HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 56581
ORDINANCE NO. 5658
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO ADOPTING THE
BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026
SECTION 1. The Council of the City of Palo Alto finds and determines as follows:
A. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 6(g) of Article IV of the Charter of the City of Palo
Alto and Chapter 2.28 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the City Manager has prepared and
submitted to the City Council, by letter of transmittal, a budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026; and
B. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of Article III of the Charter, the Council did, on
June 16, 2025, hold public hearings on the budget after publication of notice in accordance with
Section 2.28.070 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code; and
C.In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 8 of Division 1, of Title 7, commencing with
Section 66016 of the Government Code, as applicable, the Council did on June 16, 2025, hold a
public hearing on the proposed amendments to the Municipal Fee Schedule, after publication of
notice and after availability of the data supporting the amendments was made available to the
public at least 10 days prior to the hearing.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Chapter 2.28 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the following
documents, collectively referred to as “the budget” are hereby approved and adopted for Fiscal
Year 2026:
(a) The budget document (Exhibit “1”) containing the proposed operating and capital
budgets submitted on May 5, 2025, by the City Manager for Fiscal Year 2026,
entitled “City of Palo Alto - City Manager’s Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget”
covering General Government Funds, Enterprise Funds, Special Revenue Funds,
and Internal Service Funds, a copy of which is on file in the Department of
Administrative Services, to which copy reference is hereby made concerning the
full particulars thereof, and by such reference is made a part hereof; and
(b) The Amendments to the City Manager’s Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Budget,
attached hereto as Exhibit “2” and Exhibit “3” and made a part hereof; and
(c) Changes and revised pages in the Table of Organization, as displayed on pages 515
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
2
through 536 in “Exhibit 1,” and amended in Exhibit “4” made a part hereof; and
(d) Fee changes of the Municipal Fee Schedule attached hereto as Exhibit “5”
including changes recommended in the Planning and Municipal Cost of Services
Study attached hereto as Exhibit “6” and the Citywide Cost of Services Study
attached hereto as Exhibit “7
SECTION 3. The sums set forth in the budget for the various departments of the City, as
herein amended, are hereby appropriated to the uses and purposes set forth therein.
SECTION 4. All expenditures made on behalf of the City, directly or through any agency,
except those required by state law, shall be made in accordance with the authorization
contained in this ordinance and the budget as herein amended.
SECTION 5. Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 2025 that are encumbered by approved
purchase orders and contracts for which goods or services have not been received or contract
completed, and/or for which all payments have not been made, by the last day of the Fiscal
Year 2025 shall be carried forward and added to the fund or department appropriations for
Fiscal Year 2026.
SECTION 6. The City Manager is authorized and directed to make changes in the
department and fund totals and summary pages of the budget necessary to reflect the
amendments enumerated and aggregated in the budget as shown in Exhibit “2” and Exhibit “3”
and the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations carried forward as provided in Section 5.
SECTION 7. As specified in Section 2.04.320 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, a majority
vote of the City Council is required to adopt this ordinance.
SECTION 8. As specified in Section 2.28.140(b) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, the
Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby delegates the authority to invest the City’s funds to the
Director of Administrative Services, as Treasurer, in accordance with the City’s Investment
Policy for Fiscal Year 2026.
SECTION 9. The Council of the City of Palo Alto adopts the changes to the Municipal Fee
Schedule as set forth in Exhibit “5” including changes to Impact and In-Lieu Fees in Exhibit
“6”.The amount of the new or increased fees and charges is no more than necessary to cover
the reasonable costs of the governmental activity, and the manner in which those costs are
allocated to a payer bears a fair and reasonable relationship to the payer’s burden on, or
benefits received from, the governmental activity. All new and increased fees shall go into
effect immediately; provided that pursuant to Government Code Section 66017, all Planning &
Community Environment Department fees relating to a “development project” as defined in
Government Code Section 66000 shall become effective sixty (60) days from the date of
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
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adoption.
SECTION 10. Fees in the Municipal Fee Schedule are for government services provided
directly to the payor that are not provided to those not charged. The amount of this fee does
not exceed the reasonable costs to the City of providing the services. Consequently, pursuant to
Art. XIII C, Section 1(e)(2), such fees are not a tax.
SECTION 11. As provided in Section 2.04.330 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, this
ordinance shall become effective upon adoption.
SECTION 12. The Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby finds that this is not a project
under the California Environmental Quality Act and, therefore, no environmental impact
assessment is necessary.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: JUNE 16, 2025
AYES: BURT, LAUING, LU, LYTHCOTT-HAIMS, RECKDAHL, VEENKER
NOES:
ABSENT: STONE
ABSTENTIONS:
NOT PARTICIPATING:
ATTEST:
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
APPROVED:
City Attorney
City Manager
Director of Administrative Services
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
EXHIBIT 2
FTE Revenues Expenses
Department Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment
GENERAL FUND (102 & 103)
Community Services Community Grant Program
Consistent with Finance Committee's direction, this action allocates
funding for a new Community Grant Program. This program will
allow community members and organizations to apply for grants in
an amount up to $5,000 for events that encourage community
connections and support diverse cultures, yet don’t qualify for
other city-run grant programs like Know Your Neighbors.
Community members and non-profit organizations can apply on a
first come, first served basis during the fiscal year, through a form
on the City's website. Grant allocations are $2,500 for events with
less than 500 participants and $5,000 for events anticipating 500
plus participants. (Ongoing cost: $50,000)
-$ 50,000$
Community Services Youth Community Services (YCS) Youth Connectedness Initiative
(YCI)
Consistent with Finance Committee's direction, this action allocates
funding to the Youth Community Services Youth Connectedness
Initiative. YCI uses service learning and social-emotional learning to
improve youth connectedness. This funding will supplement the
funding from the County of Santa Clara. (Ongoing cost: $50,000)
-$ 50,000$
Community Services Rental and Reservation Fee Revenue Adjustment
Consistent with Finance Committee's direction, this action
recognizes an additional $100,000 of revenue for Community
Services programs, rentals, reservations, and other revenue-
generating activities based on FY 2026 Proposed Municipal Fee
adjustments. (Ongoing savings: $100,000)
100,000$ -$
Fire Single Role Ambulance Model
Consistent with Finance Committee's direction, this action allocates
$633,000 for the addition of 7.0 FTE positions to create the initial
Single Role Emergency Medical Services Division of the Fire
Department. This action will enhance the current level of services
by adding a 12-hour peak ambulance to the City's fire and
emergency medical services.
(Ongoing costs: $1,200,000)
7.00 -$ 633,000$
Fire Paramedic Transport and First Responder Fee Revenue
Consistent with Finance Committee's direction, this action
recognizes $800,000 for the revenue generated from ambulance
transport fee increases ($700,000) and the new first responder fee
($100,000). On April 29, 2025, Matrix consulting firm presented a
citywide municipal fee study to the Finance Committee and
recommended the increase to the base ambulance transport fees
and the addition of the first responder fee. (Ongoing savings:
$900,000)
800,000$ -$
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
EXHIBIT 2
FTE Revenues Expenses
Department Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment
GENERAL FUND (102 & 103)
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
Non-Departmental Transfer to the Capital Improvement Fund Reduction
(Placeholder)
This action in addition to the General Fund savings action will
preserve a minimum of $6.0 million of General Fund Uncertainty
Reserve. Staff will return in August 2026 with specific
recommendations to defer capital projects in order to define the
target totals needed to balance the budget, and also allow time to
constructively develop more specific recommendations of one-time
and ongoing savings. (Ongoing savings: $1,000,000)
-$ (3,200,000)$
Non-Departmental General Fund Savings (Placeholder)
This action in addition to the Capital Improvement Fund reduction
action will preserve a minimum of $6.0 million of General Fund
Uncertainty Reserve. Staff will return in August 2026 with specific
recommendations to reduce expenses in the General Fund in order
to define the target totals needed to balance the budget, and also
allow time to constructively develop more specific
recommendations of one-time and ongoing savings. (Ongoing
savings: $1,011,000)
-$ (2,744,000)$
Non-Departmental Nonprofit Workplan Phase 1 Funding
Consistent with Finance Committee Direction, this action augments
funding available to be awarded to applicants through the
Nonprofit Partnership Workplan. The City of Palo Alto is committed
to strengthening its partnerships with nonprofit organizations to
enhance community services and align with Council priorities. The
Nonprofit Partnership Workplan is a structured approach to
nonprofit engagement, funding, and evaluation to ensure
consistency, fairness, and impact across all agreements. (Ongoing
cost: $111,000)
-$ 111,000$
Non-Departmental Uncertainty Reserve
As a result of actions taken by the Finance Committee, funding of
approximately $6.0 million is available to increase the Uncertainty
Reserve for use during future budget planning. This action will
increase the remaining funds in the Uncertainty Reserve to $6.0
million. (Ongoing Costs: $0, $6.0 million one-time reserve)
-$ 6,000,000$
Office of
Transportation
Engineering Staffing Adjustment
This action adds 1.00 Principal Transportation Engineer, a new
classification, offset by the elimination of 1.00 Senior Engineer, in
the Office of Transportation. This action is documented as part of
the FY 2026 budget as reflected in Staff Report 2505-4737.
(Ongoing cost: $0)
-$ -$
GENERAL FUND (102 & 103) SUBTOTAL 7.00 900,000$ 900,000$
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
EXHIBIT 2
FTE Revenues Expenses
Department Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDS
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND (471)
Capital Capital Improvement Project Amendments to Proposed
Reappropriations
This action reflects the impact from adjustments to capital
projects as a result of funds recommended to be reappropriated
from FY 2025 to FY 2026, as outlined in Attachment A, Exhibit 3.
Projects with other recommended adjustments are detailed
below.
13,478,123$ (2,874,114)$
Capital Transfer to the Capital Improvement Fund Reduction
(Placeholder)
This action in addition to the General Fund savings action will
preserve a minimum of $6.0 million of General Fund Uncertainty
Reserve. Staff will return in August 2026 with specific
recommendations to defer capital projects in order to define the
target totals needed to balance the budget, and also allow time to
constructively develop more specific recommendations of one-
time and ongoing savings. (Ongoing savings: $1,000,000)
(3,200,000)$ (3,200,000)$
Capital Transfer from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Fund/Fire Station 4 Replacement (PE-18004)
This action increases the transfer from the CDBG Fund and the
Fire Station 4 Replacement project's budget by $62,645 in FY
2026 to reflect the award of funds for ADA ramp improvement.
62,646$ 62,646$
Capital Transfer from Gas Tax Fund/Street Maintenance (PE-86070)
This action increases the transfer from the Gas Tax Fund and the
Street Maintenance project's budget by $94,910 annually to align
with the California Department of Finance’s May 2025 updates
for estimated 2025-26 Gas Tax Revenue.
94,910$ 94,910$
Office of
Transportation
Engineering Staffing Adjustment
This action adds 1.00 Principal Transportation Engineer, a new
classification, offset by the elimination of 1.00 Senior Engineer, in
the Office of Transportation. This action is documented as part of
the FY 2026 budget as reflected in Staff Report 2505-4737.
(Ongoing cost: $0)
-$ -$
Fund Balance Adjustment to Fund Balance (Infrastructure Reserve)
This action adjusts the fund balance to offset adjustments
recommended in this report.
-$ 16,352,237$
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND (471) SUBTOTAL 0.00 10,435,679$ 10,435,679$
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
EXHIBIT 2
FTE Revenues Expenses
Department Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment
ENTERPRISE FUNDS
AIRPORT FUND (530)
Capital Capital Improvement Project Amendments to Proposed
Reappropriations
This action reflects the impact from adjustments to capital
projects as a result of funds recommended to be reappropriated
from FY 2025 to FY 2026, as outlined in Attachment A, Exhibit 3.
Projects with other recommended adjustments are detailed
below.
(22,500)$ (25,000)$
Fund Balance Adjustment to Fund Balance
This action adjusts the fund balance to offset adjustments
recommended in this report.
-$ 2,500$
AIRPORT FUND (530) SUBTOTAL 0.00 (22,500)$ (22,500)$
ELECTRIC FUND (513 & 523)
Capital Capital Improvement Project Amendments to Proposed
Reappropriations
This action reflects the impact from adjustments to capital
projects as a result of funds recommended to be reappropriated
from FY 2025 to FY 2026, as outlined in Attachment A, Exhibit 3.
Projects with other recommended adjustments are detailed
below.
-$ 1,203,855$
Fund Balance Adjustment to Fund Balance
This action adjusts the fund balance to offset adjustments
recommended in this report.
-$ (1,203,855)$
ELECTRIC FUND (513 & 523) SUBTOTAL 0.00 -$ -$
GAS FUND (514 & 524)
Capital Capital Improvement Project Amendments to Proposed
Reappropriations
This action reflects the impact from adjustments to capital
projects as a result of funds recommended to be reappropriated
from FY 2025 to FY 2026, as outlined in Attachment A, Exhibit 3.
Projects with other recommended adjustments are detailed
below.
-$ 999,558$
Utilities Gas Climate Credits
This one-time action increases the Gas Operating budget by
$1,100,000 to fund the Climate Credit which will be applied to the
G2 class of small and medium customers. Funding will be offset
from the Gas Cap & Trade reserves. (Ongoing costs: $0)
-$ 1,100,000$
Fund Balance Adjustment to Fund Balance
This action adjusts the fund balance to offset adjustments
recommended in this report.
-$ (2,099,558)$
GAS FUND (514 & 524) SUBTOTAL 0.00 -$ -$
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
EXHIBIT 2
FTE Revenues Expenses
Department Adjustment Adjustment Adjustment
ENTERPRISE FUNDS
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FUND (528)
Capital Capital Improvement Project Amendments to Proposed
Reappropriations
This action reflects the impact from adjustments to capital
projects as a result of funds recommended to be reappropriated
from FY 2025 to FY 2026, as outlined in Attachment A, Exhibit 3.
Projects with other recommended adjustments are detailed
below.
1,215,562$ -$
Fund Balance Adjustment to Fund Balance
This action adjusts the fund balance to offset adjustments
recommended in this report.
-$ 1,215,562$
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FUND (528) SUBTOTAL 0.00 1,215,562$ 1,215,562$
WATER FUND (522)
Capital Capital Improvement Project Amendments to Proposed
Reappropriations
This action reflects the impact from adjustments to capital
projects as a result of funds recommended to be reappropriated
from FY 2025 to FY 2026, as outlined in Attachment A, Exhibit 3.
Projects with other recommended adjustments are detailed
below.
-$ 1,000,000$
Capital Technical Correction of Water Main Replacement Project 30 (WS-
16001)
This action corrects a clerical error made during the FY 2026
Proposed Budget. A reduction of $4.0 million was made to the
project when it should have been $4.6 million.
(600,000)$
Fund Balance Adjustment to Fund Balance
This action adjusts the fund balance to offset adjustments
recommended in this report.
-$ (400,000)$
WATER FUND (522) SUBTOTAL 0.00 -$ -$
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
EXHIBIT 2
Revenues Expenses
Department Adjustment Adjustment
SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUND (232)
Capital Transfer to Capital Improvement Fund
This action increases transfers to the Fire Station 4 Replacement
capital project (PE-18004) to reflect the award of funds of ADA
ramp improvement.
-$ 62,646$
Fund Balance Adjustment to Fund Balance
This action adjusts the fund balance to offset the actions
recommended in this report.
-$ (62,646)$
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUND (232) SUBTOTAL -$ -$
GAS TAX FUND (231)
Non-
Departmental
Gas Tax Revenue Increase/ Transfer to Capital Improvement
Fund for Street Maintenance (PE-86070)
This action increases Gas Tax revenue estimates and increases
transfers to the CIP for the Street Maintenance Project (PE-86070)
based on the California Department of Finance's May 2025
updates for estimated 2025-26 HUTA and RMRA-SB1 taxes.
94,910$ 94,910$
GAS TAX FUND (231) SUBTOTAL 94,910$ 94,910$
Parkland Dedication Fee Fund (209)
Capital Transfer to Capital Improvement Fund
This action reappropriates funding for a transfer to the Rinconada
Pool Family Changing Room capital project (PE-24004) to ensure
funding is available to continue work on the project in FY 2026.
-$ 371,165$
Fund Balance Adjustment to Fund Balance
This action adjusts the fund balance to offset the actions
recommended in this report.
-$ (371,165)$
Parkland Dedication Fee Fund (209) SUBTOTAL -$ -$
University Avenue In-Lieu Parking Fund (247)
Capital Transfer to Capital Improvement Fund
This action reappropriates funding for a transfer to the New
Downtown Parking Garage capital project (PE-15007) to ensure
funding is available to continue work on the project in FY 2026.
-$ 13,106,958$
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
EXHIBIT 2
Revenues Expenses
Department Adjustment Adjustment
SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
Fund Balance Adjustment to Fund Balance
This action adjusts the fund balance to offset the actions
recommended in this report.
-$ (13,106,958)$
UNIVERSITY AVENUE IN-LIEU PARKING FUND (247) SUBTOTAL -$ -$
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
EXHIBIT 2
Revenues Expenses
Department Adjustment Adjustment
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT & MAINTENANCE FUND (681)
Capital Replacement of Police Patrol Vehicle/Scheduled Vehicle and
Equipment Replacement - Fiscal Year 2024 (VR-24000)
This action increases the project's budget by $10,000 due to a
higher-than-anticipated quote for replacement of a police patrol
vehicle.
-$ 10,000$
Fund Balance Adjustment to Fund Balance
This action adjusts the fund balance to offset adjustments
recommended in this report.
