HomeMy WebLinkAboutWilldan Engineering
1. Letter of Transmittal
May 2, 2025
Mayuko Nakajima, Senior Planner
City of Diamond Bar
21810 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Subject: Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services
Willdan Engineering (Willdan) understands the City of Diamond Bar (City) is seeking a landscape
architectural firm with the knowledge and experience to provide landscape and irrigation plan reviews
and inspections associated with development and subject to compliance with the State of California Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Willdan Engineering has been providing professional services for 60 years and landscape architecture
services for 36 years. Tyrone Peter will be the authorized official of Willdan who can bind the firm for
purposes of this proposal contract. Assisting Tyrone for this assignment will be John Hidalgo. John will
serve as project manager, plans reviewer and inspector.
This proposal is valid for 120 days from the date of the submittal. Willdan will maintain all required
professional licenses and registrations throughout the life of this contract.
Tyrone Peter’s contact information is as follows:
Willdan Engineering
Tyrone Peter, Director of Engineering
13191 Crossroads Parkway North, Suite 405
City of Industry, CA 91746-3443
Email Address: tpeter@willdan.com
Telephone: (657) 223-8557 | Cell Phone: (714)-393-1963
Willdan is providing three (3) hard copies of the proposal for the Landscape Plan Check Service and
submitting our proposal online via PlanetBids per the City’s Request for Proposal.
We appreciate the opportunity to submit our proposal. Willdan has the right team with the right
experience for the City’s needs. We look forward to discussing our proposal with you. If you have any
questions, please contact John Hidalgo, our proposed project manager, by phone at (562) 900-7151 or by
email at jhidalgo@willdan.com.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLDAN ENGINEERING
Tyrone Peter, PE
Director of Engineering
910005/WW.00.60/P25-195_27378
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services
2
2. Qualifications of Firm and Personnel
Willdan specializes in providing plan review services and inspections and is well-informed regarding
various aspects of the State Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) - which is the basis for the City's
adopted ordinance for water efficient landscaping. Willdan's recent WELO-related projects include:
WELO Pre-Adoption Review, City of La Puente
Landscape Irrigation Water Efficiency Inventory and Assessment for Cities of Paramount, Yorba
Linda, Calabasas, Santa Clarita and Thousand Oaks
Landscape and Irrigation WELO Compliance Plan Review and Inspections, Cities of Rancho Palos
Verdes, Grand Terrace, Norwalk, La Mirada, El Monte, Sierra Madre, Goleta and La Puente
Landscape and Irrigation Plan Review for single family housing, commercial and retail complexes,
City of Grand Terrace
Landscape and Irrigation Plan Review for In-N-Out Burger and AMC theaters, City of La Mirada
UC Irvine Student Housing
Heritage Valley subdivision and park site, City of Fillmore
This, coupled with our project team's extensive landscape architectural background and qualifications,
makes Willdan well suited to fulfill the City's need for landscape and irrigation plan review assistance.
John Hidalgo will serve as project manager, plans reviewer and inspector. John’s plan review experience
includes not only landscape and irrigation plans but also complete landscape construction documents for
entire sites. His reviews have entailed plan sheets for erosion control, grading and drainage, layout,
playground and site amenities, and overall site accessibility.
Willdan Engineering (Willdan), a California corporation from May 28, 1964, is a subsidiary of Willdan
Group, Inc., a publicly traded Delaware corporation. Services are offered through three subsidiary firms –
Willdan Engineering, Willdan Energy Solutions, and Willdan Financial Services. Willdan's corporate
headquarters is in Anaheim with local engineering offices in City of Industry, Anaheim, and San
Bernardino.
Willdan has been a consistent industry leader in providing aspects of municipal, infrastructure, and
transportation engineering and program management services. Dedicated to providing public agencies
with reliable, quality, and cost-effective engineering services, Willdan merges sound engineering solutions
with a solid respect for the fiscal responsibility faced by local agencies and the concerns of affected
communities. This approach has proven responsive to the most challenging budget, schedule, and
aesthetic requirements. It is a contributing factor to our industry’s reputation and our company’s growth.
Willdan has financial strength, resources, qualified staffing, and ability to complete all projects undertaken
due to our strong, dependable reputation and a stable client base that continues to expand through
repeat customers, referrals, and new service areas. Willdan offers local, focused service to the varied
demographics of our public agency customers. Our firm enables staff to efficiently communicate
individual project challenges and goals companywide, thus capitalizing on all Willdan's resources to deliver
the highest quality and most cost-effective product.
Willdan has historically concentrated our efforts on city and county public works engineering. We offer a
full range of civil and structural engineering, land planning, financial and economic consulting, geology
and geotechnical engineering, and energy efficiency solutions services. Our engineering and planning staff
include specialists in:
Development plan review
Landscape architecture
Traffic and transportation
Drainage and flood control
Construction management
and observation
Labor compliance
Materials sampling/testing
Hydrology/hydraulics
Water and wastewater
NPDES coordination and
compliance
ADA analysis and
compliance
SWPPP review
Site planning and analysis
GASB 34 assistance
General plan, specific plan, and
zoning ordinance development
and updates
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services
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There are no pending conditions that would impede Willdan's ability to complete assignments under the
City’s as-needed contract. Financial information is issued quarterly and can be found on the Investors page
at www.willdan.com.
No Conflict of Interest
From Day 1, Willdan has maintained its business strategy of providing services to only public agencies;
today, 98 percent of our business is with public agencies. This strategy prevents any potential conflicts of
interest with private enterprises that are conducting business with the public agencies.
