy and printer costs, previously shared with the Recreation Department, will now be fully assumed by Community Development as Recreation relocates from the facility.
The proposed budget for cost center #101-14-4376-0000 (Materials and Supplies) increases from $13,300 to $13,850. This adjustment reflects supply cost increases, including annually ordered proof of business license stickers, increased paper usage associated with Planning Commission and Design Review Committee packet production, and the Stoneman water service, which will now be fully assumed by Community Development as Recreation relocates from the facility.
The proposed budget for cost center #101-14-4500-9025 increases from $3,500 to $3,900 to reflect anticipated annual rate adjustments and projected utility costs for the fiscal year.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Department Narrative (Purpose, Description, FY 2025-26 Accomplishments, FY 2026-27 Objectives, Operational Dashboard)
B. Department Organizational Chart
C. Department Tie-Out Sheets
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE
The mission of the Community Development Department is to preserve the comforts of the community, our neighborhoods, and our natural resources.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Department consists of the Community Development Director, a Building Inspector, a Code Enforcement Manager, two (2) full-time Code Enforcement Officers, one (1) part-time Code Enforcement Officer, a Senior Planner, an Associate Planner, two (2) Assistant Planners, three (3) Permit Technicians, and a Management Analyst. Together these employees are primarily responsible for current and long-range planning, environmental review, building inspections, plan checking, code enforcement, economic development, and administering the business license program. Current planning activities include:
Providing zoning information to the public;
Reviewing development plans for compliance with City zoning regulations, and processing plans through the Design Review Committee, Planning Commission, and City Council; Providing long-range planning guides to address future growth and physical development of the City by updating the General Plan and its various elements; Providing code enforcement to preserve the City’s beautiful appearance; Monitoring commercial vacancies and providing zoning information for prospective businesses seeking to relocate to San Marino; and
Administering and enforcing local and State regulations applicable to construction on private property within the City. Included in this responsibility is the review of construction plans, issuance of permits and field inspection of construction from foundation through final completion of buildings.
FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Department facilitated adoption of Ordinance No. O-25-1418 amending multiple sections of the Municipal Code to address resident needs. Updates included revisions to front yard hedge height regulations, reconstruction of nonconforming structures damaged by calamitous events, and the addition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday during which construction is prohibited. The amendment to SMMC § 23.06.11 was particularly important following the January 2025 windstorm, as it clarified the City’s ability to allow repair and rebuilding of nonconforming structures damaged by unforeseen events beyond fire or earthquake.
Facilitated adoption of the 2025 California Building Standards Codes to ensure continued compliance with state law and updated requirements for structural safety, fire protection, and energy efficiency.
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
As part of implementing the City’s Housing Element programs, the Department prepared and released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the potential development of approximately
1.56 acres of City-owned property at the Stoneman site. The RFP initiates a competitive process to identify a qualified development partner and advances implementation of the City’s certified Housing Element.
Updated the City’s Window Replacement Procedures to clarify the review process and provide more efficient and accessible options for property owners, while maintaining the City’s design standards and neighborhood character.
As part of implementing the City’s Housing Element programs, the Department processed and advanced the Scholar’s Grove residential project at The Huntington Library, facilitating additional housing opportunities consistent with adopted zoning and state law. Issued an RFP and selected a consultant to prepare a Development Impact Fee (DIF) Study Advanced the General Plan Safety Element update
FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 OBJECTIVES
Identify and advance targeted Municipal Code updates to improve clarity, administration, and consistency.
Update the City’s Pre-Approved Windows Materials List to incorporate new, sustainable building materials and streamline the approval process, enhancing efficiency and ensuring compliance with updated building codes.
Advance the Stoneman Site initiative for the potential development of multifamily housing by completing evaluation of RFP responses and facilitating City Council consideration of a preferred development partner and next steps.
Coordinate the development of the General Plan Update. Work with the City’s Urban Forester to update the Tree Preservation Ordinance.
