When the region’s economy began significantly improving in 2015, the Building division of the Community Services Department experienced a steady increase in the number of applications for building permits. To provide timely building permit and inspection services to the development community, the Building division began contracting for third-party plan checking and inspection services to supplement City staff. West Coast Code Consultants, Inc. (WC3) is one of the firms that currently provides these services to the City. The City has continued to utilize contract plan review services both to maintain staffing flexibility and to gain access to plans examiners with the specialized experience needed for the review of more complex plans (e.g. multi-family residential buildings, schools).

WC3 submitted a letter proposal dated May 14, 2019 to continue providing the City of Sparks with building permit plan review and inspection services. Staff have reviewed the proposals and finds the terms acceptable. The proposed contract would extend the Building division’s use of WC3’s services through June 30, 2020 by authorizing the expenditure of up to $750,000 for plan review services and up to $150,000 for inspection services from the Development Services Enterprise Fund. If the City Council approves the contract, WC3’s services would be used on an as-needed basis.

1. City Council could approve the proposed contract as outlined by staff.

2. City Council could reject the proposed contract and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move to approve a professional services contract (AC-5588) with West Coast Code Consultants, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $900,000 for building permit plan review and inspection services.