Hello! My name is Shreyas Sudhakar, and Im a Menlo Park HVAC contractor specializing in heat pump installations.
Im thrilled to see the conversation around the 2030 climate action plan. Converting 95% of existing buildings to all electric by 2030 is a remarkable goal, and Im excited to be one of the boots on the ground supporting this mission.
I am excited to see action ID 1.5 in the CAP Strategy No. 1 around Permit streamlining. As the environmental quality commission establishes the policy to encourage building electrification for equipment installation that requires a permit, I would suggest investigating three areas that could help accelerate this transition.
1) Streamline the permit process to allow instant online permit issuance for certain project types, such as straightforward AC change-outs, without requiring detailed plan and spec sheet submittal. Two jurisdictions in the area that demonstrate this are San Francisco and Alameda. This would both free up bandwidth in the permit office, allowing more permit applications to be processed, as well as encourage contractors to prioritize projects in Menlo Park due to the ease of permitting and minimized administrative overhead.
2) Set a standard policy that only requires the property owner to be present for inspections, and supply inspectors with ladders. Many Menlo Park inspectors request/require a representative of the contractor to be present for inspections, and to provide the inspector with a ladder so they can inspect any equipment installed at heights. This can drive additional cost into projects as contractors will price in their travel and waiting time for inspections into the customers quote. Most inspections can be completed by the inspector without the contractor present under the guidance of the property owner.
3) Consider post-project photos submitted online to be accepted in lieu of a final inspection. Most contractors take detailed photo records of projects upon completion. In many cases, these photos show enough detail for an inspector to make an assessment on whether a project is code compliant, without seeing the installation in person. Enabling virtual inspections in this way could reduce logistical burden for all parties involved.
I enthusiastically support Menlo Parks plan to convert 95% of existing buildings to all electric by 2030. I will do my best through my role as a contractor to help facilitate this goal, and I am also happy to be a resource as policy and implementation steps are put in place.
Best Regards,
Shreyas Sudhakar
Founder & CEO
Vayu Industries Inc.