With this strategy, Willdan has no current activities or relationships that might create a conflict of interest
for Willdan or the City. Should a proposed opportunity arise during the course of the contract that will
cause such conflict of interest, Willdan will place the City of Diamond Bar as our first priority and disclose
the potential conflict of interest to appropriate City staff, along with a description of the facts, legal
implications, and possible effects sufficient to permit the City to appreciate the significance of the conflict
and grant any conflict waiver, if appropriate and necessary.
Landscape Architectural Services
Knowledge and Expertise
Landscape master plans
Landscape streetscape design
Recreation facility design
Park design
Urban beautification
Design manual and guidelines
Planting design
Irrigation design
Water conservation
Landscape and irrigation maintenance management
WELO Plan check services
Irrigation system inventory and analysis
Resource analysis
ADA compliance
Street tree inventory
Willdan offers a full complement of landscape architectural services, including Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance (WELO) landscape plan reviews. In developing quality project plans, our landscape architects
apply their knowledge in site analysis, user-need programming, site design, urban and street
beautification design, landscape preservation, water conservation, and arboriculture. These combined
services provide additional insight for plan reviews since they require attention to detail, emphasis on
project completeness, and enhanced understanding of the combined overall project scope.
Willdan's landscape architectural team has a blend of plan review experience, knowledge of applicable
codes, and construction experience – all necessary to ensure code compliance and a successful project.
The team is committed to a partnership effort designed to complete the City’s reviews on schedule and
has experience organizing, administrating, and implementing landscape plan reviews. Willdan's team is
adept at addressing unavoidable plan changes in a timely and constructive manner. Willdan’s staff has
received a certificate of completion for California Landscape Contractors Association’s Model Water
Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) curriculum. The knowledge obtained included updates to the
new State of California water law for landscape and irrigation properties.
Plan Review Experience
Knowledge and Expertise
Landscape and irrigation
Site development
Grading and erosion control
Street beautification and infrastructure
Storm water management
Recycled and domestic irrigation water systems
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance AB 1881
ADA accessibility
Code compliance
Storm drain
Recycled and Domestic Water
Subdivision map
Conditions of Approval Compliance
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 4
Willdan has, and currently provides, a varied array of design reviews, including recreational facilities;
public buildings; site grading; landscaping and irrigation; residential, industrial, and commercial
developments; transportation related improvements; storm drain, and flood control facilities. Willdan has
provided on-call landscape and irrigation plan reviews for:
City of Pomona
City of Brea
City of Calabasas
City of Banning
City of El Monte
City of Fillmore
City of Goleta
City of Grand Terrace
City of La Mirada
City of La Puente
City of Napa
City of Norwalk
City of Paramount
City of Rancho Palos Verdes
City of Ridgecrest
City of Sierra Madre
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Yorba Linda
County of Orange
Summary of Projects
Below is a summary of projects that Willdan has plan checked in the past 12 months. This summary
indicates the scope of plan checks provided and the five highest dollar valuation projects. Willdan strives
consistently to provide superior service to our clients. The similar projects provided will verify our
excellent reputation and confirm our dedication to excellent service, our expert technical ability, and our
commitment.
Plan Review for Landscape and Irrigation – Market Rate Affordable Housing
Client: City of Goleta Value: $15 Million
Willdan is providing plan review for landscape and irrigation plans for Phase 1 and 2 of mixed-use housing
subdivision and open space. The plan review includes streetscapes, urban plazas, offsite and onsite
developments, and general park and open space. In addition, all plans were reviewed for compliance with
States Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Plan Review and Inspections for Heritage Valley Subdivision and Open Space
Client: City of Fillmore Value: $20 Million
Willdan is performing plan review for all improvements within the public right-of-way, landscape
maintenance district and homeowners’ association for streetscape, front yards, open space and parkland
construction. For streetscape improvements, reviews include medians and parkways encompassing
irrigation and planting plans, details, technical specifications, grading and construction plans, and
playground areas. Inspections for WELO compliance were performed after completion of each respective
areas.
Rancho Viejo Master Plan Communities
Client: County of Orange Value: $10 Million
Willdan is performing development plan reviews for Orange County as part of the on-call plan review
services. The services encompass grading, drainage, park sites, landscaping, irrigation, and water quality
reports. All plans are reviewed for compliance with States Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Atwell Master Plan Communities – Tri Pointe Homes
Client: City of Banning Value: $30 Million
Willdan is performing landscape and irrigation plan check services and inspections for compliance with
California Water Efficient Model Ordinance. The services encompass conceptual and construction plan
checks for streetscapes, park sites, open spaces, single and multi-family housing, parkways, multi-use
trails and retail sites.
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 5
On-Call Plan Check Services
Client: Cities of La Puente, La Mirada, Sierra Madre and
Pomona
Value: Varies $10,000 - $1 Million
Willdan is performing landscape and irrigation plan check services for compliance with California Water
Efficient Model Ordinance at multiple single-family homes, commercial/retail properties and assisted
living facilities. Inspections for WELO compliance were performed after completion of each respective
areas.
Project References
A representative sampling of some of Willdan's clients that we have performed similar services for are
listed below. Willdan strives consistently to provide superior service to our clients. We are positive that
our clients will verify our excellent reputation and confirm our dedication to excellent service, our expert
technical ability, and our commitment.
