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San Anselmo council votes to repeal residential resale inspection ordinance; staff may offer optional file-review service
Summary
After public testimony from buyers, realtors and neighbors, the council approved the first reading to repeal Title 9, Chapter 23 (resale inspection/reports), voting to waive further readings. Several members urged staff to design an optional, expedited file-review service for buyers who want quick permit histories.
The San Anselmo Town Council held a public hearing on repeal of the town's residential resale inspection ordinance (Title 9, Chapter 23) and approved the ordinance's first reading, waiving future readings.
Staff summarized the background and fiscal implications: the program has generated roughly $64,000 to date and staff projected up to $100,000 in revenue based on prior activity, but council discussion had previously flagged redundancy with permit records and administrative complexity. Community development staff also said the action would be CEQA-exempt under the common-sense exemption.
Public commenters presented both sides. Brett Geithman described how disclosures in a resale report influenced his household's decision to buy and urged the town to retain some service or documentation: "That information directly informed our decision to purchase this home." Jonathan Braun urged keeping a supplementary voluntary service so buyers can access permit histories and conditions of approval. Local real-estate professionals and other residents said permit history is available via public records systems but supported an expedited, optional town service for buyers.
Council action: A motion to read the attached ordinance by title only passed, and the council then approved the first reading and waived additional readings. The vote was taken by voice; council members indicated unanimous approval during the meeting. Staff offered to return with an optional fee-based program (file-only review or expedited inspection-review) if the council wanted that product available to buyers and sellers.
Council direction: The council approved repeal on first reading and asked staff to draft an optional program and cost model (possible document-only review or a short inspection service at current hourly inspection rates) and return to council with details.