-$ (10,000)$
-$ -$
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT & MAINTENANCE FUND (681) SUBTOTAL
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
EXHIBIT 3
Capital Improvement Plan FY 2025 Reappropriations to FY 2026
Fund Number and Name Project Title
Project
Number
Expense
Reappropriatio
n Adjustment
(Proposed)
Expense
Reappropriatio
n Adjustment
(A2P)
Expense
Reappropriatio
n Adjustment
TOTAL
Revenue
Reappropriatio
n Adjustment
(Proposed)
Revenue
Reappropriatio
n Adjustment
(A2P)
Revenue
Reappropriatio
n Adjustment
TOTAL
471 - Capital Improvement Fund Americans With Disabilities Act Compliance PF-93009 200,000 200,000
Animal Shelter Renovation PE-19002 2,420,239 2,420,239
Art In Public Spaces AC-86017 1,657,951 1,657,951
Athletic Courts Resurfacing PG-06001 139,290 139,290
Baylands Boardwalk Piling Repair PE-24000 33,787 33,787
Baylands Comprehensive Conservation Plan PG-17000 43,100 43,100
Baylands Nature Preserve Entrance Gate OS-24000 1,374 1,374
Benches, Signage, Walkways, Perimeter Landscaping, and Site
Amenities PG-06003 78,298 78,298
Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Implementation PL-04010 1,937,186 1,937,186
Boulware Park Improvements PE-17005 143,174 143,174
Building Systems Improvements PF-01003 65,000 65,000
Byxbee Park Completion PE-18006 450,000 (450,000) -
California Avenue District Gateway Signs PE-17004 123,382 123,382
Churchill Avenue Enhanced Bikeway PL-14000 200,000 200,000
City Bridge Improvements PE-20001 1,508,071 1,508,071
City Hall Space Planning PE-19000 486,400 486,400
Civic Center Electrical Upgrade & EV Charger Installation PE-17010 1,265,872 1,265,872
Civic Center Fire Life Safety Upgrades PE-18016 131,741 131,741
Civic Center Waterproofing Study and Repairs PE-15020 427,537 427,537
El Camino Park Turf Replacement PG-24000 639,550 639,550
Facility Interior Finishes Replacement PF-02022 457,517 457,517
Fire Training Facility Replacement FD-24000 49,988 49,988
Foothills Nature Preserve Boronda Lake Dock Replacement OS-18000 102,000 102,000
Foothills Nature Preserve Dam Seepage Investigation and
Repairs PE-20000 18,463 18,463
Foothills Nature Preserve Improvements PE-21000 692,744 692,744
Golf Course Net and Artificial Turf Replacement PG-18000 770,000 770,000
Golf Reconfiguration & Baylands Athletic Center Improvements PG-13003 97,906 97,906
Heritage Park Site Amenities Replacement PG-21000 40,000 40,000
JMZ Renovation AC-18001 398,024 398,024
Library Automated Material Handling LB-21000 324,586 324,586
Lucie Stern Community Theater Mechanical Equipment
Replacement PE-24002 2,199,713 2,199,713
Lucie Stern Community Theatre Fire Curtain AC-24001 200,000 200,000
Municipal Service Center Lighting, Mechanical, and Electrical
Improvements PF-16006 6,365,504 6,365,504
New California Avenue Area Parking Garage PE-18000 743,876 743,876
New Downtown Parking Garage PE-15007 13,106,958 13,106,958 13,106,958 13,106,958
Open Space Lakes And Pond Maintenance OS-00002 74,430 74,430
Open Space Trails and Amenities OS-00001 91,773 91,773
Park and Open Space Emergency Repairs PG-09002 95,161 95,161
Park Restroom Installation PG-19000 173,898 173,898
Parking District Implementation PL-15003 163,900 163,900
Performing Arts Venues Seat Replacement AC-18000 53,289 53,289
Ramos Park Improvements PG-14000 1,010 1,010
Rinconada Pool Family Changing Room PE-24004 1,181,202 1,181,202 371,165 371,165
Robles Park Improvements PE-18015 641,308 641,308
Safe Routes To School PL-00026 888,000 888,000 388,000 388,000
San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority Ongoing Creek
Projects PE-22000 150,652 150,652
Sidewalk Repairs PO-89003 100,000 100,000
Stanford Palo Alto Community Playing Fields Turf Replacement PG-26000 2,424,114 (2,424,114) -
Street Lights Condition Assessment PE-13014 220,000 220,000
Street Lights Improvements PO-05054 108,422 108,422
Street Maintenance PE-86070 218,549 218,549
Thermoplastic Lane Marking and Striping PO-11001 125,000 125,000
Transportation and Parking Improvements PL-12000 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000
University Avenue Streetscape Update PE-21004 151,443 151,443
Mitchell Park Library Repair PE-24006 151,192 151,192
Baylands Interpretive Signage Program OS-24001 47,343 47,343 47,343 47,343
Traffic Intersection Accessibility Improvement Project PL-25001 250,000 250,000 250,000 250,000
Children's Theatre Facility Upgrade/Repair AC-28002 125,000 125,000
471 - Capital Improvement Fund Total 45,204,917 (2,874,114) 42,330,803 935,343 13,478,123 14,413,466
472 - Cubberley Property Infrastructure FunCubberley Field Restroom CB-17002 27,697 27,697
Cubberley Roof Replacements CB-16002 100,000 100,000
472 - Cubberley Property Infrastructure Fund Total 127,697 127,697
530 - Airport Enterprise Fund Airport Parking Lot Electric Vehicle Charger Installation AP-24001 25,000 (25,000) - 22,500 (22,500) -
Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS)AP-19000 1,340,237 1,340,237 1,291,050 1,291,050
530 - Airport Enterprise Fund Total 1,365,237 (25,000) 1,340,237 1,313,550 (22,500) 1,291,050
523 - Electric Fund Colorado Distribution Feeder Outlet Replacement EL-22002 379,109 379,109
Colorado Power Station Equipment Upgrades EL-19001 2,725,339 2,725,339
Colorado Substation Site Improvements EL-19002 1,041,142 1,041,142
Foothills Rebuild (Fire Mitigation)EL-21001 1,599,239 1,599,239
Inter-substation Line Protection Relay EL-17005 437,505 179,140 616,645
Smart Grid Technology Installation EL-11014 876,335 876,335
Substation Breaker Replacement EL-17002 2,748,481 2,748,481
Substation Facility Improvements EL-89044 645,606 645,606
Substation Physical Security EL-16003 2,476,728 2,476,728
Wood Pole Replacement EL-19004 328,950 328,950
Hanover Substation Upgrade Project EL-24001 14,779,014 14,779,014
523 - Electric Fund Total 27,012,733 1,203,855 28,216,588
533 - Fiber Optics Fund Fiber Optics Customer Connections FO-10000 153,100 153,100
Fiber Optics Network - System Improvements FO-10001 540,325 540,325
Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP)FO-24000 10,946,450 10,946,450
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
EXHIBIT 3
Capital Improvement Plan FY 2025 Reappropriations to FY 2026
Fund Number and Name Project Title
Project
Number
Expense
Reappropriation
Adjustment
(Proposed)
Expense
Reappropriation
Adjustment
(A2P)
Expense
Reappropriation
Adjustment
TOTAL
Revenue
Reappropriation
Adjustment
(Proposed)
Revenue
Reappropriation
Adjustment
(A2P)
Revenue
Reappropriation
Adjustment
TOTAL
CITY OF PALO ALTO
RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY MANAGER'S FY 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET
533 - Fiber Optics Fund Total 11,639,875 11,639,875
524 - Gas Fund Gas Main Replacement - Project 25 GS-15000 8,728,324 8,728,324
Gas Meters and Regulators GS-80019 516,000 516,000
Gas Line Repair at Arastradero Creek GS-25001 999,558 999,558
524 - Gas Fund Total 9,244,324 999,558 10,243,882
528 - Stormwater Management Fund Green Stormwater Infrastructure SD-22001 1,239,330 1,239,330 1,215,562 1,215,562
Storm Drainage System Replacement And Rehabilitation SD-06101 1,183,015 1,183,015
528 - Stormwater Management Fund Total 2,422,345 2,422,345 1,215,562 1,215,562
527 - Wastewater Collection Fund
Wastewater Collection System Rehabilitation/Augmentation
Project 32 WC-20000 1,000,000 1,000,000
527 - Wastewater Collection Fund Total 1,000,000 1,000,000
526 - Wastewater Treatment Fund Headworks Facility Replacement WQ-16002 1,638,974 1,638,974
New Laboratory And Environmental Services Building WQ-14002 16,472,600 16,472,600
Outfall Line Construction WQ-19000 10,605,800 10,605,800
Secondary Treatment Upgrades WQ-19001 811,320 811,320
526 - Wastewater Treatment Fund Total 29,528,694 29,528,694
522 - Water Fund Water System Supply Improvements WS-11004 2,307,792 1,000,000 3,307,792
522 - Water Fund Total 2,307,792 1,000,000 3,307,792
682 - Technology Fund City Council Chambers Upgrade TE-19001 1,483,737 1,483,737
Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) Upgrade TE-23000 320,000 320,000
Enterprise Resource Planning Upgrade TE-19000 230,000 230,000
Infrastructure Management System TE-13004 285,906 285,906
IT Data Center Upgrade TE-25000 850,000 850,000
682 - Technology Fund Total 3,169,643 3,169,643
681 - Vehicle Replacement & Maintenance Emergency Repair and Replacement VR-15001 158,194 158,194
Scheduled Vehicle and Equipment Replacement - Fiscal Year
2020 VR-20000 30,000 30,000
Scheduled Vehicle and Equipment Replacement - Fiscal Year
2021 VR-21000 16,981 16,981
Scheduled Vehicle and Equipment Replacement - Fiscal Year
2023 VR-23000 712,277 712,277
Scheduled Vehicle and Equipment Replacement - Fiscal Year
2024 VR-24000 3,296,275 3,296,275
Scheduled Vehicle and Equipment Replacement - Fiscal Year
2025 VR-25000 3,398,584 3,398,584
681 - Vehicle Replacement & Maintenance Fund Total 7,612,311 7,612,311
All Funds Total 140,635,568 304,299 140,939,867 2,248,893 14,671,185 16,920,078
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Administrative Services
Fee Title FY 2025 Adopted FY 2026 Proposed % Change Justification
Mailing (Certified) $4.15 each $5.30 each 27.7%Fee set by outside agency
Tobacco Retail Permit One‐time application fee $347. Annual permit fee $434. One‐time application fee $347. Annual permit fee $434. 0.0%Fee set by outside agency
Business Registry Free $50.00 per business $50.00 per business 0.0%Fee set by Council policy
Community Services
Fee Title FY 2025 Adopted FY 2026 Proposed % Change Justification
Adoptions ‐ Adoption Hold Fee $26.00 per pet $100.00 per pet 285.0%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Cats (5+ Years) $50.00 per cat | $50.00 per cat $50.00 per cat | $50.00 per cat 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Cats (6 months ‐ 5 years) $130.00 per cat | $130.00 per cat $130.00 per cat | $130.00 per cat 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Cats (Two adopted at once) $185.00 per cat | $185.00 per cat $240.00 per cat | $240.00 per cat 29.7%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Cats (Under 6 Months) $175.00 per cat | $205.00 per cat $175.00 per cat | $205.00 per cat 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Cockatiels, Parakeets, Chickens, Pigeons, &
Doves $10.00 per pet $10.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Dogs (5+ Years) $75.00 per dog $75.00 per dog $75.00 per dog | $75.00 per dog 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Dogs (6 months ‐ 5 years) $175.00 per dog $205.00 per dog $175.00 per dog | $205.00 per dog 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Dogs (Under 6 Months) $300.00 per dog $350.00 per dog $300.00 per dog | $350.00 per dog 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Exotic Animals $10.00 per pet $10.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Rabbits $20.00 per pet $20.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Adoptions ‐ Rats, Hamsters, Guinea Pigs, & Mice $10.00 per pet $10.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Boarding ‐ Cat $21.00 per day $30.00 per day 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Boarding ‐ Dog $21.00 per day $30.00 per day 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Boarding ‐ Rabbit $21.00 per day $30.00 per day 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Boarding ‐ Small Animal (Reptiles, Birds, etc.) $21.00 per day $30.00 per day 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Cremation ‐ A. Animal: 0lbs ‐ 3lbs $150.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet $175.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet 0‐17%Fee set by vendor
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Cremation ‐ B. Animal: 4lbs ‐ 20lbs $200.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet $200.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Cremation ‐ C. Animal: 21lbs ‐ 49lbs $225.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet $225.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Cremation ‐ D. Animal: 50lbs ‐ 79lbs $250.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet $250.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Cremation ‐ E. Animal: 80lbs ‐ 99lbs $275.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet $275.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Cremation ‐ F. Animal: 100lbs ‐ 150lbs $300.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet $300.00 per pet | $50.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Cremation ‐ G. Cremation Services ‐ Custom Engraved
Plaque Fee $22.00 each $22.00 each 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Euthanasia ‐ A. Domestic Animals (up to 20lbs) $85.00 per pet $150.00 per pet 76.5%Fee set by vendor
Euthanasia ‐ B. Dogs (21lbs to 75lbs) $125.00 per pet $150.00 per pet 20.0%Fee set by vendor
Euthanasia ‐ C. Dogs (76lbs and over) $159.00 per pet $150.00 per pet 6.0%Fee set by vendor
Euthanasia ‐ D. Small Animals and Birds $45.00 per pet $45.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Other Animal Shelter Fees ‐ Classes, camps, corporate
events $21.00 ‐ $1,075.00 per event $21.00 ‐ $1,075.00 per event 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ A. Neuter (0lbs ‐ 50lbs) $200.00 per pet $220.00 per pet 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ B. Neuter (51lbs and 99lbs) $225.00 per pet $250.00 per pet 11.1%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ C. Neuter (100 lbs and
over) $250.00 per pet $275.00 per pet 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Clinic Board Fee $100.00 per pet $100.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Community Cat Package $55.00 per pet $125.00 per pet 127.3%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ D. Spay (0lbs ‐ 50lbs) $250.00 per pet $275.00 per pet 34.1%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ E. Spay (51lbs and 99lbs) $300.00 per pet $330.00 per pet 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ F. Spay (100 lbs and over) $350.00 per pet $400.00 per pet 14.3%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Late Fee for Spay/Neuter
Pickup $50.00 per pet $100.00 per pet 100.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Neuter $75.00 per pet $150.00 per pet 100.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ No‐Show Fee (non‐
refundable) $50.00 per pet $70.00 per pet 40.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Rabbit ‐ Neuter $125.00 per pet | $125.00 per pet $150.00 per pet | $150.00 per pet 20.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Rabbit ‐ Spay $175.00 per pet $175.00 per pet $200.00 per pet | $200.00 per pet 14.3%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Rescue Group (Non‐Profit) ‐
Cat Neuter $55.00 per pet $75.00 per pet 36.4%Fee set by vendor
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Rescue Group (Non‐Profit) ‐
Cat Spay $65.00 per pet $100.00 per pet 53.8%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Rescue Group (Non‐Profit) ‐
Dog Neuter (over 50 lbs) $175.00 per pet $175.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Rescue Group (Non‐Profit) ‐
Dog Neuter (under 50 lbs) $150.00 per pet $150.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Rescue Group (Non‐Profit) ‐
Dog Spay (over 50 lbs) $300.00 per pet $300.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Rescue Group (Non‐Profit) ‐
Dog Spay (under 50 lbs) $250.00 per pet $250.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Spay & Neuter Clinic Fees ‐ Spay $90.00 per pet $100.00 per pet 11.1%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Bordatella & Parainfluenza $15.00 per pet $20.00 per pet 33.3%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Cat Package $85.00 per pet $85.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ DA2PP $15.00 per pet $20.00 per pet 33.3%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Dog Package $85.00 per pet $85.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ FVRCP $15.00 per pet $20.00 per pet 33.3%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Kitten Package (over 3 months) $100.00 per pet $100.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Kitten Package (under 3 months) $125.00 per pet $125.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Microchip $25.00 per pet $25.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Puppy Package (over 3 months) $100.00 per pet $100.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Puppy Package (under 3 months) $125.00 per pet $125.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Rabies $15.00 per pet $20.00 per pet 33.3%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Rabies (Actual Clinic Cost) $6.00 per pet $6.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Routine Deworming (roundworms &
hookworms) $30.00 per pet $75.00 per pet 150.0%Fee set by vendor
Vaccinations ‐ Trap Rental ‐ Deposit $75.00 each $75.00 each 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Bandages $30.00 ‐ $110.00 per pet $75.00 per pet Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Brachycephalic Fee $75.00 per pet $100.00 per pet 33.3%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Common Procedures ‐
Fluorescein Eye Stain $19.00 each $21.00 each 10.5%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Common Procedures ‐ Medical
Grooming $93.00 per hour $102.00 per hour 9.7%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Cryptorchid Abdominal ‐ Fee $100.00 per pet $110.00 per pet 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Veterinary Services ‐ Cryptorchid Subcutaneous ‐ Fee $50.00 $55.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Deciduous Tooth Extraction $30.00 each $33.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Dewclaw Removal $75.00 per dewclaw $82.00 per dewclaw 13.9%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Ear Cleaning $30.00 each $33.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Ear Mite Treatment (2 doses of
Revolution) $60.00 per pet $66.00 per pet 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Flea +/‐ Preventative (per dose) $30.00 ‐ $100.00 each $33.00 ‐ $110.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Fluid Therapy ‐ IV Fluids $27.00 per hour $30.00 per hour 11.1%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Fluid Therapy ‐ SQ (Cats) $44.00 each $48.00 each 9.1%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Fluid Therapy ‐ SQ (Dogs) $56.00 each $61.00 each 8.9%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ IV Catheter Placement $66.00 each $72.00 each 9.1%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Lab work ‐ Fecal O & P $31.00 each $75.00 each 141.9%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Lab work ‐ FeLV/FIV Test $37.00 each $52.00 each 40.5%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Lab work ‐ In‐House Fungal Culture $39.00 each $43.00 each 10.3%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Labwork ‐ Heartworm Test $44.00 each $48.00 each 9.1%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Labwork ‐ Parvo Test $47.00 each $52.00 each 10.6%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Labwork ‐ PCV/TP $30.00 each $33.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Labwork ‐ Pre‐surgical $150.00 per pet $150.00 per pet 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Labwork ‐ Reference Lab Labwork cost plus $28.00 service fee Labwork cost plus $30.00 service fee 7.1%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Labwork ‐ Skin Scraping $30.00 each $33.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Labwork ‐ Urine Dipstick $30.00 each $33.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Labwork ‐ USG $30.00 each $33.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Leukemia/FIV Combo Testing $40.00 $60 50.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Local Anesthetic $39.00 each $42.90 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Long‐Acting Topical Ear Medication $64.00 each $70.40 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Medication ‐ Injectable $15.00 ‐ $250.00 each $15.00 ‐ $250.00 each 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Veterinary Services ‐ Medication ‐ Oral $15.00 ‐ $250.00 each $15.00 ‐ $250.00 each 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Medication ‐ Topical $15.00 ‐ $250.00 each $15.00 ‐ $250.00 each 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Nail Trim $0.00 with surgery $0.00 with surgery 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Nail Trim $30.00 per pet $33.00 per pet 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Obesity Fee plus Spay Fee $50.00 per pet $55.00 per pet 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Vaccine $30.00 each $33.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Routine Deworming (roundworms &
hookworms) $31.00 per pet $30.00 per pet ‐3.2%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Sedation/Anesthesia ‐ Gas $100.00 for first 30 minutes; $1.80 per minute thereafter $110.00 for first 30 minutes; $1.80 per minute thereafter 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Sedation/Anesthesia ‐ IM $62.00 each $68.00 each 9.7%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Sedation/Anesthesia ‐ IV $88.00 each $97.00 each 10.2%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Specialized Feeding $30.00 each $33.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Surgery ‐ Major Surgery, Preparation
and Recovery $500.00 ‐ $1,500.00 per hour $550.00 ‐ $1,650.00 per hour 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Surgery ‐ Minor Surgery, Preparation
and Recovery $50.00 ‐ $500.00 each $55.00 ‐ $550.00 each 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Tapeworm Treatment (Praziquantel) $18.00 per pet $20.00 per pet 11.1%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Umbilical Hernia Repair $40.00 ‐ $87.00 per pet $44.00 ‐ $95.00 per pet 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Veterinarian Exam $80.00 per hour $85.00 per hour 6.3%Fee set by vendor
Veterinary Services ‐ Wound Care $30.00 ‐ $110.00 per pet $33.00 ‐ $121.00 per pet 10.0%Fee set by vendor
Children's Theatre ‐ Children's Theatre ‐ Adults $14.00 ‐ $31.00 each $14.00 ‐ $31.00 each 0.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Children's Theatre ‐ Children's Theatre ‐ Children $6.00 ‐ $31.00 each $6.00 ‐ $31.00 each 0.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Children's Theatre ‐ Children's Theatre ‐ Per Show
Production Per Participant Fee $66.00 ‐ $430.00 each $66.00 ‐ $430.00 each | Fee plus up to 50%0‐50%Other, Department Recommendation
Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) ‐ Family Membership $47.00 ‐ $486.00 each $47.00 ‐ $486.00 each 0.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) ‐ Ticketed Admission Fee $2.00 ‐ $26.00 per person $2.00 ‐ $26.00 per person 0.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ 9 Hole/Twilight Non Resident $34.00 ‐ $54.00 per player | $40.00 ‐ $65.00 per player $40.00 ‐ $62.00 per player | $50.00 ‐ $75.00 per player 17‐20%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ 9 Hole/Twilight Resident or East Palo Alto Resident $30.00 ‐ $49.00 per player | $36.00 ‐ $61.00 per player $35.00 ‐ $56.00 per player | $45.00 ‐ $70.00 per player 17‐20%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ A. Small Bucket $5.00 ‐ $8.00 per bucket $6.00 ‐ $10.00 per bucket | 20‐25%Other, Department Recommendation