References
Client: City of Fillmore
Dates: 2015 - Ongoing
Contact: Kevin McSweeney, Director | (805) 524-1500 Ext. 113 kevinm@ci.fillmore.ca.us
Client: City of La Mirada
Dates: 2017 – Ongoing
Contact: Eric Garcia, Senior Planner | (562) 943-0131 egarcia@cityoflamirada.org
Client: City of Rancho Palos Verdes
Dates: 2000 – Ongoing
Contact: Amy Seeraty, Senior Planner | (310) 544-5231 amys@rpvca.gov
Client: City of Goleta
Dates: 2002 - Ongoing
Contact: Robert Nisbet, City Manager| (805) 961-7500 rnisbet@cityofgoleta.org
Client: City of Banning
Dates: 2019 - Ongoing
Contact: David Newell, Director| (951) 922-3131 dnewell@banningca.gov
Client: City of Pomona
Dates: 2021 - Ongoing
Contact: Vinny Tam, Supervising Planner | (909) 620-2284 Vinny.tam@pomona.gov
Client: City of La Puente
Dates: 2009 - Ongoing
Contact: Abraham Tellez, Planning Manager (626) 855-1513 atellez@lapuente.org
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 6
Key Staff Members
A successful partnership to execute on-call construction inspection projects requires expertise in on-call
inspection services and effective coordination with the City staff, contractors, communities, and other
project stakeholders to ensure the project reflects the expectations of its stakeholders. Although overall
firm credentials and experience are important, the key to a successful project is the caliber and depth of
experience of the individuals assigned to the team. Willdan offers the City of Diamond Bar a highly
qualified team of professionals with the technical qualifications and diverse capabilities necessary to
undertake the plan check services for the City's projects.
Brief biographies of our project team detailing their experience and their roles are provided herein.
John Hidalgo, RLA Project Manager, Plans Reviewer & Inspector
BS, Landscape Architecture, California State
Polytechnic University, Pomona
Summer of 1987, European Study Tour, California
Polytechnic State University, School of Architecture,
Pomona
Landscape Architect, California, No. 3551
Licensed Contractor, California C-27, No. 713613
33 Years of Experience
Similar Project Experience:
Plans Reviewer and Inspections, Heritage Valley Subdivision, City of Fillmore
Plans Reviewer, County of Orange
Plans Reviewer and Inspections, City of La Mirada
Plans Reviewer and Inspections, City of Sierra Madre
Plans Reviewer, City of Yorba Linda
Plans Reviewer and Inspections, City of Pomona
Bryan Nguyen, RLA Plans Reviewer & Inspector
BS, Landscape Architecture, California State
Polytechnic University, Pomona
Street Tree Seminar
Landscape Architect, California No. 4967
Landscape Architect, Arizona
27 Years of Experience
Similar Project Experience:
Plans Reviewer, County of Orange
Plans Reviewer, City of Elk Grove
Plans Reviewer and Inspections, City of Los Alamitos
Plans Reviewer, City of Paramount
Plans Reviewer, As Needed Landscape Architecture & Engineering Design Services, County of Los Angeles
Carlos Espinoza, RLA Plans Reviewer & Inspector
Skills Certificates in Landscape Irrigation Science and
Turf Grass Management Mt. San Antonio College,
Walnut, CA (Currently enrolled)
Skills Certificate in Geographical Information
Computer Systems (ArcGIS 9.2) Mt. San Antonio
College, Walnut, CA
BS, Landscape Architecture, California Polytechnic
University, Pomona
Landscape Architect, California No. 6534
Landscape Architecture Study Abroad, Cal Poly
Pomona Tuscany, Italy
AA, General Education, Chaffey College, Rancho
Cucamonga, California
18 Years of Experience
Similar Project Experience:
Inspections, Atwell Master plan Communities Tri Pointe Homes, City of Banning
Inspections, Paramount Boulevard Turf Replacement Project, City of Lakewood
Quality Control Inspection/Customer Service & On Call Landscape Special Projects, City of Yorba Linda
Plans Reviewer and Inspections, As Needed Landscape Architecture & Engineering Design Services, County of
Los Angeles
Inspections, Analysis and Update and Inventory of LMD Assets, City of Santa Clarita
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 7
Subcontractors
Willdan provides full service, in-house professional engineering plan checks, consulting and design
services for many varied developmental and capital improvement projects, including residential and
commercial developments, roadway, grading, drainage, water, sewer, major highway facilities, bridge
structures, traffic signals, and signing and striping improvements. As such, we can perform the plan check
and inspection services requested by the City without the involvement of team subcontractors.
Resumes
The following pages contain resumes for our proposed team.
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 8
John J. Hidalgo, RLA
Principal Project Manager, Landscape Architecture Services
Project Role: Project Manager, WELO Plans Reviewer and Inspector
Education: BS, Landscape Architecture, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Summer of 1987, European Study Tour, California Polytechnic State University, School of
Architecture, Pomona
Registration: Landscape Architect, California, No. 3551
Licensed Contractor, California C-27, No. 713613
Experience: 33 Years
John Hidalgo possesses in-depth expertise in landscape architecture design development, preparation of
plans and specifications, plan reviews, and construction observation. He is familiar with various local,
state, and federal codes, regulations, procedures, and standards relating to construction, safety, park and
facility planning, and other building activities. He has successfully completed projects in compliance with
these various standards, and while with other firms, has represented the Owner in the review process. He
has in-depth experience in both field observation and construction. His responsibilities include managing
park and street beautification design, landscape restorations, drought adaptive landscaping, plan reviews,
and construction observation.