OPERATIONAL DASHBOARD
Description FY 2023-24
Total
FY 2024-25
Year to Date
(July – March)
FY 2025-26
Year to Date
(July – March)
Building permits issued 906 738 742
Tree removal permits
issued 72 39 44
ADU permits issued 29 25 26
ADU Applications
submitted 29 32 40
Open code enforcement
cases per month average 90 74 55
New businesses 43 40 36
90 77 82 85
46 94 97
62 109
5 3 8 7 3 7 44 3
0 20
40 60
80 100
120
Jul-25 Aug-25 Sep-25 Oct-25 Nov-25 Dec-25 Jan-26 Feb-26 Mar-26 FY 25-26 PERMITS
Building Permits Issued Tree Removal Permits Issued
57 54
66 58 59
50 48 43
57 Jul-25 Aug-25 Sep-25 Oct-25 Nov-25 Dec-25 Jan-26 Feb-26 Mar-26 FY 25-26 OPEN CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES
0 2
5 4
1 44
2 4
3 4
3 8
4 6
3 5
4 0
2 4
6 8
10 Jul-25 Aug-25 Sep-25 Oct-25 Nov-25 Dec-25 Jan-26 Feb-26 Mar-26 FY 25-26 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUs)
ADU Permits Issued ADU Applications Submitted
4 3
2 1
6 1
4 6
9 Jul-25 Aug-25 Sep-25 Oct-25 Nov-25 Dec-25 Jan-26 Feb-26 Mar-26 FY 25-26 NEW BUSINESSES
Community Development
Director
Code
Enforcement
Manager
Code
Enforcement
Officer (2)
Code
Enforcement
Officer (P/T)
Building
Inspector
Permit
Tech (3)
Senior Planner
Assistant
Planner
(2)
Associate
Planner
Management Analyst
Community Development
Department
FY 2023-24 FY 2024-2025 FY 2026-27
Actual Actual Budget Estimated Proposed
Full-Time
Community Development Director 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Code Enforcement Manager 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Senior Planner 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 -
Associate Planner 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Assistant Planner 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Permit Technician I 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00
Management Analyst 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Code Enforcement Officer 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00
Building Inspector II 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Part-Time
Senior Planner - - - - -
Management Analyst - - - - -
Code Enforcement Officer 0.50 0.50 0.55 0.55 0.55
Total Full-Time FTE 13.00 13.00 13.00 13.00 12.00
Total Part-Time FTE 0.50 0.50 0.55 0.55 0.55
Department Total FTE 13.50 13.50 13.55 13.55 12.55
Expenditures by Type:
Personnel 1,633,749 1,725,826 1,900,167 1,732,897 1,863,991 Services & Supplies 431,509 523,570 518,091 615,870 510,786 Total by Type 2,065,258 $ 2,249,396 $ 2,418,258 $ 2,348,767 $ 2,374,777 $ Expenditures by Fund:
General Fund 2,059,687 101 2,249,396 2,418,258 2,348,767 2,374,777 Workers Compensation Fund 5,571 595 - - - -
Total by Fund 2,065,258 $ 2,249,396 $ 2,418,258 $ 2,348,767 $ 2,374,777 $ GL # Personnel
101-14-4001-0000 Full Time Salaries 1,107,225 1,281,986 1,409,443 1,254,224 1,341,984 101-14-4002-0000 Part Time Wages 43,851 47,982 46,068 46,068 53,187 101-14-4004-0000 Overtime 18,498 9,180 14,043 14,043 14,605 101-14-4006-0000 Medicare 15,770 18,070 21,309 21,309 20,442 101-14-4008-3080 Retirement - 457 Plan 10,300 11,814 18,400 18,400 16,800 101-14-4008-6050 Retirement-PARS - - 1,728 1,728
101-14-4008-6160 Retirement-PERS 223,657 116,865 127,053 115,000 126,266 101-14-4010-0000 Cafeteria Benefit 207,319 238,428 257,975 257,975 286,557 101-14-4012-0000 Auto Allowance - - 2,400 2,400 2,400
101-14-4013-0000 Uniform Allowance 1,500 1,500 1,750 1,750 1,750 101-14-4105-0000 Workers' Comp Current Employee 58 - -