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Golf ‐ B. Medium Bucket $10.00 ‐ $15.00 per bucket $10.00 ‐ $17.00 per bucket | 0‐13%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Bay Area Resident $41.00 ‐ $109.00 per player | $52.00 ‐ $158.00 per player $55.00 ‐ $120.00 per player | $65.00 ‐ $175.00 per player 10‐25%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Baylands Cardholder $26.00 ‐ $89.00 per player | $41.00 ‐ $117.00 per player $40.00 ‐ $100.00 per player | $55.00 ‐ $135.00 per player 10‐25%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ C. Large Bucket $13.00 ‐ $18.00 per bucket $14.00 ‐ $22.00 per bucket | 7‐22%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ D. Jumbo Bucket $16.00 ‐ $22.00 per bucket $17.00 ‐ $27.00 per bucket | 13‐22%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Golf Cart ‐ 18 Holes $16.00 ‐ $36.00 per rental $17.00 ‐ $41.00 per rental | 6‐14%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Golf Cart ‐ 9 Holes $10.00 ‐ $23.00 per rental $11.00 ‐ $26.00 per rental | 6‐13%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Juniors $13.00 ‐ $29.00 per player | $22.00 ‐ $46.00 per player $15.00 ‐ $32.00 per player | $25.00 ‐ $51.00 per player 10.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ League Reservation Fee $268.00 ‐ $762.00 per team $282.00 ‐ $840.00 per team 5‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Membership Card $52.00 ‐ $154.00 per card $79.00 ‐ $175.00 per card 6‐52%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Non Resident $52.00 ‐ $116.00 per player | $62.00 ‐ $170.00 per player $60.00 ‐ $130.00 per player | $70.00 ‐ $190.00 per player 16‐46%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Palo Alto or East Palo Alto Resident $32.00 ‐ $96.00 per player | $41.00 ‐ $129.00 per player $45.00 ‐ $110.00 per player | $55.00 ‐ $145.00 per player 22‐32%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Pull Cart ‐ 18 Holes $7.00 ‐ $9.00 per rental $8.00 ‐ $15.00 per rental 14‐66%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Pull Cart ‐ 9 Holes $4.00 ‐ $7.00 per rental $5.00 ‐ $10.00 per rental 20‐42%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Rental Clubs ‐ 18 Holes $46.00 ‐ $69.00 per rental $50.00 ‐ $80.00 per rental 8‐16%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Rental Clubs ‐ 9 Holes $23.00 ‐ $34.00 per rental $25.00 ‐ $45.00 per rental 8‐32%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Replay Rate $21.00 ‐ $40.00 per player | $26.00 ‐ $59.00 per player $25.00 ‐ $50.00 per player | $30.00 ‐ $70.00 per player 18‐20%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Single Rider ‐ 18 Holes $16.00 ‐ $27.00 per rental $20.00 ‐ $35.00 per rental 25‐30%Other, Department Recommendation
Golf ‐ Tournaments $70.00 ‐ $183.00 per player | $84.00 ‐ $242.00 per player $75.00 ‐ $205.00 per player | $85.00 ‐ $270.00 per player 1‐12%Other, Department Recommendation
Open Space Activities ‐ Vehicle Entry Fees ‐ A. Vehicle Entry ‐
Daily Fee ‐ Vehicle Capacity 9 passengers or less $6.00 each $6.00 each 0.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Open Space Activities ‐ Vehicle Entry Fees ‐ B. Vehicle Entry ‐
Daily Fee ‐ Vehicle Capacity 10‐24 passengers $30.00 each $30.00 each 0.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Open Space Activities ‐ Vehicle Entry Fees ‐ C. Vehicle Entry ‐
Daily Fee ‐ Vehicle Capacity 25 or more passengers with a
group permit
$60.00 each $60.00 each 0.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Open Space Activities ‐ Vehicle Entry Fees ‐ D. Vehicle Entry ‐
Annual Pass $0.00 ‐ $86.00 each $0.00 ‐ $86.00 each 0.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Open Space Activities ‐ Vehicle Entry Fees ‐ Special Events $2.00 ‐ $142.00 per event $2.00 ‐ $142.00 per event 0.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Art Center ‐ Auditorium $204.00 per hour | $307.00 per hour $217.00 per hour | $337.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Art Center ‐ Children's Clay Studio $54.00 per hour | $81.00 per hour $57.00 per hour | $89.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Art Center ‐ Children's Outdoor Classroom $123.00 per hour | $186.00 per hour $131.00 per hour | $204.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Art Center ‐ Historic Courtyard $123.00 per hour | $186.00 per hour $131.00 per hour | $204.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Art Center ‐ Kitchen/Pre‐school $54.00 per hour | $81.00 per hour $57.00 per hour | $89.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Art Center ‐ Lobby $123.00 per hour | $186.00 per hour $131.00 per hour | $204.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Art Center ‐ Meeting Room $129.00 per hour | $194.00 per hour $137.00 per hour | $213.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Art Center ‐ Project LOOK! Studio $54.00 per hour | $81.00 per hour $57.00 per hour | $89.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Art Center ‐ Sculpture Garden $162.00 per hour | $244.00 per hour $173.00 per hour | $268.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Art Center ‐ Studio A $54.00 per hour | $81.00 per hour $57.00 per hour | $89.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Art Center ‐ Studio B $54.00 per hour | $81.00 per hour $57.00 per hour | $89.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Athletic Fields ‐ Grass Fields $63.00 per hour | $114.00 per hour $67.00 per hour | $125.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Athletic Fields ‐ Synthetic Turf Field $85.00 per hour | $191.00 per hour $90.00 per hour | $210.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Athletic Fields ‐ Tennis Courts (USTA and Palo Alto Tennis
Club Only) $8.00 per hour | $10.00 per hour $8.00 per hour | $11.00 per hour 0‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Children's Theatre ‐ Auditorium and Stage $189.00 ‐ $2,533.00 per hour | $286.00 ‐ $3,800.00 per hour $189.00 ‐ $2705.00 per hour | $286.00 ‐ $4180.00 per hour 0‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Children's Theatre ‐ Castle Stage and Secret Garden $378.00 ‐ $3,167.00 per hour | $569.00 ‐ $4,750.00 per hour $378.00 ‐ $3,382.00 per hour | $569.00 ‐ $5,225.00 per hour 0‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Children's Theatre ‐ Dance Studio $40.00 ‐ $1,363.00 per hour | $62.00 ‐ $2,041.00 per hour $40.00 ‐ $1455.00 per hour | $62.00 ‐ $2245.00 per hour 0‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Children's Theatre ‐ Package Rental ‐ All Available Space and
Garden
$1,266.00 ‐ $6,334.00 per hour | $1,901.00 ‐ $9,501.00 per
hour $1,266.00 ‐ $6,764.00 per hour | $1,901.00 ‐ $10,451.00 per hour 0‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Community Theatre ‐ Auditorium and Stage $290.00 per hour | $435.00 per hour $309.00 per hour | $478.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Community Theatre ‐ Rehearsal Hall $58.00 per hour | $87.00 per hour $61.00 per hour | $95.00 per hour 5‐9%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Additional Performance $430.00 each $450.00 each 4.7%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Art Studio Short Term $107.00 per week | $119.00 per week $114.00 per week | $131.00 per week 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ D. Dark Day Package $290.00 each $300.00 each 3.4%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Exclusive Monthly Storage
Space (As Available) $2.00 each $2.00 each 0.0%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Gym A $142.00 per hours | $95.00 per hour $151.00 per hours | $101.00 per hours 6.3%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Gym A $116.00 per hour | $77.00 per hour $123.00 per hour | $82.00 per hour 6.3%Other, Department Recommendation
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Gym B $171.00 per hour | $112.00 per hour $182.00 per hour | $119.00 per hour 6.3%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Gym B $129.00 per hour | $86.00 per hour $137.00 per hour | $91.00 per hour 6.3%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ H‐1 Lecture Room $93.00 per hour | $75.00 per hour $99.00 per hour | $80.00 per hour 6.3%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ H‐1 Lecture Room $76.00 per hour | $60.00 per hour $81.00 per hour | $64.00 per hour 6.3%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ L‐6 Dance Studio $74.00 per hour | $63.00 per hour $79.00 per hour | $67.00 per hour 6.3%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ L‐6 Dance Studio $56.00 per hour | $50.00 per hour $59.00 per hour | $53.00 per hour 5‐6%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Meeting Room ‐ Large
(2,000 ‐ 4,000 sq. ft.) $91.00 per hour | $70.00 per hour $97.00 per hour | $74.00per hour 5‐6%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Meeting Room ‐ Large
(2,000 ‐ 4,000 sq. ft.) $71.00 per hour | $55.00 per hour $75.00 per hour | $58.00 per hour 5‐6%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Meeting Room ‐ Medium
(1,000 ‐ 2,000 sq. ft.) $70.00 per hour | $61.00 per hour $74.00 per hour | $65.00 per hour 5‐6%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Meeting Room ‐ Medium
(1,000 ‐ 2,000 sq. ft.) $54.00 per hour | $46.00 per hour $57.00 per hour | $49.00 per hour 5‐6%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Meeting Room ‐ Small (Less
than 1,000 sq. ft.) $54.00 per hour | $45.00 per hour $57.00 per hour | $48.00 per hour 5‐6%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Meeting Room ‐ Small (Less
than 1,000 sq. ft.) $46.00 per hour | $36.00 per hour $49.00 per hour | $38.00 per hour 5‐6%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Office/Program Space (As
Available) $1.99 per sq. ft. per month | $1.68 per sq. ft. per month $2.13 per sq. ft. per month | $1.79 per sq. ft. per month 6‐7%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Pavilion $211.00 per hour | $186.00 per hour $225.00 per hour | $198.00 per hour 6‐7%Other, Department Recommendation
Cubberley Community Center ‐ Pavilion $168.00 per hour | $131.00 per hour $179.00 per hour | $140.00 per hour 6‐7%Other, Department Recommendation
Equipment Rentals ‐ Electric Warming Plates $10.00 ‐ $100.00 | $11.00 ‐ $115.00 $10.00 ‐ $106.00 | $11.00 ‐ $126.00 0‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Alma Plaza Community Room $32.00 per hour | $49.00 per hour $34.00 per hour | $54.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Banner Space Rental $34.00 ‐ $138.00 per week | $51.00 ‐ $209.00 per week $34.00 ‐ $147.00 per week | $51.00 ‐ $230.00 per week 0‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Baylands Nature Interpretive Center Meeting
Room $107.00 per hour | $161.00 per hour $114.00 per hour | $177.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Built‐in Digital Projector System $60.00 per use | $90.00 per use $64.00 per use | $99.00 per use 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Chairs $1.58 per chair | $2.36 per chair $1.69 per chair | $2.60 per chair 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Grand Piano $120.00 per use | $181.00 per use $128.00 per use | $199.00 per use 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Lawn Bowling Green's Kitchen and Meeting
Facility $60.00 per hour | $90.00 per hour $64.00 per hour | $99.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Mitchell and Rinconada Parks ‐ Bowl Areas $9.00 ‐ $105.00 per hour | $19.00 ‐ $209.00 per hour $9.00 ‐ $112.00 per hour | $19.00 ‐ $230.00 per hour 0‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Peers Park, Mitchell Park Field House $209.00 per day | $282.00 per day $223.00 per day | $310.00 per day 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
General ‐ Picnic Reservations (1 ‐ 15 people) $35.00 per group | $41.00 per group $37.00 per group | $45.00 per group 5‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Podium and Microphone $40.00 per use | $62.00 per use $42.00 per use | $68.00 per use 5‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Portable Digital Projector $83.00 per use | $126.00 per use $88.00 per use | $138.00 per use 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Portable Movie Projector ‐ 16mm $12.00 per use | $19.00 per use $12.00 per use | $21.00 per use 0‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Portable Public Address System $18.00 per use | $28.00 per use $19.00 per use | $30.00 per use 5‐7%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Tables ‐ 6' Round $9.00 per table | $11.00 per table $9.00 per table | $12.00 per table 0‐9%Other, Department Recommendation
General ‐ Television $16.00 per use | $26.00 per use $17.00 per use | $28.00 per use 6‐9%Other, Department Recommendation
Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) ‐ Dawn Redwood Courtyard $300.00 per hour | $392.00 per hour $320.00 per hour | $431.00 per hour 6‐9%Other, Department Recommendation
Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) ‐ Exhibit Hall Rental $354.00 per hour | $532.00 per hour $378.00 per hour | $585.00 per hour 6‐9%Other, Department Recommendation
Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) ‐ Indoor Classroom $114.00 per hour | $126.00 per hour $121.00 per hour | $138.00 per hour 6‐9%Other, Department Recommendation
Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) ‐ Multi‐use Room $143.00 per hour | $216.00 per hour $152.00 per hour | $237.00 per hour 6‐9%Other, Department Recommendation
Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) ‐ Outdoor Classroom $143.00 per hour | $216.00 per hour $152.00 per hour | $237.00 per hour 6‐9%Other, Department Recommendation
Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) ‐ Package Rental ‐ All Available
Space $904.00 per hour | $1,357.00 per hour $965.00 per hour | $1492.00 per hour 6‐9%Other, Department Recommendation
Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ) ‐ Zoo Rental $354.00 per hour | $532.00 per hour $378.00 per hour | $585.00 per hour 6‐9%Other, Department Recommendation
Lucie Stern Community Center ‐ Ballroom (Room S) $236.00 per hour | $340.00 per hour $252.00 per hour | $374.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Lucie Stern Community Center ‐ Community Room (Room
R) $176.00 per hour | $239.00 per hour $188.00 per hour | $263.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Lucie Stern Community Center ‐ Fireside Room (Room D) $134.00 per hour | $187.00 per hour $143.00 per hour | $205.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Lucie Stern Community Center ‐ Kitchen $50.00 per hour | $69.00 per hour $53.00 per hour | $76.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Lucie Stern Community Center ‐ Lighting $178 per use | $231 per use $190.00 per use | $254.00 per use 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Lucie Stern Community Center ‐ Package Rental ‐
Community Room and Patio Package $213.00 per hour | $304.00 per hour $227.00 per hour | $334.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Lucie Stern Community Center ‐ Package Rental ‐ Exclusive
Use (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) $516.00 per hour | $634.00 per hour $551.00 per hour | $697.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Lucie Stern Community Center ‐ Package Rental ‐ Exclusive
Use Package (Monday‐Thursday) $472.00 per hour | $568.00 per hour $504.00 per hour | $624.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Lucie Stern Community Center ‐ Package Rental ‐ Fireside
Room and Patio Package $183.00 per hour | $262.00 per hour $195.00 per hour | $288.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Lucie Stern Community Center ‐ Patio $129.00 per hour | $185.00 per hour $137.00 per hour | $203.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Mitchell Park Community Center ‐ Adobe North Tech Lab $143.00 per hour | $216.00 per hour $152.00 per hour | $237.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Mitchell Park Community Center ‐ Adobe South or
Matadero Room $114.00 per hour | $172.00 per hour $121.00 per hour | $189.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Mitchell Park Community Center ‐ El Palo Alto East or West
Only $143.00 per hour | $216.00 per hour $152.00 per hour | $237.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Mitchell Park Community Center ‐ El Palo Alto Room
(Ballroom) $291.00 per hour | $436.00 per hour $310.00 per hour | $479.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Mitchell Park Community Center ‐ Kitchen $82.00 per hour | $124.00 per hour $87.00 per hour | $136.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Mitchell Park Community Center ‐ Package Rental ‐ Adobe
North Tech Lab and South Meeting Room $250.00 per hour | $375.00 per hour $267.00 per hour | $412.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Mitchell Park Community Center ‐ Package Rental ‐ Birthday
Package $272.00 per hour | $406.00 per hour $290.00 per hour | $446.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Mitchell Park Community Center ‐ Package Rental ‐ El Palo
Alto Room and Kitchen $354.00 per hour | $532.00 per hour $378.00 per hour | $585.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Mitchell Park Community Center ‐ Package Rental ‐
Exclusive Use Package $659.00 per hour | $988.00 per hour $703.00 per hour | $1,086.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Rinconada Complex and PAUSD Pools when Operated by
the City ‐ A. 1 ‐ 25 People (2 Hour Minimum) $111.00 ‐ $185.00 per hour | $141.00 ‐ $197.00 per hour $111.00 ‐ $197.00 per hour | $141.00 ‐ $216.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Rinconada Complex and PAUSD Pools when Operated by
the City ‐ B. 26 ‐ 50 People (2 Hour Minimum) $161.00 ‐ $234.00 per hour | $172.00 ‐ $246.00 per hour $161.00 ‐ $250.00 per hour | $172.00 ‐ $270.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Rinconada Complex and PAUSD Pools when Operated by
the City ‐ C. 51 ‐ 75 People (2 Hour Minimum) $211.00 ‐ $285.00 per hour | $222.00 ‐ $296.00 per hour $211.00 ‐ $304.00 per hour | $222.00 ‐ $325.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Rinconada Complex and PAUSD Pools when Operated by
the City ‐ D. 76 ‐ 100 People (2 Hour Minimum) $246.00 ‐ $320.00 per hour | $259.00 ‐ $334.00 per hour $246.00 ‐ $341.00 per hour | $259.00 ‐ $367.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Rinconada Complex and PAUSD Pools when Operated by
the City ‐ E. 101 People or More (2 Hour Minimum) $309.00 ‐ $383.00 per hour | $320.00 ‐ $395.00 per hour $309.00 ‐ $409.00 per hour | $320.00 ‐ $434.00 per hour 6‐10%Other, Department Recommendation
Fire
Fee Title FY 2025 Adopted FY 2026 Proposed % Change Justification
Paramedic Internship Fee $1,000.00 each $1,000.00 each 0.0%Maintained for local fee competitiveness
Library
Fee Title FY 2025 Adopted FY 2026 Proposed % Change Justification
Fines & Penalties ‐ Billing Fee for Overdue Items $5.00 each $5.00 each 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Fines & Penalties ‐ Collection Agency Processing Fee $12.00 each $12.00 each 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Fines & Penalties ‐ Damaged and Lost Materials ‐ LINK+ $115.00 each $115.00 each 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Fines & Penalties ‐ Expired Hold Fee $1.00 each $1.00 each 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Fines & Penalties ‐ Overdue Materials ‐ In House
Laptops $0.30 each $0.30 each 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Fines & Penalties ‐ Replacement Library Card $1.00 each $1.00 each 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Rentals & Reservations ‐ Mitchell Park Library
Community Room $66.00 per hour | $99.00 per hour $66.00 per hour | $99.00 per hour 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Rentals & Reservations ‐ Mitchell Park Library
Community Room ‐ Full Day Rental $330.00 per hour | $494.00 per hour $330.00 per hour | $494.00 per hour 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Rentals & Reservations ‐ Photography/Filming ‐Space
Rental Fee $100.00 ‐ $2,000.00 per session $100.00 ‐ $2,000.00 per session 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Rentals & Reservations ‐ Rinconada Library Community
Room $96.00 per hour | $143.00 per hour $96.00 per hour | $143.00 per hour 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Rentals & Reservations ‐ Rinconada Library Community
Room ‐ Full Day Rental $478.00 per day | $716.00 per day $478.00 per day | $716.00 per day 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Rentals & Reservations ‐ Room Cleaning & Damage
Deposit $306.00 ‐ $3,060.00 per deposit $306.00 ‐ $3,060.00 per deposit 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Rentals & Reservations ‐ Room Cleaning Fee ‐ Add on $80.00 ‐ $500.00 per event $80.00 ‐ $500.00 per event 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Services ‐ Laser Prints ‐ Black & White $0.15 per page $0.15 per page 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Services ‐ Laser Prints ‐ Color $0.050 per page $0.050 per page 0.0%Fees aligned with market rates
Non‐Departmental
Fee Title FY 2025 Adopted FY 2026 Proposed % Change Justification
Online Processing of Traffic Citations $2.00 $2.00 0.0%Fee set by vendor
Office of Transportation
Fee Title FY 2025 Adopted FY 2026 Proposed % Change Justification
On‐Demand Transit ‐ (Palo Alto Link)$0.00 ‐ $3.50 per passenger trip $0.00 ‐ $4.00 per passenger trip 0‐14%Pricing based on Staff Report #:2408‐3387 changed
October 21, 2024
Weekly Pass $20.00 per week $40.00 per week 100.0%Pricing based on Staff Report #:2408‐3387 changed
October 21, 2024
Monthly Pass $65.00 per month $130.00 per month 100.0%Pricing based on Staff Report #:2408‐3387 changed
October 21, 2024
All Downtown and SOFA ‐ Wait List Registration $11.00 per occurence $12.10 per occurrence 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
All Downtown and SOFA Garages and Lots ‐ One Day
Parking Permit $0 ‐ $25 $0 ‐ $25 per occurrence 0.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
All Downtown and SOFA Lots and Garages Annual Parking
Permit $900.00 per year $990 per year 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
California Avenue Area All Garages and Lots ‐ Daily Parking
Permit $0 ‐ $25 per day $0 ‐ $25 0.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
California Avenue Area All Garages and Lots Annual Parking
Permit $650 per year $715.00 per year 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
All Downtown and SOFA Lots and Garages Reduced‐Price
Annual Parking Permit $225.00 per year $247.5 per year 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
California Avenue Area All Garages and Lots Reduced‐Price
Annual Parking Permit $162.50 per year $178.75 per year 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
RPP Construction Parking Permit $117.00 per month 128.78 per month 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Evergreen Park ‐ Mayfield RPP Annual Resident Parking
Permit $50.00 per year $55.00 per year 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Evergreen Park ‐ Mayfield RPP Daily Resident Parking
Permit $5.00 per day $5.50 per day 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Evergreen Park ‐ Mayfield RPP Full Price Employee Parking
Permit $375.00 each $412.5.0 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Evergreen Park ‐ Mayfield RPP Reduced‐Price Employee
Parking Permit $93.75 each $103.10 each 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Old Palo Alto RPP ‐ Annual Resident Parking Permit $50.00 each $55.00 each 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Old Palo Alto RPP ‐ Daily Resident Parking Permit $5.00 $5.50 each 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Southgate RPP ‐ Annual Resident Parking Permit $50.00 per year $55.00 per year 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Southgate RPP ‐ Daily Resident Parking Permit $5.00 per day $5.50 per day 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Southgate RPP ‐ Full Price Employee Parking Permit $375.00 each $412.50 each 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Southgate RPP ‐ Reduced Price Employee Parking Permit $93.75 each $103.10 each 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Standard On‐street Disabled Parking Space $1,010.00 each $1,111.00 each 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
College Terrace RPP ‐ Annual Resident Parking Permit $50.00 per year $55.00 per year 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
College Terrace RPP Daily Resident Parking Permit $5.00 per day $5.50 per day 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Crescent Park NOP ‐ Annual Resident Parking Permit $50.00 per year $55.00 per year 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Crescent Park NOP Daily Resident Parking Permit $5.00 each $5.50 each 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Downtown RPP ‐ Annual Resident Parking Permit $50.00 per year $55.00 per year 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Downtown RPP ‐ Daily Resident Parking Permit $5.00 per day $5.50 per day 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Downtown RPP ‐ Reduced‐Price Employee Parking Permit $131.25 each $144.35 each 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Downtown RPP Full Price Employee Parking Permit $525.00 each $577.50 each 10.0%Adjustment of pricing based on market conditions.