John is serving as Agency Landscape Architect responsible for a wide range of activities encompassing plan
checking contract administration, construction document preparation, preliminary design studies,
program development, and cost analysis. Clients include municipalities such as the Cities of Banning, La
Puente, Sierre Madre, San Fernando, Fillmore, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Paramount.
Relevant Project Experience
On-Call Plan Review, City of Banning, CA. Plans reviewer for compliance with California Water Efficient
Model Ordinance for improvements within the public right-of-way for streetscape and parkland
construction. For streetscape improvements, reviews included medians and parkways encompassing
irrigation and planting plans, details, and technical specifications. For parkland sites, reviews included
grading and construction plan, playground areas, irrigation and planting plans, details, and technical
specifications. For multiple and single-family homes subdivisions, and industrial/commercial/retail
properties, reviews include irrigation and planting plans, details, and technical specifications.
Furthermore, all reviews are back checked for compliance with Conditions of Approvals (COAs).
Plan Review for Heritage Valley Subdivision, City of Fillmore, CA . Responsible in providing plan review
and inspections for improvements within the public right-of-way, landscape maintenance district and
homeowners association for streetscape, front yards, open space and parkland construction. For
streetscape improvements, reviews included medians and parkways encompassing irrigation and planting
plans, details, and technical specifications. Reviews included grading and construction plans, playground
areas, irrigation and planting plans, details, and technical specifications. Inspections for WELO compliance
are performed after completion of each respective areas.
On-Call Plan Review, Cities of Rancho Palos Verdes, Norwalk, Sierra Madre, Pomona, La Mirada CA .
Plans reviewer responsible for landscape architectural reviews for multi-unit subdivisions, homeowners’
association parcels, and single family residential. All plans are reviewed for compliance with the City’s
Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Ocean Trails Golf Course and Terranea Resort, City of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Plans reviewer and
inspector responsible for review oversight of six ocean view trails; 18-hole golf course; clubhouse; and
beach access trails originating atop 200-foot bluffs. For the Terranea Resort this includes 102-acres with
hotels and vacation rentals. Both projects involved code and regulation compliance with the County of
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 9
Los Angeles and California Coastal Commission. Other duties included construction inspections for the
bluff top trails and beach access trails.
Alameda Landing, City of Alameda, CA. Plans reviewer responsible for the landscape and irrigation plan
reviews for this mixed-use project on approximately fifty acres of the former Alameda Naval Air Station.
The City retained Willdan to provide landscape, irrigation, civil, and traffic engineering plan reviews. Plans
were reviewed for conformance with standards and criteria of the City, including Bay-friendly landscaping
requirements; integrated pest management principles and techniques; and using landscape areas to treat
stormwater based on Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program Provisions C3 Technical Guidelines, Bay
Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association, and the City’s NDPES permit. In addition, all plans
were reviewed for compliance with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Plan Check and Engineering Services, Rancho Mission Viejo for County of Orange, CA. Responsible for
plan review services to the County of Orange including subdivisions and infrastructure, public
improvement plans, and water quality management plans. The services encompass: grading, drainage,
geotechnical, streets, sewers, storm drains, street lighting, landscaping, building & safety reviews,
planning conformance, water quality reports.
City of Fontana, Landscape Architectural Plan Review, Fontana, CA. Plans reviewer responsible for
landscape architectural reviews for industrial and commercial centers, subdivision-multi- and single-
family, homeowners’ associations parcels, street medians and parkways, community facilities districts,
parks, and private and public buildings. In addition, provided five hours per week dedicated to performing
plan reviews at the City and assisting with any questions at the planning counter or information related
to a specific project.
On-Call Plan Review, City of Yorba Linda, CA. Project Manager and Plans Reviewer responsible for
improvements within the public right-of-way for streetscape and parkland construction. For streetscape
improvements, reviews included medians and parkways encompassing irrigation and planting plans,
details, and technical specifications. For parkland sites, reviews included grading and construction plan,
playground areas, irrigation and planting plans, details, and technical specifications.
Alameda Landing, City of Alameda, CA. Plans reviewer responsible for the landscape and irrigation plan
reviews for this mixed-use project on approximately 50 acres of the former Alameda Naval Air Station.
The City retained Willdan to provide landscape, irrigation, civil, and traffic engineering plan reviews. Plans
were reviewed for conformance with standards and criteria of the City, including Bay-friendly landscaping
requirements; integrated pest management principles and techniques; and using landscape areas to treat
stormwater based on Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program Provisions C3 Technical Guidelines, Bay
Area Stormwater Management Agencies Association, and the City’s NDPES permit. In addition, all plans
were reviewed for compliance with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 10
Bryan Nguyen, RLA
Senior Landscape Architect
Project Role: WELO Plans Reviewer and Inspector
Education: BS, Landscape Architecture, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Street Tree Seminars
Registration: Landscape Architect, California No. 4967
Landscape Architect, Nevada No. 757
Certificate of Completion for MWELO
Experience: 27 Years
Bryan Nguyen has over 19 years of landscape architecture and graphic design experience. His experience
includes the development of conceptual landscape plans with extensive graphic vignettes such as
photographic before and after simulations, and the preparation of construction documents. Bryan is
proficient in AutoCAD, MicroStation, LandFX, Adobe Photoshop, and Macromedia Freehand. Other duties
include the preparation of irrigation water and landscape management specification documents and
agency landscape, and irrigation plan check submittals and inspections for MWELO compliances.
