TO: LINDA REICH, CITY MANAGER
FROM: WARREN MORELION, AICP, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
SUBJECT
title
California Automated Permit Processing (CalAPP) Program Grant Funds.
end
RECOMMENDATION
1) Accept and approve the use of grant funds eligible for reimbursement under the California Automated Permit Processing (CalAPP) grant program; 2) establish a grant number G6240 and appropriate $60,000 to the General Fund with a corresponding increase in revenue; and 3) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the necessary documents.
body
FISCAL IMPACT
Requires an appropriation of $60,000 to the General Fund Building program, with a corresponding increase in revenue. There are no matching funds required by the City and grant funding is being awarded by the California Energy Commission.
CITY OF CHINO MISSION / VISION / VALUES / STRATEGIC ISSUES
The recommendation detailed above will further the City’s values and strategic issues that serve as key pillars on which identified priorities, goals, and action plans are built, by fostering:
• Financial Stability
• Superior Customer Service
|
Revenue: 1006300-59500-G6240 |
Expenditure: 1006300-40010-G6240 |
|
Transfer In: Click or tap here to enter text. |
Transfer Out: Click or tap here to enter text. |
BACKGROUND
In June of 2022, The California Energy Commission released a solicitation for funding made available to assist cities and counties to establish on-line, automated solar permitting. Senate Bill 129 (Skinner, Budget Act of 2021) appropriates $20 million of funding to support efforts to meet clean energy goals including new and renewable storage resources including rooftop solar and storage projects.
CalAPP funding is intended to encourage cities and counties to enhance permitting processes and accelerate plan review turnaround times. Funding amounts are determined by jurisdiction populations. Chino is eligible for $60,000.
Applications for funding are being accepted through May 1, 2024, or until funds are exhausted. Allowable costs for reimbursement include staff time and IT resources associated directly with the adoption, implementation and maintenance of a qualifying online, automated permitting platform.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The Development Services Department Building Division began development of the SolarAPP+ permitting platform in July of 2023. The implementation and adoption took place in September with a pilot program allowing ample time to test for accuracy in support of the strategic goal for superior customer service.
Staff training was completed in August and September 2023 and will continue as needed to update staff on maintenance and/or updates to the platform. Customer utilization thus far has been successful with over 10 permits issued.
On November 7, 2023, staff submitted an application for funding to the California Energy Commission to be utilized to reimburse the City for ongoing costs through May of 2027 associated with the implementation of the SolarAPP+ permitting platform. This will include staff time, resources, consultant time, ongoing training and maintenance.
The City’s application was reviewed and deemed eligible for funding in the amount of $60,000. Staff is seeking approval and acceptance of these funds to offset any ongoing maintenance costs associated with the SolarAPP+ permitting platform, thus supporting financial stability.
Attachment - CalAPP Agreement