Title
Planning and Building Department, Planning Division, recommending the Board consider the following:
1) In accordance with Chapter 3.13, Section 3.13.030 of County Ordinance Code, Contracting Out, find that due to the limited timeframes, temporary or occasional nature, or schedule for the project or scope of work, the ongoing aggregate of work to be performed is not sufficient to warrant addition of permanent staff;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement 10510 with Ascent Environmental, Inc. to assist the County with as-needed planning and environmental consulting services, with a not-to-exceed amount of $1,000,000, and a three (3) year term effective January 1, 2027 and concluding December 31, 2029; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute any further documents determined necessary related to Agreement 10510, including amendments which do not increase the not-to-exceed amount or term of the Agreement, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: Developer Funded (97%) and General Fund (3%).
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Planning and Building Department (Department) is responsible for reviewing and processing development applications, including compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Many of these projects require the preparation of complex CEQA documents, such as Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), and technical studies addressing biological resources, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, cultural resources, and other specialized areas. These regulatory processes demand advanced, discipline-specific expertise and comprehensive knowledge of state and federal environmental requirements.
At the present time, Planning Division staff resources are fully engaged in high-priority projects. Current Planning activities are highly variable based on developer activity and the volume and complexity of new projects. However, it is expe...
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