Relevant Project Experience
Plan Check and Engineering Services, Rancho Mission Viejo for County of Orange, CA. Responsible for
plan review services to the County of Orange including subdivisions and infrastructure, public
improvement plans, and water quality management plans. The services encompass: grading, drainage,
geotechnical, streets, sewers, storm drains, street lighting, landscaping, building & safety reviews,
planning conformance, water quality reports.
Landscape Architectural Plan Review, City of Elk Grove, CA. Plans reviewer responsible for reviewing all
improvements within the public right of way and limited commercial projects adjacent to the right-of-
way. For streetscape and commercial centers improvements, review sheets include medians and
parkways, site amenities, irrigation, and planting plans; details; and technical specifications. Plans were
reviewed for compliance with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Landscape Architectural Plan Review, City of Los Alamitos, CA. Plans reviewer and inspector responsible
for review of all improvements within the public right-of-way and commercial, residential and industrial
projects. For streetscape and commercial centers, improvement review sheets include medians and
parkways, site amenities, irrigation, and planting plans; details; and technical specifications. Plans were
reviewed for compliance with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Landscape Architectural Plan Review, City of Paramount, CA. Plans reviewer responsible for compliance
with City codes and ordinances regarding landscape developments in the public right-of-way, subdivisions
(homeowners’ association and special-district properties) and commercial/retail projects. Review sheets
include slope plantings, medians and parkways, site amenities, irrigation, and planting plans; details; and
technical specifications. Plans were reviewed for compliance with the City’s Water Efficient Landscape
Ordinance.
Citywide Landscape Master Plan for Lakewood Water Capture Facility, City of Lakewood, CA.
Responsible for the preparation of a citywide landscape master plan and detailed guidelines for the
conversion of lawn areas in the medians, parkways (side panels) and street adjacent pocket parks (within
the public right of way) to drought adaptive landscapes. This master plan is the result of the City’s desire
to significantly lower the amount of water use in the ROW landscaping, and to assist in the relief of the
current critical California drought condition. The major function of the master plan is to identify the
landscape conversion areas and present various design theme concepts that can be applied to the various
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 11
conditions for medians, side panels and pocket park lawn areas. These concepts will assist in deciding
which direction the City would like to implement in terms of prioritizing and budgeting.
As Needed Landscape Architecture & Engineering Design Services, County of Los Angeles, CA . The
County of Los Angeles retained Willdan to provide as-needed landscape architectural/engineering design
services. Those services include preparation of feasibility studies, program development, project design,
plan checking, graphic design, cost estimating and engineering design in support of landscape projects. In
addition, other services included staff augmentation at the Alhambra office location and construction
support. The duration of the as-needed contract is 3 years with a maximum not to exceed the fee of $1
million dollars.
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 12
Carlos A. Espinoza
Associate Landscape Architect
Project Role: WELO Plans Reviewer and Inspector
Education: Skills Certificates in Landscape Irrigation Science and Turf Grass Management Mt. San Antonio
College, Walnut, CA
Skills Certificate in Geographical Information Computer Systems (ArcGIS 9.2) Mt. San Antonio
College, Walnut, CA
BS, Landscape Architecture, California Polytechnic University, Pomona
Landscape Architecture Study Abroad, Castiglione Fiorentino, Italy
ITALART Associazione Culturale Centro Studi, S. Chiara. Cal Poly Pomona Tuscany, Italy
AA, General Education, Chaffey College, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Registration: Landscape Architect, California, No. 6534
Experience: 18 Years
Carlos Espinoza has been involved in plan reviews of planting, irrigation, and hardscape construction
documents for county and municipal entities, large commercial sites, and custom built residential. He
prepares documents including site inventories documenting existing conditions. Carlos managed and
executed planting selection, and coordinated with nurseries for plant availability, and allocation of
planting material per availability. He observed the planting process to ensure accurate onsite installation
per specifications. He coordinated with outside consultants on multiple aspects of projects, including
structural engineers and civil engineers to ensure the timely completion of landscape projects. Carlos
performed pre-construction and post-construction site visits to ensure that landscape plans,
specifications and details are followed. He is proficient in ArcGIS 9.2, AutoCAD, MS Office Suite, Adobe
Photoshop, and Sketch-Up software.
Relevant Project Experience
As Needed Landscape Architecture & Engineering Design Services, County of Los Angeles, CA.
Responsible for providing in-house assistance at the County of Los Angeles Public Works Architectural
Department for as-needed landscape architectural/engineering design services. Those services include
preparation of feasibility studies, program development, project design, plan checking, graphic design,
cost estimating and engineering design in support of landscape projects. In addition, other services
included staff augmentation at the Alhambra office location and construction support. The duration of
the as-needed contract is 3 years with a maximum not to exceed the fee of $1 million dollars.
Quality Control Inspection/Customer Service & On Call Landscape Special Projects, City of Yorba Linda,
CA. Responsible for providing in-house assistance under the City's landscape department to help with the
City's landscape maintenance district (LMD) day-to-day operations. Services include field visits and
interaction with contractors and residents; plans reviewer; and construction management services for the
renovations of landscape medians to drought adaptive planting material- citywide. Additionally, other
services included the preparation of construction documents for the conversion of city medians to
drought adaptive landscapes.
