TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Masa Alkire, Community Development Director
Ryan Heise, Building Official
SUBJECT:Title
Discussion of Building Permit Discounts to Qualified Older Adults for Aging in Place Projects (Potential Budget Impact) (Community Development Director Alkire).
(Estimated Time: 15 Mins.)
DISCUSS AND PROVIDE DIRECTION
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with the discussion of the agenda item. If future direction is provided by Council to move forward with discounted user fees for plan check review and building permits, then such direction will result in a limited reduction in cost recovery of both plan check and inspection services provided.
BACKGROUND:
At the October 7, 2025 City Council meeting, Councilmember Joe Franklin brought forward the potential staff work assignment of exploring the possibility of the City providing discounts on building permits to qualified older adults for aging in place projects, which was seconded by Councilmember Tarnay. During the October 21, 2025 City Council Meeting the agenda item received a third vote by Councilmember Howorth and Council provided the direction that staff time be allocated to complete work on the topic.
DISCUSSION:
Aging in place refers to the ability of older adults to live in their own homes or familiar communities safely, independently, and comfortably as they age, without the need to move to assisted living or nursing facilities. Successful aging in place often requires modifications to the home to improve safety and accessibility. Examples of the types of home improvements required include installing grab bars in bathrooms, adding ramps, chair lifts, or elevators, widening doorways and improving lighting.
Assembly Bill (AB) 2132 was approved in 2018 and authorizes cities and counties in Ca...
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