Title
HEARING - Consider adoption of Resolution revising the Development Services Department's Planning Services Fee Schedule, including Policies and Procedures. (Est. Time: 30 Min.) (Cont'd 7/27/10, Item 29)
Resolution 125-2010
Body
Background: The currently in use Planning fees (Resolution 58-2006) were effective April 29, 2006. Operating for four years under this fee schedule has resulted in the identification of the following problems with the fees:
1. There are many services for which no fees are charged.
2. The costs of providing services have increased and the fees do not .
3. A number of permits which require Time and Materials (T&M) fees are challenging to administer.
4. Some services and fees are no longer provided or applicable.
5. Some services can be broken down into sub-categories with lower fees.
Since 2006, the Planning Services Division has been tracking all staff time on work activities. This information can now be used to refine and update the fee schedule adopted in 2006. The proposed fee schedule reflects project processing times under the current regulations, including the General Plan. Pursuant to Section 66014 of the California Government Code, the proposed fees do not exceed the estimated reasonable cost of providing services.
Draft fee schedules were discussed by the Board of Supervisors on April 13, 2010 (Item 23, Legistar 10-0173). Additional issues were identified by the public and the Board:
1. Due to the economy, fees should not be increased.
2. Fees should not be increased without improved accountability in the Department.
3. Ways should be found to reduce the cost of processing permits.
For the Planning Division fee schedule, most fees are not being increased. The hourly rate for the Division will remain at $100 per hour. Using the DOT cost accounting structure, that means that for every $100 hourly fee being collected there is an additional $15 General Fund subsidy to cover the true cost.
The proposed fee schedule will...
Click here for full text