Volume II - City of Sunnyvale - State of California

Budget Overview and Significant Changes
The operating budget for the Community Development Department primarily funds personnel costs,
which account for approximately 95% of its total budget. General Fund revenue from planning and
building fees support a large portion of the department’s operations. Additionally, operational costs
for the Housing/CDBG Program are primarily funded with special purpose federal and City funds.
A major Community Development project for the upcoming year is implementation of a new
permit database and tracking software system. This will be a multi-departmental effort involving
all departments engaged in the development review process through close coordination with the
Information Technology Department. The new system will introduce upgraded technology and
improve integration between the development review processes of department and division staffs.
Building Safety Program
With previous reductions in contract staff and elimination of a vacant position, the Building Division
is currently operating at a base level of staffing with 15 full-time employees and no contract staff.
The Building Program continues to be fully funded (100% cost recovery) through plan check
and construction inspection fees collected from building permit activity. With a commitment to
excellent service delivery, the staffing level will continue to be monitored to respond to customer
service needs and to ensure that the Program’s high performance standards will continue to be met.
With the increased construction activity, additional resources will be needed in order to maintain
the service levels. In response, half of the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist position, which had
previously been fully budgeted within the Housing Division, will now be budgeted in the Building
Safety Program starting in FY 2011/2012. Staff is also continuing to explore ways to further
improve operating efficiency.
Millions
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Building Construction Valuation
FY 95/96 FY 98/99 FY 01/02 FY 04/05 FY 07/08
Residential Commercial Industrial
Community Development
FY 2011/2012 Operating Budget