Analysis and Update and Inventory of LMD Assets, City of Santa Clarita, CA. Responsible for establishing
and preparing a “living document” for each LMD zone which: Identifies, quantifies and rates the existing
condition and remaining useful life of essential assets in each LMD zone; Analyzes the total funding
reserve level necessary to replace essential assets over a 20-year life-cycle; Identifies the actual funds
available to meet future asset replacement needs; and Identifies the annual reserve commitment at the
100 percent level to meet future asset replacement needs.
March Joint Powers Authority, Meridian Business Center Unit 4, Phase 1 and 2, Riverside County, CA.
Plans reviewer responsible for landscape and irrigation plan review of the business center located on the
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 13
former March Air Force Base. The 4,400-acre site includes business parks, industrial, office, mixed-use,
public facility, and commercial land uses. The plan review included streetscapes, urban plazas, offsite and
onsite developments, and general open space. In addition, all plans were reviewed for compliance with
the County’s Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Paramount Boulevard Turf Replacement Project, City of Lakewood, CA. Responsible for providing
landscape and irrigation inspections for a 2-mile segment of street median landscape renovations. The
primary goal of this project is to replace the existing turf side panels on Paramount Boulevard with drought
adaptive landscape to reduce water demands and landscape run-off.
City of Diamond Bar
Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 14
3. Understanding and Approach
This section describes the complete plan review procedures to be used, including transmittal of plans, and
sample checklists. It also notes how unforeseen high workloads will be serviced without compromising
quality and turnaround time and availability of plan review staff for telephone calls during City work hours.
Willdan has collaborated with applicants/clients in the development or adaptation of technology to
conduct electronic reviews of plans, or the digital transmittal of plan comments to clients or customers.
Objective and Nature of Proposed Services
The City has specific requirements that must be met for proposed projects within the City. With every
future project comes with it a set of “instructions” and “rules” the City and local governing agencies have
set forth regarding all types of improvements. Even at the inception of an idea the applicant must consider
all regulations and requirements that must be fulfilled prior to preliminary design, during design, final
construction and maintenance of that improvement by way of code enforcement. In general, any concept
plans along with construction plans must be reviewed to verify compliance with these requirements. This
process begins with the project applicant or agency submitting a request for future development. The
applicant clearly describes the intent of the improvements, and it is the City’s responsibility to examine
the request and begin directing the applicant in the right direction from inception to completion.
Willdan will perform various duties related to the development of landscapes throughout the City. Prior
to submitting plans to the City, the applicant may be required to meet with the City's project planner to
discuss the proposed development prior to beginning the plan review process.
Understanding
Willdan understands that the City is seeking a consultant with expertise in California State required water
efficient landscape plan check and inspection services. The scope and quantity of work will fluctuate
depending on the type and volume of the applications and the services are on an as-needed basis.
In our opinion, project reviews and general development reviews are vital parts of a project that will
eventually serve Diamond Bar residents. The City needs a consultant team to review landscape and
irrigation construction documents for compliance with City codes, regulations, requirements, conditions
of approval and standards. One code we feel is particularly important in development is the City’s adopted
State of California Water Conservation Ordinance (WELO). This code applies to many disciplines within a
set of landscape and irrigation construction documents and must be addressed in the design phase for
proper implementation. Additionally, the City needs a team that can provide other related services such
as post construction inspections for compliance with WELO.
The consultant will take directions from the City's staff and possibly interact with architects, engineers,
developers and contractors. The consultant could also work with the City's maintenance, planning, and
engineering staff on landscape-related projects.
Willdan understands that the City has specific requirements that must be met by all construction projects.
Construction plans must be reviewed to verify compliance with these requirements.
Our role would be to function as an extension of City staff and provide the following services:
a. Review and comment on conceptual or long-range planning studies.
b. Receive, track, review, and provide plan check services in a comprehensive and organized format.
c. Review plans in a timely manner and in conformance with City and other applicable requirements.
d. Advocate the City's position in meetings with developers or other consultants.
e. Maintain up to date knowledge of City codes, regulations, and permit requirements.
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Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 15
f. Provide written comments on proposed development. It will be Willdan’s task to review the
preliminary design for compliance with application submittal requirements along with conformances
with the City landscape standards including the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Other items to
review would include specific plan requirements, streetscape guidelines, and the suitability of the
future landscape theme with the adjacent areas. This thorough plan review will include:
Planting palettes.
Mitigation measures for removals and replacements.
Identification of any conflicts between the planting material and other physical features such as
proposed and existing utilities, bio-swales, detention areas.
General landscape elements such as walkways, walls and fences, lighting, water features, site
furniture and recreational amenities.
g. Observe the installation of planting, irrigation systems, hardscape and general landscape elements at
post construction to ensure compliance with the approved construction documents, local ordinances,
standards, regulations, zoning and environmental documents.
When satisfied that preliminary requirements have been met the plans will be reviewed for:
Compliance with City’s WELO, including all calculations and other technical information and
reports
Compliance with City landscape standards and design guidelines
Compliance with City conditions of approval
Discrepancies among other design disciplines
Discrepancies between various plan sets
General notes, title block, signature block, vicinity map, index map, and other general
requirements
Compliance with water purveyor standards
Compliance with sound landscaping practices such as planting palette suitability and placement,
irrigation design, and constructability
Compliance with site improvement grading standards – specifically water quality management
When all the above items have been met (through a 1st, 2nd or 3rd review plan check) the plans are returned
to the City for approval for permits to build.
