Committee approves waiver of many building fees for fire‑damaged properties; CAO to report financing options in 30 days

The Ad Hoc Committee on Recovery voted to approve an ordinance drafted by the City Attorney that would waive connection fees, permit surcharges and a set of plan-check and permit-related charges for properties damaged by the January 2025 fires. The committee adopted the ordinance as presented and instructed the Chief Administrative Office (CAO) to report back within 30 days on financing and revenue impacts.

Nut graf: Committee members said the fee waivers aim to reduce barriers for homeowners trying to rebuild quickly, while asking city staff to provide a clear financing plan for the city’s estimated revenue loss.

City offices briefed the committee on the scope and projected fiscal effects. The CAO provided an initial estimate that the waivers would reduce fee revenue by about $86,000,000 tied specifically to permit and plan-check charges for eligible repairs and reconstructions in the affected area. City attorneys said the ordinance as drafted would waive the listed surcharges for eligible projects; the committee discussed whether the ordinance should be restricted to like‑for‑like reconstruction or remain broader. City staff advised that, as written, the ordinance waives fees for eligible projects without an express size limit, but the council could narrow the definition when the ordinance goes to the full council.

Committee members emphasized clarity for residents about what qualifies for the waiver. Building Department staff clarified that to qualify under the ordinance’s deadline, a complete building permit application must be filed by Jan. 7, 2027; the rule requires the permit application be complete by that date (not that construction be finished). Staff also said processing times vary but can take weeks to months depending on interdepartmental approvals.

The motion approved included instructions that the CAO return in 30 days with an updated fiscal analysis that assumes the waiver applies to all rebuild scenarios and includes recommendations for funding sources and accounting for insurance reimbursements. The adopted motion also asked the Department of Building & Safety to report every six months on the number of fee waivers granted.

Quotes and attributions are limited to speakers on the record. Concejal Soto Martínez moved the action to adopt the ordinance and requested the additional CAO report; the motion passed with three yes votes in the committee.

Ending: The committee approved the ordinance and asked that the CAO bring a financing plan and that the department report back periodically so the council can monitor fiscal impacts.