Council adopts restructured building-permit fees to seek full cost recovery

City staff and Willdan Financial Services presented a user-fee study recommending a full restructuring of building permit fees to better match services and recover costs. Elizabeth Oba, the city's director of planning and building services, said the proposal separates plan-check and permit issuance fees and adds specific fees for mechanical, electrical and plumbing work; she described the approach as industry standard.

Tony Thrasher of Willdan explained the time-and-motion methodology: fees are calculated from fully burdened hourly rates and reasonable time estimates for each service. Councilmembers pressed on the size and pace of some line-item increases; Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez said large one-time jumps in a downturning economy may be difficult for applicants and suggested a phased roll-out, while staff and the city attorney argued the methodology is legally defensible and conservative.

After discussion, Councilmember Dunton moved to adopt Resolution 26-32; the roll call vote recorded Ayes from Morse, Dunton, Coops and Mayor Santinez, and a No from Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez. Staff said the changes are meant to improve accounting clarity and move the division toward full cost recovery.

Practical effect: some fees will rise, some decrease, and the fee schedule will separate plan-check and inspection charges; staff noted about 11 permit fees were corrected in supplemental materials provided to council.