Police
Fee Title FY 2025 Adopted FY 2026 Proposed % Change Justification
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Massage Technician ‐ New $318.00 per year $318.00 per year 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Massage Technician ‐ Renewal $239.00 each $239.00 each 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Massage Practitioner ‐ Non‐Certified (New)$160.00 each $160.00 each 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Massage Practitioner ‐ Non‐Certified (Renewal)$239.00 per year $239.00 per year 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
C. Massage Establishment ‐ Sale or Transfer of Interest $161.00 per year $161.00 per year 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
A. Massage Establishment ‐ New $161.00 per occurrence $161.00 per occurrence 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
B. Massage Establishment ‐ Renewal $478.00 per year $478.00 per year 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Massage Establishment ‐ Sole Proprietor (New)241.00 per year 241.00 per year 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Massage Establishment ‐ Sole Proprietor (Renewal)$318.00 per year $318.00 per year 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Massage Establishment ‐ Non‐Certified (New)$235.00 per year $235.00 per year 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Massage Establishment ‐ Massage Establishment ‐ Non‐
Certified $488.00 per year $488.00 per year 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Business Location Change $1,342.00 each $1,342.00 each 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Concealed Carry Weapon a. New (Application fee)130.00 per application 130.00 per application 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Concealed Carry Weapon b. New (Issuance fee)522.00 per application 522.00 per application 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Concealed Carry Weapon c. Renewal fee 99.00 per application 99.00 per application 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Concealed Carry Weapon d. Modification/Duplicate fee 15.00 each 15.00 each 0.0%Planned for Council consideration later this year for update
and policy revision
Public Works
Fee Title FY 2025 Adopted FY 2026 Proposed % Change Justification
Encroachment Permit ‐ Residential $1,038.00 each $1,276 each 22.9% Aligned with PDS fee study
Encroachment Permit ‐ Fence $2156.00 each $1998.00 each ‐7.3% Aligned with PDS fee study
Inspection Fees ‐ Off Hour Inspection $334.00 per hour $244 per hour ‐29.1% Aligned with PDS fee study
Certificate of Compliance $6,086.00 per occurrence $4,577.00 per occurrence ‐24.8% Aligned with PDS fee study
Street Cut Fees ‐ D. Pavement Condition: Very Good ‐
Excellent $28.00 per square foot $28.00 per square foot 0.0%Based on bid prices
Street Cut Fees ‐ C. Pavement Condition: Good $20.00 per square foot $20.00 per square foot 0.0% Based on bid prices
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
Municipal Fee Schedule Amendments for FY 2026 Changed Fees Exhibit 5
Street Cut Fees ‐ B. Pavement Condition: Fair/At‐Risk $17.00 per square foot $17.00 per square foot 0.0% Based on bid prices
Street Cut Fees ‐ A. Pavement Condition: Poor $14.00 per square foot $14.00 per square foot 0.0% Based on bid prices
Street Cut Fees ‐ Service Lateral Connection $1756.00 per square foot $1756.00 per square foot 0.0% Based on bid prices
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
PALO ALTO , CA
REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT COST
OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MAY 202 5
Exhibit 6
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP
INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
LEGAL FOUNDATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS 4
USER FEE STUDY METHODOLOGY 7
RESULTS OVERVIEW 9
BUILDING 10
PLANNING 19
FIRE PREVENTION 24
PUBLIC WORKS 30
DEVELOPMENT SURCHARGES 33
FEE ADJUSTMENTS 38
APPENDIX A: FULL LISTING OF FEES 40
APPENDIX B: FULLY BURDENED HOURLY RATES 55
APPENDIX C: COMPARATIVE SURVEY 56
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 1
This report presents the results of the Development-Related Cost of Services (User Fee) Study conducted
by the Matrix Consulting Group for the City of Palo Alto.
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
Matrix Consulting Group analyzed the cost-of-service relationships that exist between fees for service
activities in the following development departments: Building, Planning, Fire, and Public Works. The City
of Palo Alto last conducted a development services fee study in 2016. It is considered best practice to
update these analyses every 7 years; therefore, the City contracted with Matrix Consulting Group to
conduct a review of the planning and development services related fees. The results of this study provide
a tool for understanding current service levels, the cost and demand for those services, and what fees for
service can and should be charged.
GENERAL PROJECT APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
The methodology employed by Matrix Consulting Group is a widely accepted “bottom up” approach to
cost analysis, where time spent per unit of fee activity is determined for each position within a
Department or Program. Once time spent for a fee activity is determined, all applicable City costs are
then considered in the calculation of the “full” cost of providing each service. The following table
provides an overview of types of costs applied in establishing the “full” cost of services provided by the
City:
TABLE 1: OVERVIEW OF COST COMPONENTS
Cost Component Description
Direct
Fiscal Year 2025 Budgeted salaries, benefits, and allowable expenditures.
Indirect
Division, departmental, and Citywide administration / management and clerical support.
Together, the cost components in the table above comprise the calculation of the total “full” cost of
providing any service, regardless of whether a fee for that service is charged.
The work accomplished by Matrix Consulting Group in the analysis of the proposed fees for service
involved the following steps:
• Departmental Staff Interviews: The project team interviewed Departmental staff regarding their
needs for clarification on the structure of existing fee items or for addition of new fee items.
• Data Collection: Data was collected for each permit / service, including time estimates. In addition,
revenue, expenses, and staffing levels for Fiscal Year 2025 were entered into Matrix Consulting
Group’s analytical software model.
INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 2
• Cost Analysis: The full cost of providing each service included in the analysis was established.
• Review and Approval of Results with City Staff: Department management has reviewed and
approved these documented results.
A more detailed description of user fee methodology, as well as legal and policy considerations, are
provided in subsequent chapters of this report.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
When comparing Fiscal Year 2025 fee-related budgeted expenditures with fee-related revenue based on
Fiscal Year 2024 workload the Planning and Development Services Department is under-recovering its
costs by approximately $1.15 million and recovering 93% of its costs. The following table shows by
major service area / discipline, the revenue collected, the total annual cost, the resulting annual
difference, and the resulting cost recovery.
TABLE 2: ANNUAL COST RECOVERY ANALYSIS
Service Area
Annual
Revenue Annual Cost
Annual
Difference
Cost
Recovery %
Building1 $12,990,678 $13,331,847 ($341,169) 97%
Current Planning2 $1,835,952 $2,516,495 ($680,543) 73%
Public Works $656,971 $786,427 ($129,456) 84%
Subtotal Planning & Dev. $5,743,136 $9,686,506 ($3,943,370) 59%
Fire Prevention $3,613,077 $5,012,525 ($1,399,448) 72%
TOTAL $19,096,678 $21,647,294 ($2,550,617) 88%
Due to the interdependence between each division and service area, it is important to evaluate Planning
and Development Services cost recovery wholistically. Overall, the Department shows a deficit of $1.15
million. The largest source of this deficit is Current Planning fees at $681,000.
As part of the FY2025 budget process, Fire Prevention (non-development related activities) was
separated from Planning and Development Services; however, they were included in the overall fee
analysis. For those services, the City is seeing an under-recovery of approximately $1.4 million or a cost
recovery level of 72%.
The detailed documentation of the study will show an over-collection for some fees (on a per unit basis)
and an undercharge for most others. The results of this analysis will provide the Department and the City
with guidance on how to right-size their fees to ensure that each service unit is set at an amount that
does not exceed the full cost of providing that service.
1 This captures the cost and revenue associated with the Planning, Fire, and Engineering in association with Building Permits.
2 This captures the services provided by current planning staff as it relates to individual reviews, historic reviews, use permits. It does not
include costs or revenues associated with long-range planning, specific area plans, housing, or code enforcement.
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 3
The display of cost recovery figures shown in this report are meant to provide a basis for policy
development discussions among Councilmembers and City staff, and do not represent a
recommendation for where or how the Council should act. The setting of the “rate” or “price” for services,
whether at 100 percent full cost recovery or lower, is a policy decision to be made only by the Council,
with input from City staff and the community.
FEE STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS
Through the course of this study, Matrix Consulting Group reviewed development-related fee
components and activities. The following points summarize the key recommendations from this
analysis:
v All fees should be set at 100% cost recovery unless a specific cost recovery subsidy policy has been
established.
v Fees should continue to be updated annually based upon the city established increase factor (i.e.,
cost of living adjustment), except for deposits, surcharges, percentage-based fees, and any state-set
fees.
v The Technology Fee and Reserve surcharge could be shown as separate surcharges to more
transparently reflect the true cost of providing services.
v Surcharges for Comprehensive Plan Maintenance, Technology Fee, and Reserve Fund should be
accounted for in separate subaccounts per accounting best practices.
The report goes into further detail regarding these fee recommendations. Implementing these
recommendations will allow the department and the City to better capture its full cost of providing
services, while setting asides funds earmarked for specific purposes.
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 4
This section of the report is intended to provide an overview regarding overall legal rules and regulations
as well as general policy considerations for fees for service. A “user fee” is a charge for service provided
by a governmental agency to a public citizen or group. In California, several constitutional laws such as
Propositions 13, 4, and 218, State Government Codes 66014 and 66016, and more recently Prop 26 and
the Attorney General’s Opinion 92-506 set the parameters under which the user fees typically
administered by local government are established and administered. Specifically, California State Law,
Government Code 66014(a), stipulates that user fees charged by local agencies “…may not exceed the
estimated reasonable cost of providing the service for which the fee is charged.”
GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND PHILOSOPHIES REGARDING USER FEES
Local governments are providers of many types of general services to their communities. While all
services provided by local government are beneficial to constituents, some services can be classified as
globally beneficial to all citizens, while others provide more of a direct benefit to a specific group or
individual. The following table provides examples of services provided by local government within a
continuum of the degree of community benefit received:
TABLE 3: SERVICES IN RELATION TO BENEFIT RECEIVED
Funding for local government is obtained from myriad revenue sources such as taxes, fines, grants,
special charges, user fees, etc. In recent years, alternative tax revenues, which typically offset subsidies
for services provided to the community, have become increasingly limited. These limitations have caused
increased attention on user fee activities as a revenue source that can offset costs otherwise subsidized
(usually) by the general fund. In Table 3, services in the “global community benefit” section tend to be
funded primarily through voter-approved tax revenues. In the middle of the table, one typically finds a
mixture of taxes, user fees, and other funding sources. Finally, in the “individual / group benefit” section
of the table are the services provided by local government that are typically funded almost entirely by
user fee revenue.
The following are two central concepts regarding the establishment of user fees:
"Global" Community Benefit
•Police
•Park Maintenance
•Fire Suppression
"Global" Benefit and an
Individual or Gorup Benefit
•Recreation / Community
Services
•Fire Prevention
Individual or Group Benefit
•Building Permits
•Planning and Zoning
Approval
•Engineering Development
Review
LEGAL FOUNDATIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 5
v Fees should be assessed according to the degree of individual or private benefit gained from
services. For example, the processing and approval of a land use or building permit will generally
result in monetary gain to the applicant, whereas Police services and Fire Suppression are examples
of services that are essential to the safety of the community at large.
v A profit-making objective should not be included in the assessment of user fees. In fact, California
laws require that the charges for service be in direct proportion to the costs associated with
providing those services. Once a charge for service is assessed at a level higher than the actual cost
of providing a service, the term “user fee” no longer applies. The charge then becomes a tax subject
to voter approval.
Therefore, it is commonly accepted that user fees are established at a level that will recover up to, and
not more than, the cost of providing a particular service.
GENERAL POLICY CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING USER FEES
Undoubtedly, there are programs, circumstances, and services that justify a subsidy from a tax-based or
alternative revenue source. However, it is essential that jurisdictions prioritize the use of revenue sources
for the provision of services based on the continuum of benefit received.
Within the services that are typically funded by user fees, the Matrix Consulting Group recognizes several
reasons why City staff or City Council may not advocate the full cost recovery of services. The following
factors are key policy considerations in setting fees at less than 100 percent of cost recovery:
• Limitations posed by an external agency. The State or an outside agency will occasionally set a
maximum, minimum, or limit on the jurisdiction’s ability to charge a fee. Examples includes time spent
copying and retrieving public documents and / or transportation permits.
• Encouragement of desired behaviors. Keeping fees for certain services below full cost recovery may
provide better compliance from the community. For example, if the cost of a permit for changing a
water heater in residential home is higher than the cost of the water heater itself, many citizens will
avoid pulling the permit.
• Benefit received by user of the service and the community at large is mutual. Many services that
directly benefit a group or individual equally benefit the community. Examples include Planning
Design Review, historical dedications, and certain types of special events.
The Matrix Consulting Group recognizes the need for policies that intentionally subsidize certain
activities. The primary goals of a User Fee Study are to provide a fair and equitable basis for determining
the costs of providing services and ensure that the City complies with State law.
SUMMARY OF LEGAL RESTRICTIONS AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Once the full cost of providing services is known, the next step is to determine the “rate” or “price” for
services at a level which is up to, and not more than, the full cost amount. The City Council is responsible
for this decision, which often becomes a question of balancing service levels and funding sources. The
placement of a service or activity within the continuum of benefit received may require extensive
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discussion and at times fall into a “grey area.” However, with the resulting cost of services information
from a User Fee Study, the City Council can be assured that the adopted fee for service is reasonable, fair,
and legal. Overall, city staff has reviewed all fees for service in this analysis and where subsidies were
identified, they recommended increases where appropriate to reduce the deficit; and where over-
recoveries were identified, reduced the fee to comply with the law.
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 7
The Matrix Consulting Group utilizes a cost allocation methodology commonly known and accepted as
the “bottom-up” approach to establishing User Fees. The term means that several cost components are
calculated for each fee or service. These components then build upon each other to comprise the total
cost for providing the service. The following chart describes the components of a full cost calculation:
The general steps utilized by the project team to determine allocations of cost components to a
particular fee or service are:
• Calculate fully burdened hourly rates by position, including direct and indirect costs;
• Develop time estimates for the average time spent to deliver each service included in the study; and
• Distribute the appropriate amount of the other cost components to each fee or service based on the
staff time allocation basis or another reasonable basis.
The results of these allocations provide detailed documentation for the reasonable determination of the
actual cost of providing each service.
One of the key study assumptions utilized in the “bottom up” approach is the use of time estimate
averages for the provision of each fee-related service. Utilization of time estimates is a reasonable and
defensible approach, especially given that experienced staff members who understand service levels and
processes unique to the City developed these estimates.
The project team worked closely with City staff in developing time estimates with the following criteria:
• Estimates are representative of average times for providing services. Extremely difficult or abnormally
simple projects are not factored in the analysis.
• Estimates reflect the time associated with the position or positions that typically perform a service.
• Estimates are reviewed by the project team for “reasonableness” against their experience with other
agencies.
DIRECT
(Salaries, Benefits,
Productive Hours)
INDIRECT
(Departmental Admin,
Services & Supplies,
Citywide Overhead etc.)
Total Cost
USER FEE STUDY METHODOLOGY
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• Estimates were not based on time in motion studies3, as they are not practical for the scope of
services and time frame for this project.
• Estimates match the current or proposed staffing levels to ensure there is no over-allocation of staff
resources to fee and non-fee related activities.
The Matrix Consulting Group agrees that while the use of time estimates is not perfect, it is the best
alternative available for setting a standard level of service on which to base a jurisdiction’s fees for
service and meets the requirements of California law.
The alternative to time estimating is actual time tracking, often referred to billing on a “time and
materials” basis. Except in the case of anomalous or very large and complex projects, Matrix Consulting
Group believes this approach to not be cost effective or reasonable for the following reasons:
• Accuracy in time tracking is compromised by the additional administrative burden required to track,
bill, and collect for services in this manner.
• Additional costs are associated with administrative staff’s billing, refunding, and monitoring deposit
accounts.
• Customers often prefer to know the fees for services in advance of applying for permits or
participating in programs.
• Departments can better predict revenue streams and staff needs using standardized time estimates
and anticipated permit volumes.
Situations arise where the size and complexity of a given project warrants time tracking and billing on a
“time and materials” basis. The Matrix Consulting Group has recommended taking a deposit and
charging Actual Costs for such fees as appropriate and itemized within the current fee schedule.
3 Time and motion studies involve actual tracking of staff time using “stop watches” or other devices to determine average task times. This
process can take between six months and several years to collect time for all process tasks.
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 9
The motivation behind a cost-of-service (user fee) analysis is for the City Council and Departmental staff
to maintain services at a level that is both accepted and effective for the community and to maintain
control over the policy and management of these services.
It should be noted that the results presented in this report are not a precise measurement. In general, a
cost-of-service analysis takes a “snapshot in time,” where a fiscal year of adopted, budgeted cost
information is compared to the prior fiscal year of revenue and workload data available. Changes to the
structure of fee names, along with the use of time estimates, allow only for a reasonable projection of
subsidies and revenue. Consequently, the Council and Department staff should rely conservatively upon
these estimates to gauge the impact of implementation going forward.
Discussion of results in the following chapters is intended as a summary of extensive and voluminous
cost allocation documentation produced during the study. Each chapter will include detailed cost
calculation results for each major service category including the following:
• Modifications or Issues: discussions regarding any revisions to the current fee schedule, including
elimination or addition of fees.
• “Per Unit” Results: comparison of the full cost of providing each unit of service to the current fee for
each unit of service (where applicable).
The full analytical results were provided to City staff under separate cover from this summary report.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
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The Building Division is responsible for providing plan check and inspection services on all building and
construction within the City to establish safety for residents by ensuring all buildings comply with
California building codes and regulations. Fees included in this analysis are in relation to life-safety,
structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, green building, and energy compliance plan checks and
inspections. The following subsections discuss fee schedule modifications and detailed per unit results
for the fee-related services provided by the Building Division.
FEE SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
In discussions with Building Division staff several modifications were made to the current fee schedule,
including:
• Eliminated Fees: Based upon the conversation with the division, the following fees were eliminated:
- Electrical Permits
o Air Conditioners
o Busway, Power Duct or Floor Duct
o Conditional Meter Release (Conditional Utility Agreement)
o Each Additional Meter (Group of 5)
o Fixtures, Switches, and Outlets (Group of 20)
o Lighting, Power and / or Control Panel Board, Switchboard Cabinet, or Panel
o Motor (Groups of 10)
o Range, Electric Clothes Dryer, or Water Heater (Groups of 5)
o Special Circuit (not listed herein; groups of 10)
o Temporary Wiring for Construction
- General & Miscellaneous Fees
o All Other Publications
o Miscellaneous Planning Plan Check & Inspection
o Records Retention
o Special Inspection – Materials Testing Lab Certification
o Utilities Plan Review
- Green Building
o All fees
- Mechanical Permits
o Compressors and Absorption Systems
- Plumbing Permits
o Atmospheric-type Vacuum Breakers
o Industrial Waste Pretreatment Interceptor
o Medical Gas Piping System
o Swimming Pool
o Water Heater, Vent, or Other
o Water Piping
BUILDING
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These fees were eliminated as they are services that are no longer provided (i.e., inspection
guidelines and all other publications) or are services that are captured through other existing fees.
• New Fees: Similar to elimination of fees, the project team also worked with Building Staff to identify
new fees. The following points list the new fees added:
- Building Permit Fees
o Deconstruction Permit (Initiation / Intake)
- Electrical Permits
o Rewiring (Single Family Residential Only)
o Single-Family Residential Permits / Equipment Not Listed Above
o Multi-Family / Commercial Permits / Equipment Not Listed Above
- Electrical Permits – Photovoltaic Systems (PV)
o Multi-Family / Commercial System – Reinstallation
o Single-Family – Reinstallation
o SolarAPP+ PV
o Solar APP+ PV and ESS
- Energy Storage Systems
o Single-Family System
o Multi-Family / Commercial System
- General & Miscellaneous Fees
o ADU – Standalone Detached
§ Excluding Master Permits
§ Master Permit
§ Site Construction – Site Specific Related to Master
§ Pre-fab Site Specific Related to Master
o Bathroom Remodel – Instant Permit
o Cell Tower Building Review
o Foundation Repair – Single Family Residential (No Basement)
o Kitchen Remodel – Instant Permit
o Seismic Retrofit – Brace and Bolt – Single Family Residential
o Industrial Storage Racks / Cabinets
o Swimming Pool / Spa
§ Single-Family
§ Multi-Family / Commercial
o Deferred Submittals / Revisions – Base Charge
§ Hourly Charge
- Mechanical Permits
o Instant Permit – Single-Family Replacement (i.e., Heat Pump, Water Heaters, Gas, etc.)
o Miscellaneous Permit – Not Otherwise Listed – Per Hour
- Plan Review Fees
o Alternate Materials, Design Methods of Construction (AMMR)
- Plumbing Permits
o Potable Water System – Repair / Direct Replacement
- Plumbing Permits – Graywater Systems
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o Miscellaneous Permit – Not Otherwise Listed
§ Per Hour
- Appeal
- Consultation
These fees were added to the schedule to capture services that are currently being provided but
are not captured separately.
