Cherry Hills Village Council authorizes one‑year SAFEbuilt contract and $50,000 budget supplement for planning reviews

Cherry Hills Village approved a one‑year Professional Services Agreement with SAFEbuilt and a related supplemental appropriation of up to $50,000 to handle an increased volume of building permit applications requiring zoning review.

Community Development Director Paul Workman told the council the planning division has seen a marked rise in permit activity — including applications for pools, sheds and detached garages — that require zoning review before routing to building code consultants. He said SAFEbuilt, a nationwide firm that serves jurisdictions along Colorado’s Front Range, would “function as an extension of City staff” to conduct zoning compliance reviews while the City retains final permit authority.

Director Workman and City Manager Chris Cramer explained the arrangement is intended to be a one‑year, not‑to‑exceed contract designed to preserve staff capacity for more complex site plan amendment reviews. Workman described a monitoring and training period during which SAFEbuilt’s work will be verified by City staff before permits are finalized.

Councilor Dave Heller pressed staff on quality control. Workman described an extensive training process and a verification period prior to granting reviewers independent authority. Councilor Robert Eber asked whether SAFEbuilt would be issuing approvals in the City’s name; Workman clarified that the City retains full responsibility for permit issuance and that SAFEbuilt reviewers will be identified in the record for accountability.

City Attorney Kathie Guckenberger confirmed that the contract structure provides enforceable remedies for deficient performance, and Councilor Eber suggested an option for a mid‑term audit; staff noted existing inspection and records provisions allow administrative oversight without a formal contract amendment.

Councilor Susan Maguire moved and Councilor Doug Robinson seconded the motion to approve the agreement and authorize the City Manager to finalize terms; the council voted in favor and approved Council Bill 5 on first reading to amend the 2026 budget for the appropriation.

The professional services agreement is capped at $50,000. The minutes record that staff expects the increased permit revenue generated by the higher application volume to offset the cost of the contract. The council did not specify whether the City would continue the arrangement beyond the one‑year term; Mayor Brown said a longer‑term staffing decision would be considered if elevated activity persists.