Report Prepared by: Kirsten Waller, Deputy City Clerk, City Clerk’s Office
Title
SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to the Building and Housing Board of Appeals (One Seat)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept nominations to fill vacancies on the Building and Housing Board of Appeals.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting nominations and appointing an individual to serve as amember of the Building and Housing Board of Appeals (one vacancy); or,
B. Directing staff to continue the recruitment of applicants.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Direct the Clerk’s Office to continue recruitment for the vacancies.
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code, Section 3.38.050.
DISCUSSION
The Building and Housing Board of Appeals hears and decides appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Chief Building Official relative to the application and interpretation of the Merced Municipal Code. The Board consists of five voting members, three of whom are registered or licensed professionals in the trades of design, engineering, construction, or inspection of buildings. In addition, the Chief Building Official serves as a non-voting, ex-officio member and acts as Secretary to the Board. Members meet as needed.
At the Council meeting of March 21, 2022, staff was directed to return to a yearly appointment process for the reappointment of eligible members and the appointment of new applicants to vacant board or commission seats.
The Clerk’s office began a recruitment campaign that consisted of a social media post coordinated with the Public Information Officer to alert citizens of the vacancies and expiring terms and an email blast was sent to over 3,000 subscribers on the boards and commissions list notifying them of the recruitment. Staff continued recruitment efforts in accordance with Council's direction provided at the July 6, 2026, Council Meeting
There are two members currently on the Building and Housing Board of Appeals that meet the requirements of the board to obtain three members that are registered or licensed professionals in the trades of design, engineering, construction, or inspection of buildings. Council must appoint one member to the Building and Housing Board of Appeals that meet the requirements of the Board.
The matter of appointment to fill one seat on the Building and Housing Board of Appeals is now before the Council. There will still be one vacancy for this Board, this vacancy will need to be a registered or licensed professionals in the trades of design, engineering, construction, or inspection of buildings.
No eligible applications were received that meet the qualifications required for this remaining vacancy.
Three (3) Members - The terms of Steven Patterson, James Allen and Alberto Escobedo expired on July 1, 2026. Mr. Patterson and Mr. Allen did not express interest in being considered for reappointment to a second term. Mr. Escobedo expressed interest in reappointment and is eligible to serve a second full term.
In addition, the Clerk's Office received applications from three eligible candidates: Amanda Estrada, Sabrina Abong, and Christopher Carter.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Building and Housing Board of Appeals Applications
2. Current Roster
3. Ordinance 2151