• Expanded or Streamlined Fees: Other modifications made to the fee schedule involved expanding
or collapsing fee categories. The following modifications were made:
- Building Permits
o Expansion of the base permit fee to be specific to standalone permits, small or medium,
and then larger projects
- Electrical Permits
o Expansion of Generator fees into ‘Single-Family’ and ‘Multi-Family / Commercial’
o Expansion of Electrical Service into ‘Less than 400 amp’ and ‘400 amp and Greater’
- General & Miscellaneous Fees
o Addition of Balcony to the Deck fee and change from tiers of “Up to 1,000 SF” and “Each
Add’l 1,000 SF” to one category – ‘Single Family’
o Expansion of Doors, Windows, and Skylights fees to include ‘Single-Family’ and ‘Multi-
Family/Commercial’ tiers
o Expansion of Dry Rot Repair / Replacement fee into ‘Structural’ and ‘Non-Structural’ tiers
o Expansion of the Sign Permit into ‘Illuminated,’ ‘Non-Illuminated,’ and ‘Monument’
- Mechanical Permits
o Expansion of Air Conditioners into HVAC Systems generally, with tiers for ‘Single-Family’
and ‘Multi-Family / Commercial (Groups of 5)’
§ Further expansion of Multi-Family / Commercial HVAC systems into ‘Direct
replacements,’ ‘New – with curb,’ and ‘New – without curb’
o Expansion of ‘Boilers / Water Heaters’ into ‘Residential’ and ‘Commercial’.
o Expansion of ‘Furnace, Flue, and Associated Ducts into ‘Single Family / Multi Family’ and
‘Commercial’.
- Use & Occupancy Permits
o Expansion of the Certificate of Use and Occupancy into ‘Standalone’ and ‘Included in
Associated Building Permit.’
These changes will allow the Division to better capture the different levels of service that are
associated within different permit categories or types.
• Conversion of Plan Review Fees from Valuation to Occupancy Basis: All Plan Check fees were
changed from a tiered valuation basis to a two-category occupancy basis: ‘Single-Family
Residential’ and ‘Commercial & Multifamily.’ They would still be based on a percentage of the
building permit fee to remain consistent with industry standards.
• Conversion of Valuation-Based Fees to Sq. Ft. Fees: for single-family residential projects, the
valuation-based building permits were converted into a square footage structure. This allows the
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Division to better capture the level of effort associated with plan check and inspection, as it is more
dependent on the size of the project.
• Expansion of Valuation Tiers: The City currently utilizes three tiers of valuation-based projects,
which does not accurately capture the breadth and complexity of projects. For commercial /
multi-family / industrial, it was proposed that the City remain on a valuation-based structure but
revert back to the traditional base and multiplier model with expanding the tiers all the way up to
$50 million. This allows the City to better capture the complexity of construction in its City.
As the points demonstrate, there were significant modifications made to the Building Division fee
schedule and structure. The goal of these modifications is to better reflect the services provided by the
Building Division and to ensure that associated fees and charges are accurate, fair, transparent, and
defensible.
DETAILED RESULTS
The Building Division charges fees for building permits, standalone trade permits, and other miscellaneous
services such as awnings, doors, re-roofs, decks, and remodels. The total cost calculated for each service
includes direct staff costs, cross-divisional and departmental support (Planning, Engineering, Fire, Public
Works, Utilities, etc.), and departmental and Citywide overhead. The following table details the fee name,
current fee, total cost, and the difference associated with each service offered.
TABLE 4: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – BUILDING FEES
Fee Name
FY25 Current
Fee4
Total City
Cost5 Difference
Building Permit Fees
Base Fee For All Standalone Permits $155.67 $277 ($122)
Base Fee for Small or Medium Sq. Ft. / Valuation Permits New $1,110 N/A
Base Fee for Larger Sq. Ft. / Valuation Permits New $4,162 N/A
Single-Family / Duplex Residential (Sq. Ft.) Permit Fees:
0-250 sq. ft. Modified $596 N/A
251-500 sq. ft Modified $1,191 N/A
501-1,000 sq. ft. Modified $1,340 N/A
1,001 - 1,500 sq. ft. Modified $2,234 N/A
1,501 - 2,000 sq. ft. Modified $2,531 N/A
2,001 - 2,500 sq. ft. Modified $4,467 N/A
2,501 - 3,000 sq. ft. Modified $4,616 N/A
3,001 - 3,500 sq. ft. Modified $5,063 N/A
3,500 - 4,000 sq. ft. Modified $5,212 N/A
4,001 - 4,500 sq. ft. Modified $5,361 N/A
4,501 - 5,000 sq. ft Modified $5,509 N/A
5,001 - 5,500 sq. ft. Modified $5,956 N/A
5,501 - 6,000 sq. ft. Modified $6,552 N/A
6,001 - 6,500 sq. ft. Modified $6,850 N/A
6,500+ sq. ft Modified $7,445 N/A
6,500+ sq. ft. – Each Add’l 500 sq. ft. Modified $573 N/A
4 The current fee listed does not include the 2% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve amount that are built into the published fee.
5 The total cost listed does not include the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve amount that was calculated as part of this study.
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Fee Name
FY25 Current
Fee4
Total City
Cost5 Difference
Multi-Family & Commercial (Valuation) Permit Fees:
$0 - $2,000 $32.74 $1,191.24 ($1,158.50)
$2,001 - $25,000 $32.74 $1,191.24 ($1,158.50)
$2,001 - $25,000 – Each Add’l $1,000 $16.37 $25.90 ($9.53)
$25,001 - $50,000 $409.20 $1,786.86 ($1,377.66)
$25,001 - $50,000 – Each Add’l $1,000 $16.37 $35.74 ($19.37)
$50,001 - $100,000 $818.40 $2,680.29 ($1,861.89)
$50,001 - $100,000 – Each Add’l $1,000 $16.37 $20.85 ($4.48)
$100,001 - $500,000 $1,636.80 $3,722.62 ($2,085.82)
$100,001 - $500,000 – Each Add’l $1,000 $16.37 $7.45 $8.92
$500,001 - $1,000,000 $8,184.00 $6,700.72 $1,483.28
$500,001 - $1,000,000 – Each Add’l $1,000 $16.37 $16.38 ($0.01)
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000 $16,368.00 $14,890.49 $1,477.51
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000 – Each Add’l $1,000 $9.63 $7.45 $2.18
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000 $54,870.00 $44,671.48 $10,198.52
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000 – Each Add’l $1,000 $10.97 $5.96 $5.02
$10,000,001 - $25,000,000 $109,740.00 $74,452.46 $35,287.54
$10,000,001 - $25,000,000 – Each Add’l $1,000 $1.67 $1.99 ($0.31)
$25,000,001 - $50,000,000 $134,850.00 $104,233.45 $30,616.55
$25,000,001 - $50,000,000 – Each Add’l $1,000 $5.39 $1.79 $3.61
$50,000,000+ $269,700.00 $148,904.92 $120,795.08
$50,000,000+ – Each Add’l $1,000 $5.39 $0.89 $4.50
Demolition $674.31 $1,086 ($411)
Deconstruction New $975 N/A
Interior Non-Structural Demolition $242.43 $456 ($213)
Construction & Demolition (C&D)
Commercial and Multi-Family Projects Greater Than or Equal
to $25,000.00 In Valuation $412.27 $470 ($58)
Single-Family and Two-Family Projects Greater Than
$25,000.00 and Less Than $75,000.00 in Valuations $220.81 $470 ($249)
Single Family and Two-Family Projects Greater Than
$75,000.00 in Valuation $283.47 $503 ($220)
Electrical Permits
Generator
Single-Family $598.35 $714 ($115)
Multi-Family / Commercial $598.35 $1,318 ($720)
Electrical Service - New or Replacement
Less than 400 AMP $496.98 $565 ($68)
400 AMP and Greater $745.54 $871 ($126)
Rewiring (Single Family Residential Only) New $604 N/A
Temporary Electric Service (Power Pole, Pedestal, Etc.) $79.60 $149 ($69)
Misc. Permit - Not Otherwise Listed
Single-Family Residential Permits / Equipment Not Listed
Above New $528 N/A
Multi-Family / Commercial Permits / Equipment Not Listed
Above New $685 N/A
Electrical Permits - Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations
Multi-Family Commercial (Level 1 and 2)
1-6 Stations $482.53 $3,930 ($3,448)
Each Add’l 6 Stations $90.53 $1,031 ($940)
Multi-Family Commercial (Level 3 and 4)
1-6 Stations $576.59 $4,759 ($4,182)
Each Add’l 6 Stations $113.34 $1,031 ($917)
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 15
Fee Name
FY25 Current
Fee4
Total City
Cost5 Difference
Single-Family (Level 1 and 2) $208.70 $1,205 ($997)
Single-Family (Level 3) $317.22 $1,387 ($1,070)
Electrical Permits - Photovoltaic Systems (PV)
Multi-Family / Commercial System (10kW Or Less) $755.20 $1,761 ($1,006)
Multi-Family / Commercial System (11kW-49kW) $1,013.46 $2,375 ($1,361)
Multi-Family Commercial System (50kW or Greater) $755.20 $3,155 ($2,399)
Multi-Family / Commercial System - Reinstallation New $1,227 N/A
Single-Family Systems (10kW or Less) $349.79 $1,346 ($996)
Single-Family Systems (Greater Than 10kW) $223.16 $1,698 ($1,475)
Single-Family - Reinstallation New $911 N/A
SolarAPP+ PV New $596 N/A
SolarAPP+ PV and ESS New $1,209 N/A
Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Single-Family System New $1,688 N/A
Multi-Family / Commercial System New $2,957 N/A
General & Miscellaneous Fees
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Excluding Master Permits New $6,384 N/A
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Master Permit New $2,305 N/A
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Site Construction - Site Specific
Related to Master New $4,764 N/A
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Pre-fab Site Specific Related to
Master New $3,415 N/A
Address Change - First Address Change $683.93 $365 $319
Each Additional $254.82 $91 $164
Awnings (Groups Of 5) Single-Family $94.05 $307 ($213)
Multi-Family / Commercial $94.05 $1,519 ($1,425)
Bathroom Remodel
Single-Family (Direct Replacement Non-Structural) $377.53 $596 ($218)
Multi-Family (Direct Replacement, Non-Structural) $377.53 $753 ($376)
Single-Family and Multi-Family (Not Direct Replacement,
Structural) $377.53 $911 ($534)
Instant Permit New $595 N/A
Cell Tower Plan Review New $2,480 N/A
Deck and Balcony – Single-Family New $786 N/A
Doors, Windows And Skylights (Group Of 5) - Structural
Single-Family $377.53 $547 ($169)
Multi-Family/Commercial $377.53 $795 ($418)
Doors, Windows and Skylights (Group Of 10) - Non-Structural
Single-Family $189.42 $468 ($278)
Multi-Family/Commercial $189.42 $547 ($357)
Dry Rot Repair/Replacement - Single Family
Structural $94.05 $762 ($668)
Non-Structural $94.05 $456 ($362)
Electric Service and Safety Inspection $265.37 $298 ($32)
Extension Of Building Permit Or Building Permit Application $106.18 $238 ($132)
Foundation Repair – Single-Family Residential (No Basement) New $510 Green Building Special Inspector Application
Initial Review $574.46 $376 $198
Renewal Update $286.53 $188 $98
Inspections And Investigations
Outside of Normal Business Hours (2 Hour Minimum) $499.47 $343 $156
Unclassified (2 Hour Minimum) $332.98 $298 $35
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 16
Fee Name
FY25 Current
Fee4
Total City
Cost5 Difference
Kitchen Remodel
Single-Family (Direct Replacement, Non-Structural) $283.47 $447 ($163)
Multi-Family (Direct Replacement, Non-Structural) $283.47 $604 ($321)
Single-Family and Multi-Family (Remodel, Not Direct
Replacement) $283.47 $753 ($470)
Instant Permit New $447 N/A
Progress and Partial Inspections (Up to 30 Minutes
Inspection) $74.77 $149 ($74)
Reactivation of Expired Building Permit
Multiple Outstanding Inspections 50% 50% 0%
Final Inspection Only $346.27 $365 ($19)
Application $211.17 $90 $121
Real Property Research Fee (1-Hour Minimum) $310.04 $277 $33
Building Reinspection Fee
Multi-Family Residential And Commercial (Up To 30 Minute
Inspection) $184.60 $149 $36
Single-Family
Primary Inspection Type (1 Hour) $190.58 $298 ($107)
Secondary Inspection Type (30 Minutes) $102.51 $149 ($46)
Request of Release of Building Plans and Documents $103.70 $277 ($174)
Re-Roof:
Re-Roof - Multi-Family / Commercial
First 5,000 Sf $377.53 $1,233 ($856)
Each Additional 2,500 Sf $93.44 $298 ($204)
Re-Roof-Single Family Overlay $94.05 $298 ($204)
Re-Roof - Single Family $377.53 $538 ($160)
Retaining Walls
First 100 LF $125.46 $1,439 ($1,313)
Each Additional 100 LF $62.79 $208 ($145)
Siding Repair/Replacement (in-kind) $189.41 $298 ($108)
Sign Permit (Group of 5)
Illuminated $156.85 $750 ($593)
Non-Illuminated $156.85 $452 ($295)
Monument $156.85 $656 ($499)
Seismic Retrofit - Brace and Bolt Program – Single-Family New $456 N/A
Industrial Storage Racks / Cabinets New $613 N/A
Stucco Repair / Replacement $283.47 $298 ($14)
Swimming Pool / Spa
Single-Family New $1,184 N/A
Multi-Family / Commercial New $2,217 N/A
Deferred Submittal / Revisions - Base Charge New $631 N/A
Hourly Charge New $316 N/A
Appeal New $413 N/A
Consultation New $413 N/A
Mechanical Permits
HVAC Systems (i.e., Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Air
Handling Unit)
Single-Family $63.96 $489 ($425)
Multi-Family / Commercial (Groups of 5)
Direct Replacements $63.96 $902 ($838)
New - With Curb $63.96 $1,539 ($1,475)
New - Without Curb $63.96 $1,233 ($1,169)
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 17
Fee Name
FY25 Current
Fee4
Total City
Cost5 Difference
Boilers / Water Heaters
Residential $125.46 $298 ($172)
Commercial $125.46 $544 ($418)
Instant Permit - Single-Family Replacement (i.e., Heat Pump
Water Heaters, Gas, etc.) New $298 N/A
Furnace, Flue, and Associated Ducts
Single Family / Multi Family $125.46 $456 ($330)
Commercial $125.46 $632 ($507)
Miscellaneous Permit - Not Otherwise Listed $63.96 $298 ($234)
Per Additional Hour New $298 N/A
Process Piping System $62.79 $456 ($393)
Process Piping System - Hazardous $63.96 $808 ($744)
Swimming Pool Heater - Direct Replacement $74.77 $489 ($414)
Ventilation and Exhaust System - Single-Family / Multi-Family $63.96 $456 ($392)
Plan Review Fees
Additional Plan Review $258.19 $316 ($57)
Alternate Materials, Design Methods Of Construction (AMMR) New $898 N/A
Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Review / Consultation $496.99 $596 ($99)
Single-Family Residential Plan Check (% of Bldg permit) Modified 125% N/A
Multi-Family / Commercial Plan Check (% of Bldg Permit) Modified 95% N/A
Plumbing Permits
Backflow Protective Device $225.63 $203 $22
Building Sewer System - Direct Replacement $152.04 $352 ($200)
Gas Piping System $225.63 $510 ($284)
Sand Oil Interceptor and Grease Traps $225.63 $917 ($691)
Plumbing Fixtures - New / Direct Replacement (Groups Of 5) $156.85 $298 ($141)
Solar Hot Water System $225.63 $604 ($379)
Storm Drain System $225.63 $407 ($181)
Potable Water System - Repair / Direct Replacement New $352 N/A
Plumbing Permits - Graywater Systems
Clothes Washer System / Simple System $94.05 $510 ($416)
Complex System $225.63 $817 ($591)
Miscellaneous Permit - Not Otherwise Listed New $298 N/A
Per Additional Hour New $352 N/A
Use and Occupancy Permits
Certificate of Use and Occupancy
Stand-Alone $1,482.64 $1,300 $183
Included In Associated Building Permit $1,482.64 $171 $1,312
Certificate of Use and Occupancy - Replacement $296.17 $135 $161
Temporary Occupancy Permit
Multi-Family Residential, Non-Residential, and Other
Commercial $1,118.27 $2,791 ($1,673)
Single-Family and Commercial Tenant Improvement Less Than
10,000 Sq. Ft. $820.33 $1,150 ($329)
The majority of the flat (non-valuation based) fees charged by the Building Division are under-recovering.
On average, the per-unit cost recovery for flat fees is approximately 64%. The largest under-recoveries
come from the electrical permits for multi-family and commercial electric vehicle charging stations. The
‘Multi-Family / Commercial (Level 3 and 4)’ fee for 1-6 stations under-recovers by about $4,155, and the
‘Multi-Family / Commercial (Level 1 and 2)’ fee for 1-6 stations under-recovers by about $3,430; both
show only a 12% cost recovery at the current fee level.
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 18
Some flat fees are currently over-recovering costs, which indicates that the fee should decrease. These
overages range from a low of $22 (‘Backflow Protective Device’) to a high of $1,312 (‘Certificate of Use
and Occupancy – Included in Associated Building Permit’). The high overcharge for a ‘Certificate of Use
and Occupancy – Included in Associated Building Permit’ underscores the importance of expanding this
fee into two tiers as proposed by staff during this study.
The valuation-based building permit fees show a mix of under- and over-recoveries. The largest over-
recoveries are found in the higher valuation tiers, whereas the under-recovering is in the lower valuation
tiers. This is common when we expand valuation-based fees and indicates the reasoning for expanding
those tiers.
Implementing fees at the cost listed in the “Total City Cost” column above will allow the Division to
recover the costs associated with all Citywide departments and divisions involved in processing building
permits while remaining in compliance with state laws and regulations.
CROSS-DEPARTMENTAL / DIVISIONAL SUPPORT
The Building Division is not the only division that reviews Building Permits. The Building Division routes
permits to Planning, Fire, Public Works (Engineering, Urban Forestry, Industrial Waste Investigators),
Transportation, and Zero Waste for review. The City currently only has support fees for Planning, Fire, and
Public Works. Through this process, it was determined that all support departments and divisions should
have a fee for their review. The following table shows the cross-departmental / divisional fees calculated:
TABLE 5: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – BUILDING FEES
Category Single Family Residential Commercial & Multi-Family
Fire 8% of Building Permit 40% of Building Permit
Planning 30% of Building Permit 15% of Building Permit
Public Works 35% of Building Permit 15% of Building Permit
Zero Waste N/A 0.48% of Building Permit
Transportation N/A 0.06% of Building Permit
The fees are set up as a percentage of the building permit to help capture the proportionate level of
effort associated with conducting reviews and inspections in support of these projects. The greater the
permit fee, the greater the proportionate time associated with reviews and inspections. Implementing
these fees will ensure that the City is not only recovering for Building time on these projects but also
recovering all other City staff time.
It is important to note that these fees would only be charged if those departmental reviews are
conducted. If certain building projects do not require a Transportation review, the relevant fee would not
be assessed. The fees have also been split into Single-Family Residential and Commercial / Multi-Family
to appropriately capture the level of effort spent on those projects.
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 19
Planning focuses on ensuring that private development complies with environmental policies, long-range
planning, and land use regulations. The group also oversees the Historic Preservation Program. The fees
examined within this study relate to appeals, architectural review, historical resources, individual review,
subdivision, variances, and wireless permits. The following subsections discuss fee schedule
modifications and detailed per unit results for the fee-related services provided by Planning.
FEE SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
A key advantage to conducting fee studies is the ability to modify the fee structure to account for all current
services being provided by the division. There were some key modifications made to Planning fees through
this process, which included the following:
• Elimination of Legal Review Fees: Based upon discussion with staff, all Legal Review Fees
(Legislative, ARB, Environment, Additional Hearings, and Mitigation Monitoring) were eliminated.
These fees were originally created to capture the City’s Legal department’s support specific to fees.
These costs are now allocated to the department through a Citywide Indirect charge, which is
proposed to be allocated as overhead to Planning staff.
• Other Eliminated Fees: In addition to legal review of fees, the project team also worked with staff
to eliminate the following fees:
- Architectural Review
o Signs – (Exceptions)
o Temporary Sign Permit
- Documents & Photocopies
o Comprehensive Plan
o Zoning Map Booklet
- Historic Resource
o Mills Act Contract – Establish or Withdraw
- Other Application Fees
o Records Retention
- Use Permit
o Conditional Use Permit – Additional Upon Hearing Request
- Variance
o Variance – Additional Upon Hearing Request
These fees represent either services no longer offered or duplications of fees codified elsewhere
in the fee schedule.
• New Fees: The project team worked with staff to identify the following new areas of service:
- Streamlined Housing Development Review
- Planning Compliance Fee
- SB9 Application
PLANNING
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 20
- Retail Waiver
The addition of these new fees helps capture services already being provided either for free or
being captured through other fees that don’t reflect the level of staff effort associated with these
activities.
• Expanded Fees: The following fees were expanded from existing fee categories:
- Conditional Use Permit – Director Level – Amendment
- Conditional Use Permit – Alcohol
The creation of these new fee categories helps capture the varying level of effort associated with
these types of activities.
• Streamlined Fees: There are currently three different ranges of public noticing fees – up to 150 ft.
radius, 150-600 ft, and beyond 600 ft. radius. However, in discussion with staff it was determined
that the staff time to process these notices is now the same, and as such the fee can be
streamlined to a singular public noticing fee.
