Council adopts master fee schedule and lowers resident tree-planting permit to $150

The El Cerrito City Council adopted an updated master fee schedule for fiscal years 2026–27 on May 19 and amended one line item to reduce the resident tree-planting permit fee.

Budget staff explained that the schedule incorporates a recent cost-allocation plan and reflects changes in wages, insurance and other costs. One notable administrative change was updating the business-license exemption threshold to reflect cumulative CPI increases since 2002.

During discussion, councilmembers and staff focused on fees that can discourage compliance or desired city outcomes. Steven Pray, urban forest program manager, and others explained the city program for planting up to three street trees: the staff-permit option involves site review and inspections; a city-planted option carries higher material and labor costs. Historically the permit had been under $60; past city planting programs cost roughly $360 each and saw limited uptake.

After public comment asked that the city consider lower fees and a clearer policy rationale for subsidies, council adopted the master fee schedule with an amendment to set the resident permit fee for planting up to three right-of-way trees at $150 when property owners plant themselves (the city-planted option remains higher). Council also directed staff to return next year with a short report on uptake and how fees and subsidies are chosen.

What this means: the reduced permit fee aims to encourage residents to follow the formal planting process rather than planting ad hoc, which staff said can damage infrastructure or use inappropriate species. Staff will monitor the number of permits issued and report results to council ahead of the next fee cycle.