Title
Planning and Building Department, with concurrence from the Chief Administrative Office and pursuant to Board of Supervisors Policy B-2 (Fee Waiving), Section II, B(3), recommending the Board approve a fee waiver in the amount of $8,387.64, including $7,726.64 for Building, $493.00 for Planning, $95.00 for Stormwater, and $73.00 for Surveyor’s Office, requested by Elena DeLacy of the American River Conservancy (ARC) for the for the fees related to the Conditional Use Permit for the construction of a trail head and parking lot adjacent to Highway 49 on Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 092-040-068. (District 2)
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Elena DeLacy of the American River Conservancy (ARC) has requested a fee waiver in the amount of $9,473.91 for the fees related to the Grading Permit for the construction of a trail head and parking lot adjacent to Highway 49 on Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 092-040-068. ARC is a 501(c)3 local non-profit organization.
In 2013, ARC began the phased acquisition of the approximately 7,500-acre El Dorado Ranch property, located along the west side of Highway 49 and north of the Cosumnes River. Upon completion of acquisition which is anticipated to by 2025-2026, the property will transfer to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to establish the El Dorado Ranch Wildlife Area, which will be open to the public for hiking, hunting, wildlife viewing, etc. ARC is responsible for the construction of a trailhead and parking lot adjacent to Highway 49 prior to the property being transferred to CDFW.
Total estimated grading permit fees are $9,473.91 (Attachment B). Policy B-2, Fee Waiving, does not apply to the State mandated fees (Green fee), which is estimated to total $16.00 which the County has no authority to waive. Additional fees not recommended to be waived include the County’s Technology Fees and the General Plan Implementation Fee, which are estimated to total $1,070.27. These fees are not recommended to be waived because their accumulated collection from all projects is essential to broader County operations. As such, the Planning and Building Director, along with the County Surveyor, with concurrence of the Chief Administrative Office, are recommending the Board consider waiving the remaining $8,387.64 in Grading Permit fees pursuant to Section II, B(3) of the Policy as the project is proposed by a non-profit organization that will provide a substantial public benefit.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to modify the amount of fees waived.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Surveyor’s Office
Chief Administration Office
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
These fees are typically paid by the Applicant. Approval of the fee waiver in the amount of $8,387.64 would require the use of General Fund to pay for the Department staff time and materials associated with the plan review for the proposed project. However, a budget transfer is not necessary as it is anticipated that the Department will have adequate General Fund savings to cover the cost of the waived fees.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Karen L. Garner, Director
Planning and Building Department