• Conversion of Deposits to Flat Fees: Certain fees are currently being charged as deposits, but the
project team was able to work with City staff to identify a reasonable average of staff effort
associated with those activities to be able to convert them from deposits to flat fees:
- Pre-Screening Fee
- Wireless Tier 1
- Planned Community Zone Change – Minor Change
• Conversion of Flat Fees to Deposits: ‘Preliminary Parcel Map, Minor with Exception’ was converted
from a flat fee to a deposit-based fee. This is due to the significant amount of effort associated
with these types of applications.
The modifications noted above help streamline the Planning fee schedule to better reflect the types of
services and the level of effort associated with those activities.
DETAILED RESULTS
This section provides an overview of the detailed results associated with flat fees and deposit-based
fees.
FLAT FEES
The Planning Division collects fees for appeals, architectural review, subdivision fees, historic
preservation, use permits, wireless permits, and zone changes. The total cost calculated for each service
includes direct staff costs, direct materials costs (where applicable), cross-departmental / divisional
support (i.e., Engineering, Fire, Building, Transportation, Utilities, etc.), and Departmental and Citywide
overhead. The following table details the fee name, current fee, total cost, and the difference for each fee.
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 21
TABLE 6: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – PLANNING FLAT FEES
Fee Name FY25 Current
Fee6
Total City
Cost7 Difference
Appeals
Appeals before City Council or Planning & Transportation
Commission $718 $562 $156
Architectural Review
Architectural Review – Minor Project (ARB Review) $10,679 $11,452 ($773)
Architectural Review – Minor Project (Staff Review) $4,100 $5,830 ($1,730)
Design Enhancement Exception $8,505 $3,613 $4,892
Preliminary Review $8,014 $8,226 ($213)
Signs – (ARB Review/Exceptions) $5,356 $6,674 ($1,318)
Signs – (Staff Review, unless OTC) $1,281 $2,830 ($1,549)
Streamlined Housing Development Review New $24,753 N/A
Director's Approval
Home Improvement Exception $4,770 $4,307 $463
Documents & Photocopies
Administrative Extensions and Zoning Letters Actual Cost $354 N/A
Property Research requiring more than 30 minutes Actual Cost $342 N/A
Environmental Impact Assessment
CEQA Categorical Exemption $693 $744 ($51)
Historic Resource
Demolition Application for Historic Buildings $1,535 $1,810 ($275)
Historic Resource Review - Major Project $2,304 $6,619 ($4,315)
Historic Resource Review - Minor Project (Staff Review) $1,536 $3,041 ($1,504)
Historic Resource Review of Individual Review Application $384 $1,123 ($739)
Individual Review
Expansion of Existing Two-Story greater than 150 sq. ft. $8,653 $7,389 $1,265
Individual Review - Minor Revisions to Approved Projects $4,497 $3,739 $758
New Two-Story Addition or New Two-Story Home $10,811 $14,397 ($3,586)
Preliminary Individual Review and SB9 with Architect $576 $1,037 ($461)
Other Application Fees
Pre-Screening fee $4,602 $6,193 ($1,591)
Pre-Application Staff Consultation Fee $889 $1,149 ($261)
SB9 Applications New $5,174 N/A
Day Care Center $219 $8,430 ($8,211)
SB 330 Fee $2,873 $3,006 ($133)
Public Noticing Modified $326 N/A
Subdivision (Minor) – Four or Less Parcels
Parcel Map $5,983 $5,753 $230
6 The current fee listed does not include the 3% Technology Fee, that is built into the published fee.
7 The total cost listed does not include the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve amount that was calculated as part of this study.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 22
Fee Name FY25 Current
Fee6
Total City
Cost7 Difference
Preliminary Parcel Map $7,167 $7,725 ($557)
Parcel Map, Minor with Exception $4,380 $8,726 ($4,346)
Subdivision (Major) – Five or More Parcels
Subdivision Final Map $7,153 $8,532 ($1,379)
Use Permit
Conditional Use Permit - Director Level $8,826 $9,068 ($242)
Conditional Use Permit – Director Level – Amendment New $4,252 N/A
Conditional Use Permit – Alcohol New $3,890 N/A
Conditional Use Permit – Alcohol – Amendment $4,655 $1,885 $2,771
Temporary Use Permit $1,753 $2,137 ($384)
Variance
Variance $5,639 $6,854 ($1,215)
Wireless Permit
Wireless Tier 1 $4,100 $3,700 $399
Zone Change
Planned Community Zone Change - Minor Change $2,302 $7,481 ($5,179)
Retail Waiver
Retail Waiver New $8,381 N/A
The Planning Division’s fees generally under-recover its costs, with some exceptions. Use permits for Day
Care Centers have the largest under-recovery at about $8,200, or only 3% of costs. It is important to note
that this fee is often set below cost recovery to encourage these types of facilities when there is a
shortage. The fee with the smallest under-recovery is the ‘CEQA Categorical Exemption’ fee at around
$51, or 93% cost recovery.
There are several fees for which the department currently overcharges. These range from $4,892 (Design
Enhancement Exception) to $156 (Appeals before City Council or Planning & Transportation
Commission). It is essential that the division adjust these fees to at or below cost recovery.
DEPOSIT-BASED FEES
The Planning Division also assesses deposit-based fees for entitlement and land use applications.
Deposit-based fees are specifically for those types of projects that can span several months and are
often complex in nature. Since these types of applications vary widely in the time that staff are required
to spend on them, a deposit is generally recommended to ensure that each project pays its appropriate
share and cost recovery is achieved.
In order to evaluate the City’s current and proposed deposit-based fees, the project team worked with
Planning and other Departmental staff to estimate the minimum amount of time needed to process the
applications. This would ensure that the recommended deposit would at least account for the base level
of effort and allow staff to collect additional funds as needed. The following table shows the deposit-
based fees (current and calculated) for Planning and the recommended deposit amount.
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TABLE 7: PLANNING DEPOSIT-BASED FEES – CURRENT AND PROPOSED DEPOSITS
Fee Name FY25 Current
Deposit8
Calculated
Deposit9
Recommended
Deposit
Appeals
Appeal Costs Exceeding Appeals Filing Fee $4,602 $6,188 $4,700
Architectural Review
Architectural Review - Major Project $15,749 $38,227 $16,000
Comprehensive Plan Change
Comprehensive Plan Change $9,384 $29,122 $9,600
Development Agreement
Development Agreement $10,828 $32,762 $11,100
Development Agreement - Annual Review $3,791 $5,460 $3,900
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Document (Staff Review) $7,671 $14,561 $7,900
Mitigation Monitoring - Environmental Impact Report $5,631 $5,460 $5,800
Mitigation Monitoring - Mitigated Negative Declaration $1,876 $3,640 $1,900
Historic Resource
Transfer of Development Rights Projects $905 $5,460 $900
Williamson Act Contract – Establish or Withdraw $2,959 $3,640 $3,000
Other Application Fees
Planning Compliance Fee New $1,092 $1,000
Site & Design
Site and Design Major $34,555 $38,412 $20,000
Subdivision (Minor) – Four or Less Parcels
Preliminary Parcel Map, Minor with Exception $11,335 $19,491 $11,600
Subdivision (Major) – Five or More Parcels
Tentative Map $13,228 $19,926 $13,500
Wireless Permit
Wireless Tier 2 $8,827 $21,515 $9,100
Wireless Tier 3 $9,374 $25,155 $9,600
Zone Change
Planned Community Zone Change $11,264 $36,402 $11,600
Zone Change Regular $9,385 $21,841 $9,600
The majority of the City’s deposits are insufficient based on the minimum level of effort needed to
complete each task. Additionally, due to the nature of deposits, the project team considers it best
practice to assess deposits as a round, estimated number (i.e., $5,000, $12,000, $20,000, etc.) as the
remaining funds will be refunded and / or additional funds would be requested. This will simplify the
customer service aspect for applicants, as well as make it easier for staff to administer the deposit.
8 The current deposit listed does not include the 3% Technology Fee, that is built into the published fee.
9 The total cost listed does not include the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve amount that was calculated as part of this study.
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 24
The Fire Prevention Division as part of the Development Services Department focuses on performing fire
plan checks, reviews, permitting, and field inspections to ensure that development complies with the
California Fire Code. In FY2025, these fees were identified to be moved from Planning and Development
Services to the Fire Department. The Fire development-related fees are captured under the Building fee
schedule. Fees examined in this study relate to hazardous materials, inspection fees, consultations, life
safety and fire, and hazard permits. The following subsections discuss fee schedule modifications and
detailed per unit results for the fee-related services provided by the Fire Prevention Division.
FEE SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
During discussions with Fire Prevention staff, modifications were proposed to the current fee schedule,
which include:
• Eliminated Fees: Several fees were eliminated as these services are either captured through other
fees and are redundant or they are no longer provided:
- Documents
o Emergency Planning Guide
o Long-Term Offsite Document Storage
o Microfilm Copy / Print (Blueprint and Specification)
o Photographs (First Print and Each Additional)
- Inspection Fees
o Use & Occupancy Fire Inspection
• New Fees: Several new fees were added to the schedule to capture services that are currently being
provided, but for which no current or unique fee is being collected:
- Compliance Fees
o Hazmat Plan Submittal
o Hazmat Closure
• Partial Closure
• Full Closure
- Hazardous Materials Permits
o Temporary Generator / Backup Power Supply
o Battery Operated Equipment
• Up to 10 Pieces of Equipment
• Each Additional Equipment at Same Location
o Temporary Certificate of Occupancy – Hazmat
- Inspection Fees
o Hospital Inspections
• Annually for up to 7 hours
• Each additional hour
o Standby Fire Watch – Fire Engine Company
FIRE PREVENTION
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DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 25
o Hazmat Temporary Occupancy Permit for Vendors/Stock Occupancy
o Business Inspection
- Investigations
o Environmental Hazard Release
o Hazmat
o Fire Investigation
- Life Safety & Fire Protection
o Fire Protection and Fire Access Plan Review for New Developments or Additions
• Restructured Fees: Several fees were restructured to capture the level of service, which included
expanding categories or renaming the fee:
- General & Miscellaneous Fees – renamed ‘Fire Prevention Plan Check Hourly’
- Hazardous Materials
o The Hazardous Materials Classification section – renamed ‘Hazardous Materials Permits’
and combined with the Hazardous Materials Storage section.
o Liquid or Gas-Fueled Powered Equipment – expanded into two categories: ‘First
Equipment’ and ‘Each Additional Equipment at Same Location’
- Inspection Fees
o Additional Inspection or Reinspection Fee – expanded into three categories: ‘Fire
Prevention,’ ‘Development Services – Fire,’ and ‘HazMat’
o After Hours Inspection Fee – expanded into three categories: ‘Fire Prevention,’
‘Development Services – Fire,’ and ‘HazMat’
- Consultations
o Additional Hours Over Plan Review/Site Visit – expanded into three categories: ‘Fire
Prevention,’ ‘Development Services – Fire,’ and ‘HazMat’
o Alternate Means and Methods Application – expanded into two categories: ‘Fire
Prevention’ and ‘HazMat’
o Appeals to Decisions – expanded into three categories: ‘Fire Prevention,’ ‘Development
Services – Fire,’ and ‘HazMat’
o Consultation Fee – expanded into three categories: ‘Fire Prevention,’ ‘Development Services
– Fire,’ and ‘HazMat’
- Services
o Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Testing Fee – from flat fee to per hour
- Life Safety & Fire Protection
o Sprinklers – broke out NFPA 13D vs. all others; charged NFPA 13D based on a base fee
and per head fee
o Fire Prevention Inspection of Private Schools – changed from a flat fee to per hour with a
2-hour minimum
o Multi-family dwellings, hotels, and motels – creating smaller intervals to better reflect the
level of support associated with each set of units
• 3 – 10 units, 11 – 25 units, 26 – 100 units, 101 – 250 units, more than 250 units
o Site Disaster Planning – expanded to include Emergency Preparedness Planning
- Specific Hazard Permits
o Occupant Load Increase – Temporary Public Assembly – modified to read only
‘Temporary Public Assembly’
o Place of Assembly – expanded to include a fee for each additional assembly
The modifications outlined will allow Fire Prevention staff to better capture their level of effort
associated with providing services to the community.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 26
DETAILED RESULTS
The Fire Prevention Division collects fees for occupancy inspections, fire life safety, and hazardous
materials. The total cost calculated for each service includes direct staff costs, contractor costs, and
Departmental and Citywide overhead, as well as any specific material costs. The following table details
the fee name, current fee, total cost, and the difference between the two for each fee.
TABLE 8: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – FIRE PREVENTION
Fee Name
FY25
Current
Fee10
Total
City
Cost11
Differenc
e
Compliance Fees
Emergency Response Fee - Hazmat $472.88 $482 ($9)
Hazmat Plan Submittal New $2,021 N/A
Hazmat Closure
Partial Closure New $1,317 N/A
Full Closure New $3,338 N/A
Hazmat Work Submittal Without Approved Plans and/or Permits Double Fee
Hazmat Closure Without Approved Plans and/or Permits Double Fee
Review of Emergency Planning Guide *Only assessed if not part of annual
submittal (per hour) Modified $482 N/A
Fire Prevention Plan Check - Hourly
Fire Prevention $258.19 $352 ($94)
Development Services – Fire $258.19 $352 ($94)
HazMat $258.19 $352 ($94)
Hazardous Materials Permits
Compressed Gas $474.06 $482 ($8)
Corrosives $474.06 $482 ($8)
Cryogenic Fluid $474.06 $482 ($8)
Flammable and Combustible Liquids $474.06 $964 ($490)
Flammable Gas $473.08 $482 ($9)
Flammable Solids $474.06 $482 ($8)
Health Hazard (Liquids & Solids) $474.06 $482 ($8)
Liquefied Petroleum Gases $474.06 $482 ($8)
Organic Coatings $474.06 $482 ($8)
Organic Peroxides $474.06 $482 ($8)
Other Hazardous Materials - Unclassified $474.06 $482 ($8)
Ovens - Industrial Baking or Drying $474.06 $964 ($490)
Oxidizers (Liquids & Solids) $474.06 $482 ($8)
Oxidizing Gas $474.06 $482 ($8)
Pyrophoric Gas $474.06 $482 ($8)
Pyrophoric Materials (Liquids & Solids) $474.06 $482 ($8)
10 The current fee listed does not include the 3% Technology Fee, that is built into the published fee.
11 The total cost listed does not include the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve amount that was calculated as part of this study.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 27
Fee Name
FY25
Current
Fee10
Total
City
Cost11
Differenc
e
Pyrotechnical Special Effects Material $474.06 $482 ($8)
Radioactive Materials or Sources $474.06 $964 ($490)
Refrigeration Equipment $509.13 $482 $27
Spraying/Dipping $454.58 $482 ($28)
Tire Recapping/Tire Storage $1,890.25 $1,858 $32
Toxic, Highly Toxic, Moderately Toxic, Health Hazard Gas $474.06 $964 ($490)
Toxic, Highly Toxic, Moderately Toxic, Health Hazard Materials $474.06 $964 ($490)
Unstable Reactive Gas $474.06 $482 ($8)
Unstable Reactive Materials (Liquids & Solids) $474.06 $482 ($8)
Water Reactive Materials (Liquids & Solids) $474.06 $482 ($8)
Additional Approvals for Hazardous Materials Storage Permit
Per occurrence (includes up to 2 hours) $1,030.19 $834 $196
Per hour for time above two hours $674.31 $417 $257
Business Plan (HMBP) $674.31 $723 ($49)
Level I Facility 25% $0 $0
Level II Facility $474.06 $723 ($249)
Level III Facility $951.77 $1,206 ($254)
Petroleum Aboveground Storage Tank $1,903.55 $3,134 ($1,231)
Provisional Hazmat Storage (6 Month) $951.77 $1,929 ($977)
Liquid or Gas-Fueled Powered Equipment (i.e. Welders, Portable Light Units, etc.)
Up to 10 Pieces of Equipment $471.71 $482 ($11)
Each Additional Equipment at Same Location New $121 N/A
Temporary Generator / Backup Power Supply New $1,317 N/A
Battery Operated Equipment
Up to 10 Pieces of Equipment New $482 N/A
Each Additional Equipment at Same Location New $121 N/A
Operate a Tank Vehicle to Transport Flammable/Combustible Liquids $634.00 $723 ($89)
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy - Hazmat New $964 N/A
Inspection Fees
Additional Inspection or Reinspection Fee (2-hour minimum)
Fire Prevention $473.48 $464 $9
Development Services – Fire $473.48 $464 $9
HazMat $473.48 $482 ($9)
After Hours Inspection Fee (4-hour minimum)
Fire Prevention $709.34 $530 $180
Development Services – Fire $709.34 $530 $180
HazMat $709.34 $555 $155
As-Built Plan Check and Additional Work $946.96 $817 $130
Care Facility Inspection Including Fire Clearance
Facilities with 7-25 clients $471.71 $464 $7
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 28
Fee Name
FY25
Current
Fee10
Total
City
Cost11
Differenc
e
Facilities with more than 25 clients $946.96 $1,858 ($911)
Christmas Tree Lot/Pumpkin Patch $471.71 $464 $7
High Rise Building - Certificate of Compliance
Annually for up to 7 hours $3,708.19 $3,251 $457
Each additional hour $507.08 $464 $43
Hospital Inspections
Annually for up to 7 hours New $3,251 N/A
Each additional hour New $464 N/A
Outside Cooking Booths/Food Trucks $709.34 $464 $245
Standby Fire Watch – Fire Inspector $471.71 $464 $7
Temporary Occupancy Permit for Vendors/Stock Occupancy $1,523.55 $2,210 ($687)
Hazmat Temporary Occupancy Permit for Vendors/Stock Occupancy New $2,281 N/A
Business Inspection New $464 N/A
Consultation
Additional Hours Over Plan Review/Site Visit
Fire Prevention $337.79 $352 ($14)
Development Services – Fire $337.79 $352 ($14)
HazMat $337.79 $352 ($14)
Alternate Means and Methods Application (2 hr. minimum)
Fire Prevention $1,009.75 $835 $175
Development Services – Fire $1,009.75 $835 $175
Appeals to Decisions
Fire Prevention $471.71 $483 ($11)
Development Services – Fire $471.71 $483 ($11)
HazMat $471.71 $483 ($11)
Consultation Fee
Fire Prevention $471.71 $433 $39
Development Services – Fire $471.71 $433 $39
HazMat $471.71 $439 $33
Investigations
Environmental Crimes New $417 N/A
Hazmat New $482 N/A
Fire Investigation New $464 N/A
Services
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Testing Fee $667.12 $464 $203
Hydrant Flow Fee $471.71 $697 ($225)
Life Safety & Fire Protection
Hydrant Installation/Modification - Private $237.62 $817 ($579)
Sprinkler NFPA 13D - Base New $993 N/A
Sprinkler NFPA 13D - Per head New $4 N/A
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 29
Fee Name
FY25
Current
Fee10
Total
City
Cost11
Differenc
e
All Other (Non-NFPA 13D) Automatic Fire Sprinkler Installation/Modification
1 - 19 Sprinkler Heads $1,055.58 $1,690 ($634)
20 or more Sprinkler Heads - Base $2,334.23 $2,915 ($580)
Per head $3.89 $11 ($7)
Express Fire Protection Plan Check Fee $235.27 $457 ($222)
Fire Alarm System Installation and Modification $1,379.79 $1,986 ($606)
Plus per device or contact point $31.09 $41 ($10)
Fire Prevention Inspection of Private Schools (min 2 hours) $473.48 $464 $9
Fire Protection and Fire Access Plan Review for New Developments or Additions
(min 2 hours) New $433 N/A
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 3-10 units $471.71 $464 $7
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 11-25 units $471.71 $929 ($457)
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 26-100 units $946.96 $1,393 ($447)
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 101-250 units $1,418.67 $2,322 ($904)
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels greater than 250 units $1,418.67 $2,787 ($1,368)
Other Automatic Extinguishing Systems $1,283.57 $1,393 ($110)
Site Disaster / Emergency Preparedness Planning $471.71 $446 $26
Standpipe System - Wet, Dry, or Combination $946.96 $1,633 ($686)
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy $1,024.20 $1,393 ($369)
Underground Fire Service Line (Includes 4 hrs. of inspection and 1 hr. of plan
check) $2,229.25 $2,210 $19
Verification of Fire Protection System Maintenance and Certification $86.89 $39 $48
Specific Hazard Permits
Candles and Open Flames in Assembly Areas $471.71 $464 $7
Hot Work (i.e. Spark/Flame Producing) Operations $529.56 $464 $65
Temporary Public Assembly $471.71 $1,281 ($810)
Place of Assembly $951.77 $929 $23
Each additional assembly New $232 N/A
Tent/Canopy or Air Supported Structure $992.81 $1,169 ($176)
Fire Prevention’s fees show a mix of over- and under-recovery. The largest fee with the largest under-
recovery is the ‘Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels greater than 250 units’ fee at $1,368. The fee
where the division overcharges the most is the ‘High Rise Building – Certificate of Compliance – Annually
for up to 7 hours’ at $457. On average the division recover about 90% of its costs. The department should
critically examine its current fees and adjust as needed to better achieve cost recovery goals while
complying with legal requirements.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 30
The Public Works unit located at the Development Center focuses on land development, encroachment in
the right-of-way, environmental services, urban forestry, and zero waste. The fees examined within this
study relate to encroachment, construction in the public right-of-way, tree removal, storm drain plan
check, and miscellaneous reviews and inspections. The following subsections discuss fee schedule
modifications and detailed per unit results for the fee-related services provided by the Public Works
Division.
