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Buildings & Grounds committee backs switch in permitting software, OKs applying for State Fire Marshal exemption
Summary
The Buildings & Grounds committee voted to recommend replacing its permitting software and approved applying for a State Fire Marshal exemption that would allow the city to inspect larger commercial projects locally, subject to state approval and triennial audits.
The Buildings & Grounds committee voted to recommend that the city switch its permitting software and approved filing an application seeking exemption from the State Fire Marshal to inspect larger commercial projects locally.
Committee members heard from a staff presenter that the city purchased SmartGov about two years ago; shortly after, the vendor was acquired and then purchased again by Granicus, and customer service and contracted pricing have deteriorated. The presenter said they tested multiple vendors and identified a sole-source alternative that will provide bilingual (English/Spanish) violation letters and allow applicants to complete permit applications in Spanish with staff receiving English on the back end. The presenter said the first-year cost including implementation is about $28,000 and that fees would not be charged to the city until the next budget year.
The committee voted “aye” to recommend the software change to the full board. No contract obligation with the current vendor was reported, and staff agreed to provide the committee with the exit/contract-termination language so the city can comply with any requirements before canceling the current service.
On a separate item, committee members approved a motion to apply for an exemption from the State Fire Marshal for "larger commercial projects" that currently fall under state jurisdiction. Staff said that, if granted, the city would perform plan review and inspections for projects currently routed to the State Fire Marshal—examples cited included multiunit apartments over two units and business occupancies three stories or greater—and that the city would perform inspections “in conjunction with the fire department.” The presenter said the exemption request must be submitted by the mayor, that the state performs an initial review, and that the city would be audited every three years to confirm continued enforcement of the applicable code.
Committee members noted applicants currently experience delays because the state electrical inspector visits only sporadically; staff said local control could reduce time and cost for applicants. The committee approved both motions with unanimous voice votes and moved the software recommendation to the full board for final action.
Staff did not provide a formal implementation timeline for the software migration beyond the first-year cost estimate. The presenter said some implementation costs might be accommodated in the current budget if the timing allows; otherwise, licensing/ongoing fees would show up in the next fiscal year.
