COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Chenin Dow, Community Development Director
DATE: September 16, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Awarding a Professional Services Agreement to City Detect for the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology in Code Enforcement Activities
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the award of a Professional Service Agreement to City Detect.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Adopt a Resolution awarding a Professional Services Agreement to City Detect for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in code enforcement activities in the amount of $66,000 annually; and
2. Authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The City continuously seeks innovative ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Code Enforcement operations. Recently, AI-powered camera technology has emerged as a valuable tool to automate the identification of common code violations, such as blight, illegal dumping, trash, graffiti, and overgrown vegetation.
City Detect uses cameras and artificial intelligence to objectively and proactively detect and inventory localities’ housing degradation and code violations.
As part of our ongoing modernization efforts, with this system Code Enforcement can obtain near-real-time insights into the condition of the City. The cameras will be mounted to fleet vehicles and use proprietary Al algorithms to analyze various issues throughout the community, resulting in detailed and actionable reports to inform decision-making and strategic planning for proactive interventions in problem areas. The proposed AI system will track trends and generate heat maps of frequent violations.
The City of Santa Maria is committed to promoting a safe , clean, and well -maintained environment for all residents and businesses. Code Enforcement staff work diligently to 2 uphold City ordinances and respond to residents’ concerns; however, staffing limitations have presented challenges. In response, the City has evaluated emerging technologies and identified AI -powered camera systems as a potential solution to enhance our enforcement capabilities and better serve the community.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed agreement includes the deployment of two AI -enabled camera units to systematically monitor and analyze the condition of residential and public properties in Santa Maria. AI-powered cameras can significantly enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness of enforcement operations. AI cameras allow for regular monitoring of the public realm, automatically identifying violations such as graffiti, trash containers in public view, items stored in the public rights of way, overgrown vegetation, and other blight - related issues. This will reduce the need for routine patrols and allow enforcement officers to focus on confirmed issues, responding to service requests, and achieving faster response times. AI systems can track trends, hot spots, and repeat offenders over time.
This data will aid the City in allocating resources more strategically by identifying areas with frequent violations and flagging key Code Enforcement issues as they emerge. By discouraging violations through active monitoring and swift response, the City may se e less blight-related violations, which improves the quality of life and public trust.
Alternative(s)
The City Council could decide not to award this Professional Services Agreement to City Detect and direct staff to seek alternative ways to increase efficiency and response to service requests and blight-related issues in Code Enforcement.
Fiscal Considerations
While there is an up-front investment, AI systems reduce the need for manual patrols and provide long-term cost savings through operational efficiency. The cost is not to exceed $66,000.00 annually for a term of three years.
Impact on the Community
Community benefits of AI cameras in Code Enforcement help assist in cleaner and safer neighborhoods. AI cameras help detect violations like illegal dumping, graffiti, or blight as they happen. Faster cleanup and enforcement discourage repeat offenses and keeps public areas clean and safe.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution – City Detect
B. Professional Services Agreement – City Detect