FEE SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
In discussion with Public Works Division staff, there were minor modifications made to the fee schedule:
• Eliminated Fees: In discussion with staff, it was proposed that the following fees be eliminated, as
they represent duplicative services or services no longer offered:
- Map / Plan Review fees – Architectural Review
o Minor Project Trees (ARB Review)
o Minor Project Trees (Staff Review)
- Permit Fees
o Improvement Plan Review
• Expanded Fees: The Construction in Public Right-of-Way fee was expanded from ending at $500,000
to include two additional ranges - $500,000-$1 million and greater than $1.0 million. This will allow the
City to capture additional projects that are typically falling into these categories.
The modifications outlined will allow Public Works staff to better capture their level of effort associated
with providing services to the community.
DETAILED RESULTS
Public Works collects fees for encroachment, tree permits, construction in public right-of-way, and
grading. The total cost calculated for each service includes direct staff costs and Departmental and
Citywide overhead. The following table details the fee name, current fee, total cost, and the difference
between the two for each fee.
TABLE 9: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – PUBLIC WORKS
Fee Name
FY25
Current
Fee12
Total
Cost13 Difference
Encroachment Permit
A. Dumpster, Container $407 $475 ($68)
B. Non-Residential - Single Day $1,631 $2,053 ($422)
12 The current fee listed does not include the 2% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve Amount, that is built into the published fee.
13 The total cost listed does not include the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve amount that was calculated as part of this study.
PUBLIC WORKS
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 31
Fee Name
FY25
Current
Fee12
Total
Cost13 Difference
C. Non-Residential Short-Term (Less than 5 days) $1,903 $2,281 ($378)
D. Non-Residential Long-Term (More than 5 days) $2,609 $2,931 ($322)
E. Additional Non-Residential Long-Term (More than 5 days) Monthly $917 $934 ($17)
F. Fence $2,005 $1,999 $6
G. Residential $1,038 $1,277 ($239)
Parklet Permit:
Initial Application Fee $1,860 $4,539 ($2,679)
License Fee for Use of Right-Of-Way $11 $11 $0
Refundable Deposit $2,500 $2,500 $0
Renewal Fee $233 $549 ($316)
Grading / Excavation
A. 101 - 1,000 cubic yards
First 100 cubic yards $247 $1,550 ($1,303)
Each additional 100 cubic yards or fraction thereof $247 $322 ($75)
B. 1,001 - 10,000 cubic yards
First 1,000 cubic yards $2,470 $4,010 ($1,540)
Each additional 1,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof $233 $554 ($321)
C. 10,001 or more cubic yards
First 10,000 cubic yards $4,802 $8,398 ($3,596)
Each additional 10,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof $906 $2,034 ($1,128)
General & Miscellaneous Fees
Miscellaneous Public Works Inspection $254 $195 $59
Miscellaneous Public Works Plan Check $298 $243 $55
Inspection Fees
Tree Inspection for Private Development $236 $764 ($528)
Wet Season Construction Site Stormwater Inspection
Per Inspection $360 $312 $48
Per hour thereafter, charged monthly October thru April $120 $208 ($88)
Off Hour Inspection $311 $244 $67
Permit Fees
1. Temporary Discharge to Storm Drain from Non-Exclusionary
Construction Site Dewatering $18,213 $17,329 $884
2. Additional Temporary Discharge to Storm Drain from Non-
Exclusionary Construction Site Dewatering $388 $373 $15
Certificate of Compliance / Certificate of Correction / Map Amendment $5,660 $4,577 $1,083
Subdivision Map Act Applications Actual Cost
A. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($1.00 - $5,999) $818 $971 ($153)
B. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($6,000 - $25,999) $818 $971 ($153)
Value Greater than $6,000 10.7% 18.4% -7.7%
C. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($26,000 - $100,999) $2,923 $5,430 ($2,507)
Value Greater than $26,000 13.7% 10.6% 3.1%
D. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($101,000 - $500k) $13,033 $15,854 ($2,821)
Value Greater than $100,000 10.7% 2.3% 8.4%
E. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($500k-$1m) $55,726 $25,267 $30,459
Value Greater than $500,000 10.7% 2.5% 8.2%
F. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($1m+) $109,226 $38,175 $71,051
Value Greater than $1m 10.7% 1.3% 9.4%
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 32
Fee Name
FY25
Current
Fee12
Total
Cost13 Difference
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Permit Review Fee
Per hour of review $257 $230 $27
Right of Way Closure Management $103 $96 $7
Storm Drain Plan Check Fee $1,225 $2,718 ($1,493)
Most fees being charged by Public Works are under-recovering, although there are also some significant
overcharges. The under-recoveries range from $17 (Encroachment Permit – Additional Non-Residential
Long-Term (More than 5 days) Monthly) to about $3,597 (Grading / Excavation – 10,001 or more cubic
yards – First 10,000 cubic yards). The overages range from $7 (Right of Way Closure Management) to
around $71,051 (Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($1m+)). The project team recommends adjusting
fee levels to be no higher than the total calculated cost.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 33
There are two typical surcharges assessed as part of the development review process – the
Comprehensive Plan Fee and the Technology Fee. The City of Palo Alto currently charges a
Comprehensive Plan Maintenance Fee as part of the building phase, and the Technology Fee is included
within the permit and application fees. The City of Palo Alto is unique in that it also builds a reserve
calculation into its fees, which can be considered a surcharge. The following subsections discuss the
calculation of the Comprehensive Plan Maintenance Fee, Technology Fee, and the Reserve Surcharge.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAINTENANCE
The City of Palo Alto currently assesses a Comprehensive Plan Maintenance Fee as part of its building
permit process. The fee is meant to account for updates to the general plan, zoning ordinance, housing
elements, and other long-range planning activities that are part of the larger General Plan. This is a
standard fee charged by many jurisdictions. The City of Palo Alto charges this fee as a percentage of the
building valuation at the time of building permit submittal. It is charged during the building permit phase
because development projects that get to that phase generally make a sufficient impact to require the
need for an update to the Zoning Code or the General Plan.
The project team worked with Department staff to identify the costs associated with Long-Range
Planning based upon the components of the long-range plan that need to be updated. The cost
estimates for the categories are based upon existing updates, an inflationary factor, and staff estimates.
The following table shows the total cost, lifespan, and resulting annual cost by plan category:
TABLE 10: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAINTENANCE FEE COST COMPONENTS
Category Total Cost Lifespan Annual Cost
General Plan Update $3,475,916 15 $231,728
Housing Element Update $767,594 8 $95,949
Zoning Code Update $1,000,000 10 $100,000
Total Long-Range Planning Annual Costs $427,677
The total annual costs associated with updating the Comprehensive Plan are approximately $428,000. To
assess this fee as a percentage of the building valuation, the project team took the annual cost
associated with comprehensive plan upkeep and divided it by the average total building permit valuation
for FY24. The following table shows this calculation:
TABLE 11: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAINTENANCE FEE CALCULATION
Category Amount
Total Comprehensive Plan Annual Maintenance Cost $427,677
Annual Building Permit Valuation $314,402,136
General Plan Maintenance Fee 0.136%
DEVELOPMENT SURCHARGES
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 34
As the table indicates, the calculated Comprehensive Plan Maintenance Fee is 0.136% of the building
valuation. The following table compares the city’s current fee to the full cost fee calculated through this
study:
TABLE 12: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAINTENANCE FEE PER UNIT RESULT COMPARISON
Category Current Fee Full Cost Surplus / (Deficit)
Comprehensive Plan Maintenance Fee 0.133% 0.136% (0.003%)
The City’s current fee is $1.33 per $1,000 of building permit valuation or 0.133% of the building valuation.
Therefore, the full cost fee would result in an increase of the City’s current fee from 0.133% to 0.136%.
As part of this analysis, the project team conducted a comparative survey of other local jurisdictions and
their Comprehensive Plan Maintenance Fees. Like other comparative efforts, the survey below only
shows the fees charged by the jurisdiction and does not include the basis upon which the other
jurisdictions calculated or developed their fee. The following table shows the results of this comparative
analysis:
TABLE 13: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAINTENANCE FEE – COMPARATIVE SURVEY
Jurisdiction Fee Amount
Menlo Park 3% of Permit Fee
Mountain View 0.26% of Building Valuation
San Jose 11.97% of Building and Planning Applications
Santa Clara 12.39% of Building Permit Fee
Sunnyvale 0.15% of Building Permit Valuation
As the table indicates, the surrounding jurisdictions charge for long-range planning either as a
percentage of the building valuation or as a percentage of the permit fee or planning and building fees.
Of those jurisdictions that charge it as a percentage of the building permit valuation, both the City’s
current fee of 0.133% and the 0.136% full-cost fee fall below the fees that are charged based on valuation
(Mountain View and Sunnyvale).
TECHNOLOGY SURCHARGE FEE
The City currently collects a fee for technology as part of its overall permit or application fee. The
Technology Fee allows the City to support the costs associated with the City’s permitting system, such
as staff time for managing the systems, acquisition and upgrade costs, and mobile devices used for
permitting. The following table shows the total cost, the quantity of items, the number of years the item
or cost is related to, and the resulting annual cost by cost category:
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 35
TABLE 14: TECHNOLOGY SURCHARGE FEE COST COMPONENTS
Cost Category Amount Lifespan Annual Cost
Adobe Licenses $60,000 1 $60,000
Scanning Services/Arc/SkySite $25,000 1 $25,000
Reporting Database $25,000 1 $25,000
Inspection App – Accela $15,000 1 $15,000
Other Inspection App – CityGovApps $11,000 1 $11,000
Ongoing EDR Cost $80,000 1 $80,000
GIS Migration $75,000 2 $37,500
Hardware Maintenance/Upgrades $25,000 1 $25,000
Software and Apps Maintenance/Upgrades $25,000 1 $25,000
Replace / Renew Cost for Accela14 $500,000 10 $50,000
Hardware for Inspector/Plan Review – iPads, etc. $5,000 2 $2,500
Parcel Map Updates $45,000 1 $45,000
Total IT Software and Hardware Costs: $401,000
IT Internal Support:
39370 - DESKTOP REPLACEMENT $26,520 1 $26,520
39380 - DESKTOP MAINTENANCE $119 1 $119
39420 - IT-INFRAST REPLACEMN $7,425 1 $7,425
39430 - IT-INFRAST MAINT $24,365 1 $24,365
39440 - IT SUPPORT $208,023 1 $208,023
39520 - APPLICATION MAINT $360,877 1 $360,877
Subtotal Internal IT Support: $627,329
Total Annual Tech Fee Costs $1,028,329
Based on the technology needed to provided development-related services, as well as internal IT staff
and operational support, the annual technology fee costs are approximately $1.0 million for the City of
Palo Alto.
Working with City staff, the project team determined that the most relatable nexus for the Technology
Fee is proportionate to the permit fee. This means that the greater the permit fee, the greater the
Technology Fee should be, as there is more software utilization and storage space for larger projects.
Therefore, the project team took the total Technology Annual Cost and divided it by the total permit
revenue associated with Building, Fire, Planning, and Engineering services for FY24. The following table
shows this calculation:
TABLE 15: TECHNOLOGY FEE CALCULATION
Category Amount
Total Technology Annual Cost $1,028,329
Development- Related Permit Revenue $21,647,294
Technology Fee as % of Permit Fee 5%
14 Implementation and potential contract increase.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 36
The City’s calculated technology fee is 5% of the permit fee. Therefore, if a permit fee was $100, the
technology fee collected would be $5; if a permit fee was $1,000, the technology fee collected would be
$50. This type of structure enables the technology fee to be more proportionately distributed to the
projects based on their impact. Currently, the City incorporates a 2% fee for Building Permits and 3% fee
for planning applications. It is a best practice to capture this separately for greater transparency.
As part of this analysis, the project team conducted a comparative survey of other local jurisdictions and
their assessment of a Technology Fee. Like other comparative efforts, the survey below simply shows
the fees charged by the jurisdiction and does not include the basis upon which the other jurisdictions
calculated or developed their fee. The following table shows the results of this comparative analysis:
TABLE 16: TECHNOLOGY FEE – COMPARATIVE SURVEY
Jurisdiction Fee Amount
Menlo Park 3% of Permit Fee
Mountain View 4% of Permit Fee
Santa Clara 3.37% of Permit Fee
Sunnyvale 5% of Permit Fee
Most of the jurisdictions charge the Technology Fee as a percentage of the permit fee, like the City of
Palo Alto. The City currently incorporates between 2-3% of the permit fee as the Technology Fee, which is
in line with or lower than the surrounding jurisdictions. The full cost of the technology fee at 5% of the
permit fee is higher than all surrounding jurisdictions except Sunnyvale, which has an equivalent fee.
RESERVE FUND
As discussed, the City of Palo Alto is unique in that Development Services has a reserve calculation built
into the current fees. The current policy calculates that the reserve for the department should include 3
months of average recurring operating expenses, collected over the course of 5 years. The reserve
amount is to be recovered as a percentage of the fees assessed. Therefore, it is assessed on the
building, engineering, and fire fees. The following table shows the City’s reserve surcharge calculation:
TABLE 17: RESERVE CALCULATION
Cost Category Amount
Total DS Operating Budget $23,715,59215
% of Cost to be Funded 25%16
Total Reserve Amount $5,928,898
# of Years to Achieve Funding 5
Annual Reserve Cost $1,185,780
Total DS Revenue $21,688,294
Reserve Surcharge % 5 %
The proposed updated reserve surcharge is 5%, which is consistent with the City’s current reserve
surcharge. The reserve surcharge should remain steady at about 5% and could be shown as an added fee
15 Includes operating costs for DS Building, Planning (including current planning), Engineering, and Fire.
16 25% represents 3 months out of 12-month timeframe.
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line item (like the Technology Fee and Comprehensive Plan Maintenance Fee) to more transparently
demonstrate the true cost of permitting to internal and external stakeholders.
The advantage of retaining the reserve fund is that the department has a built-in contingency that it can
access if there is a significant change in operations due to unpredictable circumstances and situations.
Some other considerations for the City include transitioning Development Services to an enterprise fund
to allow for a separate reserve policy more specific to those types of activities.
SURCHARGE FUNDS
It is a best practice to collect and account for all surcharges in separate accounts. The City of Palo Alto
currently has a separate subaccount for the Comprehensive Plan Maintenance Fee and also tracks the
Reserve surcharge separately.
However, there is currently no separate account or subaccount within the General Fund for the
Technology Fee. Implementing this as a separate surcharge will require the creation of a separate
account to follow accounting best practices and to more transparently demonstrate to internal and
external stakeholders that this funding is only being used for the purpose of annual maintenance and / or
replacement of the permitting system. This will ensure compliance with funding requirements, enable
appropriate allocation of funds to general plan or technology-related activities, and mitigate any potential
issues with comingling of funds.
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This study has documented and outlined on a fee-by-fee basis where the City’s current fee differs from
its full cost. City and Department management will now need to review the results of the study and
adjust fees in accordance with state guidelines, Departmental and City philosophies, and policies. The
following points outline the major options the City has in adjusting its fees.
• Over-Collection: Upon review of the fees that are shown to be greater than the current fee, the City
should reduce the current fee to be in line with the full cost of providing the service.
• Full Cost Recovery: For fees that show an under-collection of costs, the City may decide to increase
the fee to full cost recovery immediately.
• Phased Increase: For fees with significantly low-cost recovery levels, or that would have a significant
impact on the community, the City could choose to increase fees gradually over a set timeframe.
The City will need to review the results of the fee study and associated cost recovery levels and
determine how best to adjust fees. The following subsections provide further detail on why and how the
City should consider either implementing Full Cost Recovery or a Phased Increase approach to adjusting
its fees that are under-collecting.
FULL COST RECOVERY
Based on the permit or review type, the City may wish to increase the fee to cover the full cost of
providing services. Certain permits may be close to cost recovery already, and an increase to full cost
may not be significant. Other permits may have a more significant increase associated with full cost
recovery.
The City should consider increasing fees for permits for which services are rarely engaged to full cost
recovery. These services often require specific expertise and can involve more complex research and
review due to their infrequent nature. As such, setting these fees at full cost recovery will ensure that
when the permit or review is requested, the City is recovering the full cost of its services.
PHASED INCREASES
Depending on current cost recovery levels, some current fees may need to be increased significantly to
comply with established or proposed cost recovery policies. Due to the type of permit or review or the
amount by which a fee needs to be increased, it may be best for the City to use a phased approach to
reach their cost recovery goals.
As an example, the City could have a current fee of $200 with a full cost of $1,000, representing 20% cost
recovery. If the current policy is 80% cost recovery, the current fee would need to increase by $600,
bringing the fee to $800, to comply. Assuming this service is something the City provides quite often and
affects various members of the community, an instant increase of $600 may not be feasible. Therefore,
FEE ADJUSTMENTS
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the City could take a phased approach, whereby it increases the fee annually over a set period until cost
recovery is achieved.
Raising fees over a set timeframe not only allows the City to monitor and control the impact to applicants
but also ensures that applicants have time to adjust to significant increases. Continuing with the
example above, the City could increase the fee by $150 for the next four years, spreading out the
increase. Depending on the desired overall increase, and the impact to applicants, the City could choose
to vary the number of years by which it chooses to increase fees. However, the project team
recommends that the City not phase increases for periods greater than five years, as that is the
maximum window for which a comprehensive fee assessment should be completed.
