The Baldwin Park City Council convened on February 19, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives, primarily focusing on the introduction of preapproved plans for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and the approval of consulting services to address staffing shortages.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the proposal to create a set of preapproved ADU plans that will be owned by the city and offered to residents at no charge. This initiative aims to streamline the process for homeowners looking to build ADUs, potentially saving them both time and money. Council members discussed the expected time savings, estimating that using the city’s preapproved plans could reduce the approval timeline by approximately three to four months compared to custom plans. The council emphasized the importance of having these plans readily available to facilitate the construction of detached ADUs, which are seen as a more straightforward option due to their design flexibility.

Council members expressed interest in exploring multiple design options for the ADUs, similar to those offered by other cities like Whittier, which provides several attractive designs for homeowners to choose from. The council agreed to include a request for proposals (RFP) to architects to develop these plans, with the possibility of presenting a shortlist of designs for council review.

In addition to the ADU discussion, the council addressed the need for on-call administrative consulting services due to current staffing shortages in the housing department. The council approved a contract with two firms, allowing for up to $50,000 annually for each firm over three years. This decision aims to ensure that essential services, such as inspections and quality control, continue without interruption while the city works to fill existing vacancies.

Overall, the meeting underscored Baldwin Park's commitment to enhancing housing options through streamlined processes and addressing staffing challenges to maintain effective city operations. The council's actions reflect a proactive approach to supporting residents in their housing needs while ensuring that city services remain robust and responsive.