595-14-4015-0001 Workers' Comp Current Employee 5,571 - - Total Personnel 1,633,749 $ 1,725,826 $ 1,900,167 $ 1,732,897 $ 1,863,991 $ GL # Services & Supplies
101-14-4104-6270 Contract Building & Safety Svc 206,946 230,032 250,000 245,000 250,000
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
FY 2025-26
Operating Budget Summary
Operating Budget Detail
Authorized Positions (Full-Time Equivalents)
FY 2023-24 FY 2024-2025 FY 2026-27
Actual Actual Budget Estimated Proposed
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
FY 2025-26
101-14-4106-0950 Contract Legal Svcs.-Code Enf. - - - - - 101-14-4150-0000 Other Contract Services 161,964 223,626 168,148 289,184 155,826 101-14-4150-0001 Other Contract Services-Econ. Develop. 2,625 3,000 20,000 3,000 10,000 101-14-4150-0500 Other Contract Services-IT 16,744 15,723 24,503 22,367 23,680 101-14-4202-0000 Legal Noticing 1,809 16,404 - 16,404 16,000 101-14-4204-0000 Reference Materials 68 195 3,000 3,000 200 101-14-4309-0000 Admin- Cash Over/Short-Com Dev (49) (95) - - - 101-14-4316-0000 Equipment Repair & Maintenance 7,545 7,907 10,000 9,000 12,000 101-14-4332-0000 LA County Publishing Fees - - -
101-14-4376-0000 Materials & Supplies 16,645 12,350 13,300 12,000 13,850 101-14-4396-0000 Memberships & Dues 1,912 3,128 4,680 3,315 4,500 101-14-4398-0000 Mileage 289 554 1,500 1,000 1,500
101-14-4412-0000 Postage - - 500 - 500
101-14-4420-0000 Printing 3,103 873 3,000 1,000 3,000
101-14-4468-0000 Staff Development 3,730 1,995 6,655 4,300 6,525 101-14-4480-0000 Travel & Meetings 36 17 5,305 1,500 5,305 101-14-4500-9025 Utilities-Telecommunications 3,707 3,745 3,500 3,500 3,900 101-14-4508-0000 Vehicle Repair & Maintenance 4,435 4,117 4,000 1,300 4,000 101-14-4950-0001 Equipment Cost Allocation - - -
Total Services & Supplies 431,509 $ 523,570 $ 518,091 $ 615,870 $ 510,786 $ Total Operating Expenditures 2,065,258 $ 2,249,396 $ 2,418,258 $ 2,348,767 $ 2,374,777 $ FY 2023-24 FY 2024-2025 FY 2026-27
Actual Actual Budget Estimated Proposed
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
FY 2025-26
101-14-4106-0950 Contract Legal Svcs.-Code Enf. - - - - - 101-14-4150-0000 Other Contract Services 161,964 223,626 168,148 289,184 155,826 101-14-4150-0001 Other Contract Services-Econ. Develop. 2,625 3,000 20,000 3,000 10,000 101-14-4150-0500 Other Contract Services-IT 16,744 15,723 24,503 22,367 23,680 101-14-4202-0000 Legal Noticing 1,809 16,404 - 16,404 16,000 101-14-4204-0000 Reference Materials 68 195 3,000 3,000 200 101-14-4309-0000 Admin- Cash Over/Short-Com Dev (49) (95) - - - 101-14-4316-0000 Equipment Repair & Maintenance 7,545 7,907 10,000 9,000 12,000 101-14-4332-0000 LA County Publishing Fees - - -
101-14-4376-0000 Materials & Supplies 16,645 12,350 13,300 12,000 13,850 101-14-4396-0000 Memberships & Dues 1,912 3,128 4,680 3,315 4,500 101-14-4398-0000 Mileage 289 554 1,500 1,000 1,500
101-14-4412-0000 Postage - - 500 - 500
101-14-4420-0000 Printing 3,103 873 3,000 1,000 3,000
101-14-4468-0000 Staff Development 3,730 1,995 6,655 4,300 6,525 101-14-4480-0000 Travel & Meetings 36 17 5,305 1,500 5,305 101-14-4500-9025 Utilities-Telecommunications 3,707 3,745 3,500 3,500 3,900 101-14-4508-0000 Vehicle Repair & Maintenance 4,435 4,117 4,000 1,300 4,000 101-14-4950-0001 Equipment Cost Allocation - - -
Total Services & Supplies 431,509 $ 523,570 $ 518,091 $ 615,870 $ 510,786 $ Total Operating Expenditures 2,065,258 $ 2,249,396 $ 2,418,258 $ 2,348,767 $ 2,374,777 $