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City proposes modest fee increases, technology surcharge and traffic-impact fee formula changes in 2026 schedule
Summary
City staff presented a proposed 2026 fee schedule that applies a general 3% increase across many fees, raises the technology surcharge from 3% to 4% to cover MyBuildingPermit front-end upgrades, splits SEPA checklist fees (residential/commercial), and implements traffic-impact fee formula changes including downtown/non-downtown differentials and a
City staff presented proposed updates to the 2026 fee schedule (Resolution 5860) during the Oct. 13 study session, proposing modest general increases and several targeted fee-structure changes intended to recover costs, improve transparency and align fees with adopted plans.
City Attorney and department directors summarized the key elements: a baseline 3% across-the-board increase (tied to local CPI trends), and a proposed additional 1% technology fee (raising the existing technology surcharge from 3% to 4%) to cover front-end upgrades for the MyBuildingPermit (MBP) system that the city will share with Eastside partner jurisdictions. Staff said MBP intends system upgrades that will create an upfront cost for members; the city expects the added technology fee to be temporary as maintenance needs decline post-implementation.
Community Development proposed splitting SEPA checklist review fees into separate residential and commercial fees (residential reduced, commercial increased) and clarified the continued use of an hourly surcharge for review cycles exceeding typical review counts. Public Works summarized traffic-impact fee changes the council previously discussed: the update codifies downtown and non-downtown distinctions, proportional single-family adjustments for homes below an average-size threshold, proximity-to-transit discounts, and a non-motorized factor so fees can fund sidewalks and bike projects. Staff plans to publish a transparent online fee calculator and supporting web materials prior to the fees taking effect.
Airport staff proposed increases for tie-downs and hangars to remain competitive in the region as tie-down availability on the airfield decreases with development. Parks staff proposed a modest new golf-facility improvement fee (a small per-round add-on estimated to collect roughly $100,000 annually) to fund minor capital improvements and noted limited changes to rental fees after a larger update the prior year.
Council discussed downtown incentives, the effect of traffic-impact differentials on development economics, and park restroom maintenance needs (vandalism and recurring damage complicate upkeep). Directors said staff will return with online calculators, public-facing explanations and, if necessary, focused budget proposals for capital maintenance items outside the fee schedule.
Ending: Staff asked council to schedule formal adoption steps; multiple departments will provide web-based tools and additional details to make fee calculations transparent to applicants and the public.
