Title
Planning and Building Department recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 174-2026 rescinding Resolution 148-2024, to dissolve the Building Industry Advisory Committee.
Funding: N/A
Body
Discussion / Background
On November 20, 1984, the Board of Supervisors (Board) supported the formation of the Building Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC), a committee consisting of building industry professionals established to provide recommendations to the Planning and Building Department (Department). The BIAC’s purpose is to offer guidance on code interpretations, inspections, procedures, new construction techniques, product review, new codes, revised fees, and other items of building industry concern.
On February 5, 2008 (Legistar File 08-0082), the Board adopted Resolution 25-2008, establishing membership guidelines and identifying duties and responsibilities of the BIAC, subsequently appointing members and alternates with “at large” appointments occurring at a later date. The BIAC also expressed interest in becoming a recommending body to the Board regarding policies and procedures impacting the building industry.
On October 12, 2010 (Legistar File 10-1025), the Board adopted Resolution 164-2010, which superseded Resolution 25-2008 and revised the membership categories.
On September 10, 2024 (Legistar File 24-1524), the Board adopted Resolution 148-2024, superseding Resolution 164-2010 and revising the committee’s structure to align with the Department’s current structure and focus.
For nearly two decades, the BIAC provided a structured means for industry representatives to engage with the Department and offer feedback on processes, policies, and procedures; however, to date no bylaws have been established. At the time, the committee served as an important avenue for communication and collaboration.
Today the Department has access to broader, timelier, and more effective methods for gathering industry input and sharing operational updates. Modern communication tools and established professional forums now offer consistent, frequent, and wide-reaching engagement opportunities that exceed what the BIAC model can provide. These include quarterly informational newsletters from the Building Official, regular participation in monthly Surveyors, Architects, Geologists, Engineers (SAGE) of El Dorado County meetings, monthly fire-prevention meetings, quarterly North State Building Industry Association, El Dorado County Chapter meetings, ongoing involvement with the Sacramento Valley Association of Building Officials (SVABO), engagement with the California Association of Permit Technicians (CAPT), and training and statewide coordination through California Building Officials (CALBO) and County Building Officials Association of California (CBOAC) conferences. Together, these venues support collaboration, industry dialogue, training, and the sharing of best practices, ensuring staff continue to receive timely and relevant input. Staff also provides updates and information through the County website, handouts and a rotating slide show in the lobby of Building C and receives feedback through surveys sent to anyone who obtains a building permit.
Additionally, transitioning away from a standing committee format reduces administrative burden for County staff by eliminating meeting coordination, agenda preparation, and attendance requirements, while also removing the commute obligation for volunteers. Elimination of the BIAC does not preclude staff from reaching out to builders, contractors and other building industry professionals as needed to obtain input and staff will reach out as needed.
At this time, the BIAC is also unable to achieve quorum. The committee currently has only three (3) members, one (1) of whom serves as an alternate for a still-standing primary member, and the remaining former members have either resigned, reached the end of their appointment terms, or are no longer active in the building industry. As a result, the committee cannot convene or take formal action. In January 2026, the Department contacted members to gather feedback on transitioning away from a standing committee; two (2) responses were received and considered (Attachment D). One comment was received from the North State Building Industry Association Government and Public Affairs Director, Vance Jarrard who was transitioning out of the role at that time. Staff has since reached out to current Director, Jeff Short, explaining how the Building Division will continue to outreach and gather input from industry professionals. Mr. Short has expressed that the North State BIA does not oppose dissolving the BIAC with the implementation of other outreach methods as noted (Attachment E). Considering this input, the Department believes dissolution is the most effective path toward establishing a more flexible and engaging communication approach.
Given the availability of more effective engagement methods, the inability of the BIAC to meet quorum, and the Department’s ongoing participation in robust professional networks that fulfill the committee’s original function, the formal BIAC structure is no longer necessary. Accordingly, staff respectfully recommends the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution to dissolve the Building Industry Advisory Committee.
Alternatives
The Board may choose not to dissolve the BIAC and direct staff to reconstitute the committee and establish bylaws. Reestablishing the committee would require significant staff time to post vacancies, conduct outreach, coordinate applicant interviews and appointments, and return to the Board with recommended actions.
Prior Board Action
See Discussion/Background above.
OTHER Department/Agency involvement
N/A
CAO Recommendation
Approve as recommended.
Financial Impact
There is no change to net County cost associated with this agenda item. Should the Board choose not to adopt the Resolution, staff would be required to initiate the process of reconstituting the BIAC. This would require staff time to post vacancies, conduct outreach, review applications, coordinate appointments, and return to the Board for the appointment of new members.
Clerk of the board follow up actions
The Clerk of the Board will:
1) Obtain the Chair’s signature on the approved Resolution;
2) Update the Boards, Commissions and Committees webpage;
3) Update Legistar.
Strategic Plan Component
N/A
contact
Don Knight, Deputy Director of Building, Chief Building Official
Planning and Building Department