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Saratoga council adopts updated fee schedule; adds below‑market‑rate admin, stormwater inspection fee
Summary
On April 15 the council adopted annual fee schedule changes effective July 1, 2026, including a new below‑market‑rate administration fee, a stormwater compliance inspection fee and the removal of facility rental fees (linked to LGS), as part of routine cost‑recovery updates.
The Saratoga City Council on April 15 adopted a revised city fee schedule that takes effect July 1, 2026. Administrative Services Director Ryan Hinchpin told council the annual update brings fees closer to market costs and internal cost recovery and includes several targeted changes.
Key changes highlighted in the staff presentation include: a new below‑market‑rate administration fee to support enforcement and monitoring of affordable‑housing requirements established by the council in April 2025; a newly proposed stormwater compliance inspection fee to cover on‑site inspections; and removal of city‑administered facility rental fees with a link to LGS’s rental portal so the vendor administers those charges. Hinchpin said most community development fees were alphabetized and clarified to improve public transparency, and user fees received a general ~3% increase to better align with internal costs.
Councilmember questions focused on how the below‑market fee is applied and whether the incentive is being used by applicants; staff said they would return with usage data. With no public speakers, a councilmember moved to adopt the resolution amending the fee schedule; the motion was seconded and passed by a 5–0 voice vote.
What this means: citizens and applicants will see the new fee schedule posted and the changes will be implemented on July 1, 2026, consistent with the city’s fiscal year and budget assumptions.