Generally, our overview of the complete development package includes:
Water efficient landscape documentation package
Soil management plan
Landscape design plan
Irrigation design plan
Grading design plan
Storm water management plan
Approach
Willdan’s acknowledges and accepts the scope of work presented in the City’s request for proposal. The
following scope of services below provides additional information for the plans reviewed and inspection
services.
Willdan’s plan review process includes logging in plans, tracking, reviewing, and commenting on the plans.
A letter is prepared that enumerates the plan check comments for inclusion with the redlined plans and
documents. This letter is included for the first, second and third plan checks.
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Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 16
Preliminary Screen Check
Upon receipt of the plans from the City, Willdan will provide a screen check of the plan check submittal
package. If the plan check package is missing critical plan check items (such as conditions of approval,
reference reports, or reference plans), the applicant/City will be contacted, and the plan check will not
begin. The turnaround time clock will not begin for the plan check until the requested materials are
provided for review.
Incomplete submittals will be brought to the attention of City staff. Examples of incomplete submittals
would include:
Landscape plans without a soils report, erosion control plans (if applicable), or conditions of
approval
50-and 90-percent complete designs, or incomplete plans with line work and construction notes
missing, blank sheets, or no associated reports or estimates
It is important that the submittal packages are complete and contain all the necessary reference materials.
The City and applicant will be notified of the deficiencies in the submittal and checking will resume once
the review submittal package is complete. If authorized by the City, the review will begin with the
incomplete package.
First Plan Check
Once the submittal package for the first review is considered complete the plan checking will begin. This
review will be for the entire landscape and irrigation plans set. In addition to reviewing compliance with
the WELO, other items that will be checked include information on other design disciplines, i.e. civil,
grading and drainage, which does not conflict with proposed improvements shown on other plan sets;
and that dimensional information is consistent from sheet to sheet.
Second Plan Check
Resubmittal packages must be complete and contain revised plans and reports, previously marked-up
plans and reports, and a written response memo responding to all comments in our review memo.
Comments shown on the plans may be responded directly to the plans.
Willdan will provide a screen check of the 2nd plan check submittal package. If the plan check package is
missing any of the requested items noted in the comment letter, the City or applicant will be contacted
and the plan check will not start nor will the clock start ticking on the turnaround time for the plan check
until all requested materials are provided. Examples of non-responsive re-submittals would include:
Plan set resubmitted that have not addressed the majority of comments provided on the previous
check; and marked-up plans not re-submitted with the latest set of plans.
Resubmitted plans check package without the requested reference materials or without
responding in writing to the written comments provided in the review memo or on the plans.
Willdan will perform a back check of the first check comments and review any additional materials or
improvement plans requested in the first check. Note, the 2nd review with the additional materials may
generate additional comments. Willdan will complete the plan check and forward comments to the City.
Third and Fourth Plan Check (if necessary)
Resubmittal packages must be complete and contain revised plans and reports, previously marked-up
plans and reports, and a written response memo responding to all comments in the review memo.
Comments shown on the plans may be responded directly to the plans.
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Willdan will provide a screen check of the plan check resubmittal package. If the plan check package is
missing any of the items noted in the comment letter, the City will be contacted and the plan check will
not commence nor will the clock start ticking on the turnaround time for the plan check until all requested
materials are provided.
If a major redesign has occurred, Willdan will revise and coordinate the plan check effort estimate and
schedule with the City before completing the plan check.
Final Plan Check
If, after the second, third or fourth plan check, the applicant has adequately addressed the previous plan
check comments, Willdan will mark the plans “Recommend Acceptance” and date on the title sheet and
forward the final plans and the reports to the City for “Recommend Acceptance”.
Turnaround Time for Plan Checking
Landscape review turnaround timeframes will vary with the complexity or extent of the project. A typical
landscape project consisting of four to fifteen plan sheets that includes grading plans, soils report, water
calculations, and schedule will generally follow the below-described plan review periods – assuming
complete submittals and responsive revisions:
Willdan will complete the first review of drawings and related documents within ten (10) business
days from the date that complete drawings and related documents arrive in our office, or
electronically by email, except for projects of large size and/or complexity (as mutually agreed)
which will have a period of performance negotiated with the City.
Willdan will complete the second review of drawings and related documents within six (6)
business days. Plans and documents for re-checking shall be submitted in response to the
correction list by the applicant.
Willdan will complete any subsequent re-checks of drawings and related documents within four
(4) business days. Plans and documents for subsequent re-checking shall be submitted in response
to the correction lists by the application.
In some cases, an expedited review may be requested by the City. When expedited reviews are requested,
they will have priority treatment. The type and complexity of a project will determine the review time and
will be discussed on a case-by-case basis. The quality and completeness of the submittal package may also
affect review time. Typically, the first plan review can be turned around within seven or less business days.
Subsequent 2nd and 3rd plan reviews can be turned around within 3-5 business days.
Electronic Submittal of Documents
Willdan’s plan checking services can all be performed electronically via email. This allows for easy access
along with timesaving reviews including mailings and unnecessary printing costs. We have collaborated
with clients and developed and/or provided adaptation of technology to conduct electronic reviews of
plans, or the digital transmittal of plan comments to clients or customers. The preferred format for plan
checking is Adobe Acrobat PDF. This allows commenting onto the plans accompanied by a comments
letter with further explanation(s) of the respective comment item.
Inspections for WELO and City Compliances
This task will be for observing the installation of planting, irrigation systems, hardscape, and general
landscape elements at post construction to ensure compliance with the approved construction
documents, WELO, local ordinances, standards, regulations, zoning and known environmental documents
(if any).
