existing and future residents, in partnership with the community, through proper planning and development practices. The Department strives for responsible, responsive and creative solutions to meet the current needs of customers and the City, while planning for future generations.
The Department of Community Development (DCD) focuses on planning, housing, building and development issues through the actions of its Community Planning, Building Safety and Neighborhood Services Divisions. The Department continues to meet the challenge of the changing economy by doing more with less.
The Building Safety Division provides services needed to meet the needs of all the construction activity in the City. Staff meets with the public, reviews building plans, issues building permits, performs inspections of construction, and ensures Council adopted codes are enforced. This last year the Building Safety Division performed over 1,684 plan reviews, and issued 3,720 construction permits. The Code Enforcement Specialists are a part of the Building Safety Division. They provide support and service for the Community Planning Division. During the past year, Code Enforcement has worked closely with the Yuma Police Department to resolve issues that require a multi-disciplined approach.
The Neighborhood Services Division has moved from City Administration into Community Development.
Neighborhood Services creates healthy neighborhoods by improving the quality of life of residents, particularly in the low and moderate income
(LMI) level. In partnership with the community, Neighborhood Services develops and implements creative strategies for attractive and diverse neighborhoods. The City receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Neighborhood Services ensures the use of funds address priorities in the Consolidated Plan and meet HUD requirements. Neighborhood Services uses CDBG and other resources to administer a Housing Rehab Program, Neighborhood Leadership Academy, proactive Code Enforcement and a Rental Inspection Program in revitalization areas.
The Community Planning Division meets with customers, handles requests for rezoning and subdivisions, and addresses needed changes to the zoning or subdivision codes. Long Range Planning staff prepares updates to the General Plan, new or revised policies to guide the City's growth and adds land area to the city through annexations. Staff reviews all city business license applications and assists customers through weekly scheduled pre-development meetings. The planners provide staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Design and Historic Review Commission and Hearing Officer.
2016-2017 Accomplishments
Administration
Developed and refined the Farmworker Housing text amendment for review by the industry and the public.
Prepared the groundwork for the In-fill ordinance Building Safety
Developed and implemented the H2a inspection program
Reviewed 3500 plans and conducted over 25,000 inspections
Complete all reviews and inspections on the 4 year 150million dollar hospital ED project.
Updated all permit applications and have them available on line
Full utilization of online permitting and plan review
First phase of inspector training was implemented.
Performed annual Mobile Home Park Assessment for all RV & mobile home parks Neighborhood Services
Launched monthly Mesa Heights Resource Fairs
Approved to offer FHA Good Neighbor Next Door Program
Initiated Implementation of Mesa Heights Plan
Worked with HACY to provide a site in Mesa Heights for a tax-credit housing project Community Planning
Completed the Fairgrounds Relocation Study
Updated Mobile Home Park site plans
Developed and adopted the Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance which provides incentives for In-fill development
Completed the Sign Code update related to the Reed decision of the U.S. Supreme Court
Revised and Adopted the Redevelopment Element for In-fill development implementation
Updated the Parking Code to reduce numbers of spaces required and to provide incentives for In-fill development
Goals for 2017-2018
Administration
Adopt and Implement Farmworker Housing Text Amendment
Attempt to attract qualified planners for the vacant positions.
Building Safety
Install all standard plans on building inspectors I-pads
Start the review to update to the 2018 building codes
Actively pursue code enforcement to abate or demolish vacant and abandoned structures.
Maintain expected service delivery times amid increased development activity
Provide public education and outreach on building permits and property maintenance
Maintained expected service delivery times amid increased development activity
Neighborhood Services
Implement Year 2 goals for Mesa Heights Neighborhood Revitalization Plan
Mesa Heights Activities: Rental Inspection, Housing Rehab, New Construction, Code Enforcement, Homeownership training, financial literacy, food distribution.
Mesa Heights special projects: Harvard Street infrastructure study; Mobile Home Park improvement strategy; Small Business Association.
Community Events: Fair Housing Festival, North End Thanksgiving Dinner, Rock 'n Roll Paint-A-Thon; Mesa Heights Resource Fairs; JHOC gymnasium grand re-opening.
Community Planning
Create a newsletter for the Historic Districts
Develop a Landscape Water Conservation Plan
Create a Community Design Policy
Identify Complete Streets Practices and Procedures for the city to implement
Update the Home Occupation Ordinance
Landscape Code Update
For fiscal year 2017-2018, the Community Development department presents a budget of $4,728,340, a 9.3% decrease from last year’s budget. The reason for the decrease is a decrease in grant funding and the unfunding of one position for FY2018. Even though personnel costs show a decrease due to the unfunded position, there is a 5% increase in health insurance costs included.
15/16 Actual 16/17 Adjusted Budget 16/17 Estim ate 17/18 Budget
Personal Services 2,858,309 3,280,401 2,882,758 3,207,666 Operating 1,096,934 1,931,251 1,374,021 1,435,675
Capital Outlay 39,361 - - 84,999
3,994,604
5,211,652 4,256,779 4,728,340
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
15/16 Actual 16/17 Adjusted Budget 16/17 Estimate 17/18 Budget
General Fund 2,942,006 3,441,967 3,095,966 3,484,669
Grant Funds 1,029,069 1,769,685 1,160,813 1,243,671
Equipment Replacement Fund 23,529 - -
-3,994,604
5,211,652 4,256,779 4,728,340
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
$3,208
$1,436
$85 FY 2017-2018 Budget
(in thousands)
Personnel Operating Capital Outlay