Bellflower accepts building division update; staff to return with revised self‑certification rules, fees and plan‑check software timeline

The Bellflower City Council on Monday received an update on the Building and Safety Division’s operations since Willdan Engineering took over permit and inspection services in late September 2024, and voted unanimously to “receive and file” the report.

Council members heard staff describe changes to staffing, recommendations to narrow the scope of the city’s self‑certification program, a plan to adopt prescriptive soils standards for low‑risk foundations in parts of the city with a high water table, and a timetable and cost estimate to roll out a single online plan‑checking and permitting platform.

The report matters because the building division administers plan checks, permits and inspections that affect homeowners, contractors and developers; the council’s direction will shape which projects qualify for streamlined review and how quickly applicants can complete work.

City staff said Willdan — the contractor that began service on Sept. 29, 2024 — conducted an operational assessment and recommended several changes aimed at reducing inconsistent plan submission requirements and accelerating review times. Elizabeth (staff member) told the council the city moved from two to three full‑time permit technicians to handle an increased front‑counter workload and to prepare for an electronic plan‑check rollout.

“This slide shows or represents our front counter activity and staffing,” Elizabeth said during the…