To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Tiffany Carranza, City Clerk
Prepared By: Emily Steinley, Office Assistant II
TITLE:
Title
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals and Disability Access Board of Appeals Memberships
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
1) Reappoint two incumbents, Ben Neuman and David Ericksen to the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals, for a two-year term expiring September 30, 2028; and
2) Reappoint incumbent, Ben Neuman to the Disability Access Board of Appeals, for a two-year term expiring September 30, 2028.
Body
DISCUSSION:
COMPOSITION AND PURPOSE OF THE COMMISSION:
The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals is governed by Chapter 15.04.100 of the City of Napa Municipal Code. Any person adversely affected by a determination made be the Chief Building Official or Fire Code Official in administering or enforcing Chapters 15.04 or 15.10 of the Code, related to Building Standards and Property Maintenance Standards, may appeal the determination to the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals. The Board consists of five members, each of whom must demonstrate knowledge and experience regarding building, construction, and fire protection.
The Disability Access Board of Appeals is governed by Chapter 15.04.110 of the City of Napa Municipal Code and similarly consists of five members. The Board considers appeals from individuals aggrieved by a determination made by the Chief Building Official or Fire Code Official in administering or enforcing the requirements under the Code with respect to “public accommodations or facilities”. Three members must serve concurrently on the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals. Two members must meet the requirements of a physically handicapped person as defined by the California Health and Safety Code Section 19957.5.
Requirements: Full-time resident and registered voter of the City of Napa.
Meetings: Both of the above referenced Appellate Boards meet on “as called” or on an as-needed basis. There has been no appeal heard by either Board in several years
NUMBER AND TIMING OF VACANCIES INCLUDING SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
On the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals, there are three vacancies due to the term expirations of Kyle Larson effective September 30, 2025 and Ben Neuman and David Ericksen effective September 30, 2026. Ben Neuman serves concurrently on the Disability Access Board of Appeals. Kyle Larson did not reapply when his term expired and recruitment has been ongoing.
On the Disability Access Board of Appeals, there are two vacancies due to the term expirations of Christopher Bennett, effective September 30, 2025 and Ben Neuman effective September 30, 2026. Ben Neuman serves concurrently on the Building and Fire Code Board of appeals. Christopher Bennett served as a member who meets the requirements of a physically handicapped person as defined by the California Health and Safety Code Section 19957.5 and did not reapply for another term and recruitment has been ongoing.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
The City Clerk accepted applications for the Committee from July 8, 2026 through August 22, 2026. Recruitment announcements were published on the City’s website, posted at various locations at City Hall, Human Resources, and the Community Services building, and sent to the Napa County Library, Napa Valley College, Napa Chamber of Commerce, Napa Valley Unified School District, Napa County Board of Supervisors, Napa County Administration, Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Napa Valley Coalition of Non-Profit Agencies, Napa Valley Community Housing, Puertas Abiertas Community Resource Center, Leadership Napa Valley, and NEOGOV.
APPLICATIONS RECEIVED:
Two applications were received from Ben Neuman and David Ericksen.
Ben Neuman and David Ericksen are both incumbents and are applying for a fourth term.
Recruitment is still ongoing to fill the remaining vacancies.
Copies of the applications have been provided as Attachment 1 for reference.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
None
CEQA:
The City Clerk has determined that the recommended action in this agenda report is not subject to CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(C).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATCH 1 - Applications
NOTIFICATION:
Applications