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Selenus staff outline refunds, fee adjustments for rental-registration program and report permit-center improvements
Summary
City staff reported a $197,788 surplus for the 2025 rental-registration program and outlined a refund schedule; permit center leaders described staffing increases, improved ADU turnaround and plans to reduce reliance on outside consultants.
City staff presented two operational reports to the Selenus City Council on Feb. 24: a refund plan for the 2025 rental-registration and rent-stabilization program, and the permit-center annual report.
Rental program: Assistant Director Orlando Reyes said 2025 program revenue totaled roughly $1.7 million and that, after allowable expenditures and loan repayments, a surplus of about $197,788 was identified for refund. Reyes described a MarchJuly timeline to confirm payers, process refunds through the city's accounting system and mail checks. Staff also proposed lower 2026 fees (residential registration reduced to $29; stabilization fee reduced to $112) and a suite of outreach and process improvements, including expanded in-person support and clearer petition procedures.
Permit Center: Assistant City Manager Lisa Murphy and Permit Center staff reported that 10 positions were filled across development services in 2025 (two vacancies remain in permit services), on-time plan reviews rose and ADU approvals improved when applicants used pre-approved plans (average approval time for pre-approved ADUs was 53 days faster). Staff said they are certifying in-house plan examiners to process more applications internally and continue a zoning code update to standardize objective standards.
Public and council concerns: Residents and council members urged improved customer service and suggested creating a technical/advisory committee or oversight mechanism to track permit-center improvements. Council asked staff to return with midyear staffing recommendations and comparative benchmarks from other jurisdictions.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with the refund timeline, continue outreach, refine petition processing and bring staffing proposals and midyear budget items to the council as part of the March midyear review.
Speakers quoted: Orlando Reyes, assistant director for community development; Lisa Murphy, assistant city manager; Angeline Enzini, chief building official.