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Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 18
The following procedures below describes Willdan’s process once a notice is received from the City
regarding an inspection request for a landscape and irrigation installation compliance by the applicant.
1. Contact the applicant and arrange a meeting time and place.
2. Request from the applicant a City approved full set of construction plans.
3. Request from the applicant a representative to be present at the meeting who is knowledgeable
about construction installation in case there are questions pertaining to any observed deficiencies
during the site visit. This aspect is important because it can clear up/explain any questions about
a specific condition or topic during the inspection.
Following the inspection(s), a follow-up punch list comment letter will be prepared which identifies any
non-compliance/corrections that will require a follow-up review; or a letter stating “Recommending
Acceptance” to the City, and no further action is necessary.
5. Project Management
We understand the City’s workload, deadlines, and constraints under which the City operates. To help
facilitate the plan check assignments Willdan’s project manager, John Hidalgo, will be the City’s single
point of contact. John will serve as project manager along with participating in other assignments such as
assisting in plan reviews, inspections, and attending meetings with staff and development applicants. He
will oversee all plan reviews provided for the City. John will be the City's contact on all matters and will
handle all day-to-day activities and be responsible for assigning lead and supporting personnel to plan
review tasks and for responding to questions regarding invoicing, scheduling, and review progress.
Customer Service Philosophy and Practices
Our Willdan staff understands that our approach to providing plan checking services can be quite different
from those we provide for stand-alone projects. Success in working with on-call contracts is dependent
on understanding a variety of elements that may be encountered, such as:
Short project durations and lead times
Project applicants request for speedy plan check
Available to respond to questions from City staff or the applicant
Offering suggestions or solutions is resolving an applicant’s concerns
Based on our experience, we know how to efficiently dovetail into a project schedule with a short lead
time and assign appropriate staff. Our history of working with on-call contracts has well prepared our
staff to respond to requests by the City in a positive and efficient manner. Willdan will manage all plan
checks with a “can do” attitude towards time and cost-effective services. Our project management and
coordination philosophy revolve around early communication with City staff and possibly the applicant, if
necessary.
The most effective management tool we will use is open and documented communication, especially
when there is a tight plan review deadline. John will make sure that the plan review requirements are
clearly understood and reinforced through communications, such an email or phone call- to update plan
review status.
Our strengths include:
Experience in checking plans and specifications for conformance to all relevant City standards,
codes, and other related items.
Knowledge of pending regulations which may impact plan checking over the duration of the
contract term.
Expertise in compiling clear, concise, and comprehensive comments on plans and specifications.
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Proposal for Landscape Plan Check Services 19
Demonstrated ability in resolving disputes between parties in conflict over plan approval.
6. Fee Proposal
Project Cost for Plan Reviews
The following fees include two plan review submittals and if necessary, telephone calls between the
applicant for comment clarification and plan check information. Additional meetings, plan reviews and
site visits will be based on the hourly rate provided above.
Schedule of Fees:
Construction Type – Landscape Areas Minimum Hours /
Maximum Hours
Maximum Fee
Amount
Retail, multi-family and detached residential subdivisions,
institutional, commercial, office complex and industrial. For
landscaped areas totaling 500 to 7,500 square feet. 4/5 $1,200.00
Retail, multi-family and detached residential subdivisions,
institutional, commercial, office complex and industrial - For
landscaped areas totaling 7501-15,000 square feet. 5/7 $1,680.00
The fees noted above include two plan check submittals. For plan checks that require a third re-submittal,
the fee would be the original maximum fee amount plus the additional time for the third check. The
additional time will be based on time and materials at $150.00 per hour.
For projects greater than 15,001 square feet Willdan will provide a separate fee based on the number of
landscape and irrigation sheets in the plan set submittal. The plan check fee will be based on time and
materials (at the hourly billing rates schedule shown above) with a minimal fee of $1,440.00 (6 hours) and
maximum fee of $2,880.00 (12 hours).
Turnaround Time Summary
A. First Plan Check: Ten (10) Business Days
B. Second Plan Check: Six (6) Business Days
C. Third Plan Check: Four (4) Business Days (if necessary)
D. Final Plan Check: Four (4) Business Days
E. Fourth Plan Check: Three (4) Business Days (if necessary)
F. On-Site Inspections for Five (5) Business Days
WELO Compliance
Project Cost for Landscape Inspections
Inspection Cost - $960.00
The fee noted above includes one field visit, and preparation of a punch list of corrections (if necessary).
If a follow-up field visit is required, the fee would be $150.00 per hour with a 1.5-hour minimum charge.
Note – It has been our experience that most field inspections require one site visit with minor corrections.
Often if there are minor corrections, as an option, the applicant will take a photograph of the corrected
item(s) and send the photos to us for review and acceptance. There are no costs to perform this option.
Willdan requires a minimum of three (3) business days prior notice for the applicant’s inspection request.
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Billing Rates
The table below lists our hourly rates for work requested by the City that is not related to plan checking
services.
Name Classification Hourly Rate
John Hidalgo Principal Project Manager $240.00
Bryan Nguyen Senior Landscape Architect $195.00
Carlos Espinoza Assistant Landscape Architect $150.00
7. Examples of Plan Checking Material
Willdan is providing examples of development or adaptation of technology to conduct electronic review
of plans and digital transmittals of plan comments to our clients.
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