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Council adopts $250 plan‑check fee for zero‑waste compliance to shore up enterprise fund
Summary
Council approved a flat $250 fee per zero‑waste plan check and compliance inspection to partially recover staff costs for construction/demolition recycling reviews, event waste plans and food‑recovery compliance; staff estimated the measure would generate about $419,000 annually and reduce pressure on the Zero Waste enterprise fund.
The City Council on June 9 approved a cost‑recovery fee structure for Zero Waste plan checks and compliance inspections intended to stabilize the City’s Zero Waste enterprise fund.
Public Works interim director Waheedah Miri and solid‑waste manager Leticia Howreguin presented a proposal to adopt a flat $250 per activity fee for specialized services already performed by staff — construction and demolition recycling reviews, trash‑room and space allocation reviews, special event waste plans, foodware ordinance inspections and SB 1383 (food recovery) compliance activities. Howreguin said staff logged more than 3,000 hours on such reviews in 2025 and estimated annual costs exceeding $400,000.
Staff noted the fee is designed to be a partial cost recovery mechanism and that some permit categories overlap with other state fee caps. Miri recorded an on‑the‑record adjustment to Exhibit A to ensure fees for solar‑related permits comply with Government Code §66015. Council approved the resolution and directed staff to implement fees effective July 1, 2026, with the exhibit language clarifying state cap compliance.
Why it matters: The Zero Waste enterprise fund has rising inspection and review demands tied to state mandates; without a dedicated recovery mechanism the fund faces ongoing pressure. Councilmembers asked for follow‑up reporting if expenses continue to outpace revenue.
Vote: Council adopted the resolution on a roll call (motion carries).
