Title
HEARING - Consider adoption of Resolution revising Building Fee Schedule. (Est. Time: 30 Min.)(Cont'd 7/27/10, Item 30)
Body
Background: In 2009 and 2010, the Development Services Department identified budget problems focused around meeting revenue projections. In these years, as well as previous years, staffing reductions were made to reflect the slowdown in the building and development industry. Pursuant to Board Policy B-1, an additional option is to review the rates being charged. The current fees (Resolution 180-2007) were effective September 10, 2007. A review of the process of operating under the current adopted fee schedule has identified the following issues:
1. There are some services for which no fees are charged.
2. The costs of providing services have increased.
3. Refund processing is overly complicated.
4. Permit fees do not cover the cost of services.
The draft fee schedule was 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 by the Department.
3. Find ways to reduce the costs of processing permits.
The draft Building Division fee schedule has been revised based on Board direction of April 13, 2010 and will:
1. Increase the Building Permit Valuation modifier from 0.0106 percent to 0.0125 percent. This only affects permits subject to TIM fees, which were exempted from the fee increase in 2007.
2. Add and increase fees for: driveway encroachments, manufactured buildings, code enforcement, Notice of Compliance, and research.
3. Maintains a minimum fee of $100 and establishes the Regional Cost Modifier at 10 percent (instead of the proposed 25 percent).
4. Clarifies permit components (administration, plan check, inspection) to simplify collection and refund processes.
These changes do not cover the full cost of the servic...
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