Mariposa County Planning Department
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
On-Call Planning Support Services
December 9, 2025
Mariposa County Planning Department
P.O. Box 2039
5100 Bullion Street
Mariposa, CA 95338
209-966-5151
Request for Qualifications On-Call Planning Services
Mariposa County Board of Supervisors
SUPERVISORS
Rosemarie Smallcombe
Shannon Poe
Danette Toso
Jenni Kiser
Miles Menetrey
Supervisor, District 1
Supervisor, District 2
Supervisor, District 3
Supervisor, District 4
Supervisor, District 5
FY 2025-26
Project Staff
Steve Engfer, Director
Polina Pivak, Senior Planner
Will Fassett, Community Design and Development Planner
Request for Qualifications On-Call Planning Services
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
On-Call Planning Services
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FY 2025-26
PROJECT OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................... 4-6
SUBMITTALS ..................................................................................................................................... 6-7
REVIEW PROCESS .............................................................................................................................. 8
PROJECT CONTACT ........................................................................................................................... 9
GENERAL CONDITIONS ............................................................................................................... 9-11
Request for Qualifications On-Call Planning Services
FY 2025-26
I. Project Overview
A. Introduction
The County of Mariposa (County) invites qualified firms to submit their qualifications to provide on-call
planning services in support of the County’s Planning Department. The County seeks a contract for $190,000
over a three-year period (there is no guarantee that the full amount will be expended).
For the next three years, the County will offer developers the option—for projects that require more
significant technical review—to utilize contract planning services that can expedite their review process. The
intent of this program is to enhance customer service, reduce project review timelines, and ensure that
technically complex or time-sensitive applications receive the focused professional attention they require,
while maintaining the County’s high standards for consistency, transparency, and compliance with adopted
policies, ordinances, and state law.
The selected consultant will serve as an extension of County staff, providing professional planning services
on an as-needed basis. These services may include, but are not limited to, review of discretionary and
ministerial planning applications, site plans, design review submittals, environmental documents, zoning and
subdivision applications, and related development materials. Consultant planners may also assist in preparing
staff reports, conditions of approval, correspondence, and public hearing presentations, and will coordinate
closely with County staff to ensure a seamless and accountable review process.
The County’s goal in establishing this program is to expand applicant choice, improve processing efficiency,
and ensure that qualified professional support is available during periods of high demand or for technically
specialized projects. The County will maintain final approval authority for all determinations,
recommendations, and public decisions.
B. Background
Mariposa County is a rural county and is home to Yosemite National Park. The County’s Planning
Department is responsible for administering land use and environmental regulations, supporting long-range
planning initiatives, and guiding sustainable growth that aligns with community goals and natural resource
protection. As a major tourism destination, the County regularly receives planning applications and
development proposals that require detailed technical review, including complex site design, environmental
compliance, infrastructure coordination, and interagency permitting.
Through this solicitation, the County seeks to establish an on-call contract with an experienced planning
firm capable of providing professional, responsive, and collaborative services that reflect the County’s
commitment to excellence in public service and community development.
C. Scope of Work
The Consultant shall perform professional planning services on an as-needed basis to support the
County’s review of development applications and entitlement packages requiring technical analysis and
timely processing. Services may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Comprehensive Plan Review
Perform complete plan review of entitlement packages, which may include traffic, utility, and
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Request for Qualifications On-Call Planning Services
FY 2025-26
geotechnical studies, conceptual site plans, grading and drainage plans, utility plans, stormwater
treatment plans, as well as tentative maps, easements, dedications, and vacations. Reviews shall
ensure compliance with applicable County Codes, the County General Plan, and state and federal
regulations.
- Preparation of Comment Letters and Technical Reports
Draft clear, concise, and technically accurate comment letters identifying incomplete, unclear, or
nonconforming elements of proposed plans. Identify all items requiring clarification or correction
to achieve compliance with applicable regulations, codes, and standards, and provide a written
report of these items with references to specific code sections or policies.
- Client Scoping & Costing
Prepare a scope of work and cost estimate for review by the applicant and the County prior to
commencing services. This scoping process will allow applicants to evaluate whether to proceed
with County staff review or to utilize the expedited review option provided through the
contractor. The County currently charges an hourly rate of $130 per hour for County Planner staff
time. RFQ respondents may wish to consider this rate when developing their proposals to ensure
that their services will be competitive and appealing to prospective applicants.
- Turnaround Time and Expedited Review
Complete assigned plan reviews within ten (10) business days for initial review and ten (10)
business days for rechecks. Shorter timeframes may be applicable upon mutual agreement. For
more complex projects and CEQA documents, Mariposa County staff will collaborate with the
contract team to determine appropriate deadlines in compliance with state law.
- Coordination with Applicants and County Staff
Coordinate the resolution of identified deficiencies directly with applicants and County staff.
Upon request by the County, attend meetings related to plan review, entitlement processing, or
field inspections, and maintain consistent communication with assigned County project managers
to ensure timely and accurate review progress.
- Conditions of Approval
Draft conditions of approval based on entitlement packages, applicable mitigation measures, and
County policies, ensuring consistency with legal, procedural, and policy requirements, and draft
approval letters per the Mariposa County format and procedure.
- Staff Reports and CEQA Documentation
Prepare or assist with the preparation of technical planning staff reports, ordinances or
resolutions, public hearing notices, CEQA documents (including Environmental Impact Reports,
Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, and supporting documentation), and PowerPoint or visual
presentations as needed.
- Public Hearings and Presentations
Participate in public hearings and presentations, prepare and deliver written and oral reports to
community groups, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors, and assist in the
development of staff recommendations, findings, and resolutions of determination.
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.