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The following table shows the complete list of fees reviewed in this study by division / section, including the fee name, the current fee amount,
and full cost calculated through this analysis:
TABLE 18: FULL LISTING OF FEES
Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
BUILDING
Building Permit Fees
Base Fee for All Standalone Permits Per permit $155.67 $277 $122
Base Fee for Small or Medium Sq. Ft. / Valuation Permits Per permit New $1,110 N/A
Base Fee for Larger Sq. Ft. / Valuation Permits Per permit New $4,162 N/A
Single-Family / Duplex Residential (Sq. Ft.) Permit Fees:
0-250 sq. ft. Each Modified $596 N/A
251-500 sq. ft Each Modified $1,191 N/A
501-1,000 sq. ft. Each Modified $1,340 N/A
1,001 - 1,500 sq. ft. Each Modified $2,234 N/A
1,501 - 2,000 sq. ft. Each Modified $2,531 N/A
2,001 - 2,500 sq. ft. Each Modified $4,467 N/A
2,501 - 3,000 sq. ft. Each Modified $4,616 N/A
3,001 - 3,500 sq. ft. Each Modified $5,063 N/A
3,500 - 4,000 sq. ft. Each Modified $5,212 N/A
4,001 - 4,500 sq. ft. Each Modified $5,361 N/A
4,501 - 5,000 sq. ft Each Modified $5,509 N/A
5,001 - 5,500 sq. ft. Each Modified $5,956 N/A
5,501 - 6,000 sq. ft. Each Modified $6,552 N/A
6,001 - 6,500 sq. ft. Each Modified $6,850 N/A
6,500 sq. ft+ Base Modified $7,445 N/A
6,500 sq. ft. Each Addl 500 sq. ft. Modified $573 N/A
Multi-Family & Commercial (Valuation) Permit Fees: N/A
17 The current fee does not include the 2% or 3% Technology Fee or 5% Reserve Surcharge.
18 The total cost does not include the calculated 5% Technology Fee or 5% Reserve Surcharge.
APPENDIX A: FULL LISTING OF FEES
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Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
$0 - $2,000 Base $32.74 $1,191.24 $1,159
$2,001 - $25,000 Base $32.74 $1,191.24 $1,159
$2,001 - $25,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $16.37 $25.90 $10
$25,001 - $50,000 Base $409.20 $1,786.85 $1,378
$25,001 - $50,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $16.37 $35.74 $19
$50,001 - $100,000 Base $818.40 $2,680.28 $1,862
$50,001 - $100,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $16.37 $20.85 $4
$100,001 - $500,000 Base $1,636.80 $3,722.61 $2,086
$100,001 - $500,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $16.37 $7.45 ($9)
$500,001 - $1,000,000 Base $8,184.00 $6,700.71 ($1,483)
$500,001 - $1,000,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $16.37 $16.38 $0
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000 Base $16,368.00 $14,890.46 ($1,478)
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $9.63 $7.45 ($2)
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000 Base $54,870.00 $44,671.37 ($10,199)
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $10.97 $5.96 ($5)
$10,000,001 - $25,000,000 Base $109,740.00 $74,452.28 ($35,288)
$10,000,001 - $25,000,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $1.67 $1.99 $0
$25,000,001 - $50,000,000 Base $134,850.00 $104,233.20 ($30,617)
$25,000,001 - $50,000,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $5.39 $1.79 ($4)
$50,000,000+ Base $269,700.00 $148,904.57 ($120,795)
$50,000,000+ Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $5.39 $0.89 ($5)
Demolition Per permit $674.31 $1,085.99 $412
Deconstruction (Initiation / Intake) Per permit New $975 N/A
Commercial Interior Non-Structural Demolition Per permit $242.43 $456 $213
Construction & Demolition (C&D)
Commercial and Multi-Family Projects greater than or equal to
$25,000.00 in Valuation Per permit $412.27 $470 $58
Single Family and Two Family Projects greater than $25,000.00 and less
than $75,000.00 in Valuations Per permit $220.81 $470 $250
Single Family and Two Family Projects greater than $75,000.00 in
Valuation Per permit $283.47 $503 $220
Electrical Permits
Generator
Single-Family Per Permit $598.35 $714 $115
Multi-Family / Commercial Per Permit $598.35 $1,318 $720
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Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Electrical Service - New or Replacement
Less than 400 amp Per Permit $496.98 $565 $68
400 amp and Greater Per Permit $745.54 $871 $126
Rewiring (Single Family Residential Only) Per Permit New $604 N/A
Temporary Electric Service (Power Pole, Pedestal, etc.) Per Permit $79.60 $149 $69
Misc. Permit - Not Otherwise Listed
Single-Family Residential Permits / Equipment Not Listed Above Per Permit New $528 N/A
Multi-Family / Commercial Permits / Equipment Not Listed Above Per Permit New $685 N/A
Electrical Permits - Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations
Multi-Family / Commercial (Level 1 and 2)
1-6 Stations Per Permit $482.53 $3,933 $3,450
Each addl 6 stations Per Group $90.53 $1,031 $940
Multi-Family / Commercial (Level 3 and 4)
1-6 Stations Per Permit $576.59 $4,762 $4,185
Each addl 6 stations Per Group $113.34 $1,031 $918
Single-Family (Level 1 and 2) Per Permit $208.70 $1,206 $997
Single-Family (Level 3) Per Permit $317.22 $1,388 $1,071
Electrical Permits - Photovoltaic Systems (PV)
Multi-Family / Commercial System (10kW or less) Per Permit $755.20 $1,762 $1,007
Multi-Family / Commercial System (11kW-49kW) Per Permit $1,013.46 $2,375 $1,362
Multi-Family Commercial System (50kW or greater) Per Permit $755.20 $3,155 $2,400
Multi-Family / Commercial System - Reinstallation Per Permit New $1,227 N/A
Single-Family Systems (10kW or less) Per Permit $349.79 $1,346 $996
Single-Family Systems (greater than 10kW) Per Permit $223.16 $1,698 $1,475
Single-Family - Reinstallation Per Permit New $911 N/A
SolarAPP+ PV Per Permit New $596 N/A
SolarAPP+ PV and ESS Per Permit New $1,210 N/A
Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Single-Family System Per Permit New $1,690 N/A
Multi-Family / Commercial System Per Permit New $2,959 N/A
General & Miscellaneous Fees
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Excluding Master Permits Per Permit New $6,385 N/A
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Master Permit Per Model New $2,306 N/A
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Site Construction - Site Specific Related
to Master Per Permit New $4,765 N/A
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Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Pre-fab Site Specific Related to Master Per permit New $3,416 N/A
Address Change - First address change Per address $683.93 $365 ($319)
Each additional Per address $254.82 $91 ($164)
Awnings (Groups of 5)
Single-Family Per group $94.05 $307 $213
Multi-Family / Commercial Per group $94.05 $1,520 $1,426
Bathroom Remodel
Single-Family (Direct Replacement Non-Structural) Per Permit $377.53 $596 $218
Multi-Family (Direct Replacement, Non-Structural) Per Permit $377.53 $753 $376
Single/Multi-Family (Other) Per Permit $377.53 $911 $534
Instant Permit Per Permit New $596 N/A
Cell Tower Building Review Per Permit New $2,481 N/A
Deck or Balcony - Single Family Per Permit Modified $787 N/A
Doors, windows and skylights (Group of 5) - Structural
Single-Family Per group $377.53 $547 $169
Multi-Family/Commercial Per group $377.53 $795 $418
Doors, windows and skylights (Group of 10) - Non-Structural
Single Family Per group $189.42 $468 $278
Multi-Family/Commercial Per group $189.42 $547 $357
Dryrot Repair/Replacement - Single Family
Structural Per Permit $94.05 $762 $668
Non-Structural Per Permit $94.05 $456 $362
Electric Service and Safety Inspection Per hour $265.37 $298 $32
Extension of Building Permit or Building Permit Application Per application $106.18 $238 $132
Foundation Repair - Single Family Residential (No Basement) Per Permit New $510 N/A
Green Building Special Inspector
Initial Review Per application $574.46 $376 ($198)
Renewal Update Per application $286.53 $188 ($98)
Inspections and Investigations
Outside of Normal Business Hours (2 hour minimum) Per hour $499.47 $343 ($156)
Unclassified (2 hour minimum) Per hour $332.98 $298 ($35)
Kitchen Remodel
Single-Family (Direct Replacement, Non-Structural) Per Permit $283.47 $447 $163
Multi-Family (Direct Replacement, Non-Structural) Per Permit $283.47 $604 $321
Single/Multi-Family (Remodel, not direct replacement) Per Permit $283.47 $753 $470
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Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Instant Permit Per Permit New $447 N/A
Progress & Partial Inspections (Up to 30 minutes inspection) Per inspection $74.77 $149 $74
Reactivation of Expired Building Permit
Multiple Outstanding Inspections % of Original Building Permit Fee 50% 50% $0
Final Inspection Only
Fee or 50% of Building Permit Fee,
whichever is less $346.27 $365 $19
Application Per permit plus Plan Check Fees $211.17 $90 ($121)
Real Property Research Fee (1-hour minimum) Per hour $310.04 $277 ($33)
Building Reinspection Fee
Multi-Family Residential and Commercial (up to 30 minute inspection) Per Inspection $184.60 $149 ($36)
Single-Family
Primary Inspection Type (1 hour) Per Inspection $190.58 $298 $107
Secondary Inspection Type (30 minutes) Per Inspection $102.51 $149 $46
Request of Release of Building Plans and Documents Per request $103.70 $277 $174
Re-Roof:
Re-Roof - Multi-Family / Commercial
First 5,000 sf Per Permit $377.53 $1,233 $856
Each additional 2,500 sf Each additional 2,500 sf $93.44 $298 $204
Re-Roof-Single Family Overlay Per permit $94.05 $298 $204
Re-Roof - Single Family Per permit $377.53 $538 $160
Retaining Walls
First 100 LF Per Permit $125.46 $1,439 $1,314
Each additional 100 LF Each additional 100 LF $62.79 $208 $145
Siding Repair/Replacement (in-kind) Per Permit $189.41 $298 $108
Sign Permit (Group of 5)
Illuminated Per Permit $156.85 $750 $593
Non-Illuminated Per Permit $156.85 $452 $295
Monument Per Permit $156.85 $656 $499
Seismic Retrofit - Brace and Bolt - Single Family Residential Per Permit New $456 N/A
Industrial Storage Racks / Cabinets Per Permit New $613 N/A
Stucco Repair/Replacement Each $283.47 $298 $14
Swimming Pool / Spa
Single-Family Per Permit New $1,184 N/A
Multi-Family / Commercial Per Permit New $2,218 N/A
Deferred submittal/revisions - Base Charge Per Application New $631 N/A
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Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Hourly Charge Per hour New $316 N/A
Mechanical Permits
HVAC Systems (i.e., Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Air Handling Unit)
Single-Family Per Permit $63.96 $489 $425
Multi-Family / Commercial (Groups of 5)
Direct replacements Per Permit $63.96 $902 $838
New - with curb Per Permit $63.96 $1,540 $1,476
New - without curb Per Permit $63.96 $1,233 $1,169
Boilers, Compressors, and Absorption Systems / Water Heaters N/A
Single Family / Multi Family Per Permit $125.46 $298 $172
Commercial Per Permit $125.46 $544 $418
Instant Permit - Single-Family Replacement (i.e., Heat Pump Water
Heaters, Gas, etc.) Per Permit New $298 N/A
Furnace, Flue, and Associated Ducts
Single Family / Multi Family Per permit $125.46 $456 $330
Commercial Per permit $125.46 $632 $507
Miscellaneous Permit - not otherwise listed Per Permit $63.96 $298 $234
Per hour Per hour New $298 N/A
Process Piping System Per permit $62.79 $456 $393
Process Piping System - Hazardous Per permit $63.96 $808 $744
Swimming Pool Heater - Direct Replacement Per permit $74.77 $489 $414
Ventilation and Exhaust System - Single-Family / Multi-Family Each $63.96 $456 $392
Plan Review Fees
Additional Plan Review Per hour $258.19 $316 $57
Alternate Materials, Design Methods of Construction (AMMR) Per application New $898 N/A
Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Review/Consultation Flat $496.99 $596 $99
Building Plan Check:
Single-Family Residential % of Bldg Permit Fee Modified 125% N/A
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee Modified 95% N/A
Fire and Life Safety Plan Check:
Single-Family Residential % of Bldg Permit Fee Modified 8% N/A
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee Modified 40% N/A
Public Works Plan Check:
Single-Family Residential % of Bldg Permit Fee Modified 35% N/A
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee Modified 15% N/A
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 46
Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Zoning Plan Check
Single-Family Residential % of Bldg Permit Fee Modified 35% N/A
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee Modified 15% N/A
Zero Waste Plan Check
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee Modified 0.48% N/A
Traffic Engineering Plan Check
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee Modified 0.06% N/A
Plumbing Permits
Backflow protective device Each $225.63 $203 ($22)
Building Sewer System - Direct Replacement Per permit $152.04 $352 $200
Gas Piping System Per permit $225.63 $510 $284
Sand Oil Interceptor and Grease Traps Per permit $225.63 $917 $691
Plumbing Fixtures - New / Direct Replacement (Groups of 5) Per group $156.85 $298 $141
Solar Hot Water System Per permit $225.63 $604 $379
Storm Drain System Per permit $225.63 $407 $181
Potable Water System - Repair / Direct Replacement Per permit New $352 N/A
Plumbing Permits - Graywater Systems
Clothes washer System / Simple System Per permit $94.05 $510 $416
Complex System Per permit $225.63 $817 $591
Miscellaneous Permit - not otherwise listed Per permit New $298 N/A
Per hour Per hour New $352 N/A
Use & Occupancy Permits
Certificate of Use and Occupancy
Stand-alone Per application $1,482.64 $1,301 ($182)
Included in Associated Building Permit Per application $1,482.64 $171 ($1,312)
Certificate of Use and Occupancy - Replacement Per application $296.17 $135 ($161)
Temporary Occupancy Permit
Multi-Family Residential, Non-Residential, and Other Commercial Per application $1,118.27 $2,793 $1,675
Single Family and Commercial Tenant Improvement less than 10,000
sq. ft. Per application $820.33 $1,150 $330
Appeal Per Hour New $413 N/A
Consultation Per Hour New $413 N/A
PLANNING
Appeals
Appeal Costs Exceeding Appeals Filing Fee Deposit $4,601.68 $6,193 $1,592
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 47
Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Appeals and Request for Hearing before City Council or Planning &
Transportation Commission Per Application $717.80 $562 ($156)
Architectural Review
Architectural Review - Major Project Deposit $15,748.99 $38,255 $22,506
Architectural Review - Minor Project (ARB Review) Each $10,679.26 $11,460 $780
Architectural Review - Minor Project (Staff Review) Each $4,099.91 $5,834 $1,734
Design Enhancement Exception Each $8,504.62 $3,616 ($4,889)
Preliminary Review Each $8,013.79 $8,232 $219
Signs - (ARB Review/Exceptions) Per application $5,356.05 $6,679 $1,323
Signs, Minor Façade Changes, Landscaping, Accessory Structures or
Similar Minor Changes to a Building Exterior - (Staff Review, unless
OTC) Per application $1,280.77 $2,832 $1,551
Streamlined Housing Development Review Each New $24,773
Comprehensive Plan Change
Comprehensive Plan Change Deposit $9,384.12 $29,145 $19,760
Development Agreement
Annual Review Deposit $3,791.00 $5,465 $1,674
Development Agreement Deposit $10,828.07 $32,788 $21,960
Director's Approval
Home Improvement Exception Each $4,770.26 $4,310 ($460)
Documents & Photocopies
Administrative Extensions and Zoning Letters Applicable hourly rate Flat Fee Modified $354 N/A
Property Research requiring more than 30 minutes Applicable hourly rate Per Hour Modified $342 N/A
Environmental Impact Assessment
CEQA Categorical Exemption Each $692.73 $744 $52
Environmental Document (Staff Prepared) Deposit $7,671.29 $14,572 $6,901
Mitigation Monitoring - Environmental Impact Report Deposit $5,631.09 $5,465 ($166)
Mitigation Monitoring - Mitigated Negative Declaration Deposit $1,876.00 $3,643 $1,767
Historic Resource
Demolition Application for Historic Buildings Each $1,535.29 $1,811 $276
Historic Resource Review - Major Project Each $2,304.21 $6,625 $4,320
Historic Resource Review - Minor Project (Staff Review) Each $1,536.18 $3,043 $1,507
Historic Resource Review of Individual Review Application Each $384.07 $1,124 $740
Mills Act Contract - Establish or Withdraw Deposit $2,816.06 $3,643 $827
Transfer of Development Rights Projects Deposit $904.55 $5,465 $4,560
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 48
Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Williamson Act Contract - Establish or Withdraw Deposit $2,958.76 $3,643 $684
Individual Review
Expansion of Existing Two-Story greater than 150 sq. ft. Each $8,653.43 $7,394 ($1,259)
Individual Review - Minor Revisions to Approved Projects Each $4,497.08 $3,742 ($755)
Individual Review Refund Fee 2 hr. rate $0.00 $687 $687
New Two-Story Addition or New Two-Story Home Each $10,810.62 $14,408 $3,597
Preliminary Individual Review and SB9 with Architect Per occurrence $575.73 $1,037 $461
Other Application Fees
Contract Administrative % of Cost $0.25 0% ($0)
Planning Compliance Fee Deposit Modified $1,093 N/A
Pre-Screening fee Flat $4,602.29 $6,197 $1,595
SB9 Applications Each New $5,178 N/A
Public Noticing - Up to 150 ft. Radius Each $786.12 $326 ($460)
Public Noticing - 600 ft. Radius Each $1,380.32 $326 ($1,054)
Public Noticing beyond 600 ft. Radius Each $1,840.08 $326 ($1,514)
Recording Fee with County Pass through Actual cost Actual Cost N/A
Day Care Center Each $218.59 $8,437 $8,218
Pre-Application Staff Consultation Fee Each $888.74 $1,150 $261
SB 330 Pre-Application Fee Each $2,872.98 $3,009 $136
Site & Design
Site & Design Major Deposit $34,555.20 $38,444 $3,888
Subdivision (Minor) Four or Less Parcels
Parcel Map Each $5,982.76 $5,757 ($226)
Preliminary Parcel Map, Minor Each $7,167.40 $7,730 $563
Parcel Map, Minor with Exception Each $4,380.18 $8,733 $4,353
Preliminary Parcel Map, Minor with Exception Deposit $11,335.04 $19,506 $8,171
Subdivision - (Major) Five or More Parcels
Subdivision Final Map Each $7,153.03 $8,539 $1,386
Tentative Map Deposit $13,227.77 $19,942 $6,714
Use Permit
Conditional Use Permit - Director Level Each $8,825.84 $9,075 $249
Conditional Use Permit - Director Level - Amendment Each New $4,255 N/A
Conditional Use Permit - Alcohol Each New $3,893 N/A
Conditional Use Permit - Alcohol - Amendment Each $4,655.12 $1,886 ($2,769)
Temporary Use Permit Each $1,752.79 $2,138 $386
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 49
Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Variance
Variance - Director's Level Each $5,638.58 $6,859 $1,220
Wireless Permit
Wireless Tier 1 Flat $4,099.70 $3,703 ($397)
Wireless Tier 2 Deposit $8,826.75 $21,532 $12,706
Wireless Tier 3 Deposit $9,374.08 $25,175 $15,801
Zone Change
Planned Community Zone Change - Minor Change Flat $2,302.33 $7,487 $5,185
Planned Community Zone Change Deposit $11,264.44 $36,431 $25,166
Zone Change Regular Deposit $9,384.67 $21,858 $12,474
Retail Waiver
Retail Waiver Flat New $8,387 N/A
FIRE PREVENTION
Compliance Fees
Emergency Response Fee - Hazmat Per person per hour $472.88 $483 $10
Hazmat Plan Submittal min 5 hrs. Modified $2,024 N/A
Hazmat Closure
Partial Closure min 3 hrs. Modified $1,318 N/A
Full Closure min 8 hrs. Modified $3,342 N/A
Hazmat Work Submittal Without Approved Plans and/or Permits 2x Fee
$82.18-
$1,101.33 2x Fee N/A
Hazmat Closure Without Approved Plans and/or Permits 2x Fee
$82.18-
$1,101.33 2x Fee N/A
Review of Emergency Planning Guide *only assessed if not part of
annual submittal Per hour Modified $483 N/A
General & Miscellaneous Fees Fire Prevention Plan Check Hourly
Fire Prevention Per hour $258.19 $353 $95
Development Services - Fire Per hour $258.19 $353 $95
HazMat Per hour $258.19 $353 $95
Hazardous Materials Classification Permits
Compressed Gas Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Corrosives Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Cryogenic Fluid Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Flammable and Combustible Liquids Annually $474.06 $966 $492
Flammable Gas Annually $473.08 $483 $10
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 50
Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Flammable Solids Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Health Hazard (Liquids & Solids) Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Liquefied Petroleum Gases Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Organic Coatings Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Organic Peroxides Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Other Hazardous Materials - Unclassified Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Ovens - Industrial Baking or Drying Annually $474.06 $966 $492
Oxidizers (Liquids & Solids) Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Oxidizing Gas Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Pyrophoric Gas Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Pyrophoric Materials (Liquids & Solids) Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Pyrotechnical Special Effects Material Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Radioactive Materials or Sources Annually $474.06 $966 $492
Refrigeration Equipment Annually $509.13 $483 ($26)
Spraying/Dipping Annually $454.58 $483 $28
Tire Recapping/Tire Storage Annually $1,890.25 $1,860 ($30)
Toxic, Highly Toxic, Moderately Toxic, Health Hazard Gas Annually $474.06 $966 $492
Toxic, Highly Toxic, Moderately Toxic, Health Hazard Materials Annually $474.06 $966 $492
Unstable Reactive Gas Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Unstable Reactive Materials (Liquids & Solids) Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Water Reactive Materials (Liquids & Solids) Annually $474.06 $483 $9
Additional Approvals for Hazardous Materials Storage Permit
Per occurrence (includes up to 2 hours) Per occurrence $1,030.19 $836 ($195)
Per hour for time above two hours Per hour $674.31 $418 ($257)
Business Plan (HMBP) Per location $674.31 $724 $50
Level I Facility Per location $474.06 $724 $250
Level II Facility Per location $951.77 $1,207 $255
Level III Facility Per location $1,903.55 $3,138 $1,235
Petroleum Aboveground Storage Tank Annually $951.77 $1,931 $979
Provisional Hazmat Storage (6 Month) Each $951.77 $836 ($116)
Liquid or Gas-Fueled Powered Equipment (i.e. Generator, Welders,
Portable Light Units, etc.)
First Equipment Each $471.71 $483 $11
Each Additional Equipment at Same Location Each New $121 N/A
Temporary Generator / Backup Power Supply Each New $1,318 N/A
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 51
Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Battery Operated Equipment
Up to 10 pieces of Equipment Each New $483 N/A
Each Additional Equipment at Same Location Each New $121 N/A
Operate a Tank Vehicle to Transport Flammable/Combustible Liquids Per vehicle $634.00 $724 $90
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy - Hazmat Per occurrence New $966 N/A
Inspection Fees
Additional Inspection or Reinspection Fee (2-hour minimum)
Fire Prevention Per hour $473.48 $465 ($8)
Development Services - Fire Per hour $473.48 $465 ($8)
HazMat Per hour $473.48 $483 $9
After Hours Inspection Fee*
Fire Prevention Per hour $709.34 $530 ($179)
Development Services - Fire Per hour $709.34 $530 ($179)
HazMat Per hour $709.34 $555 ($154)
As-Built Plan Check and Additional Work Each $946.96 $818 ($129)
Care Facility Inspection Including Fire Clearance
Facilities with 7-25 clients Per inspection $471.71 $465 ($7)
Facilities with more than 25 clients Per inspection $946.96 $1,860 $913
Christmas Tree Lot/Pumpkin Patch Each $471.71 $465 ($7)
High Rise Building - Certificate of Compliance
Annually for up to 7 hours Annually $3,708.19 $3,255 ($453)
Each additional hour Per hour $507.08 $465 ($42)
Hospital Inspections
Annually for up to 7 hours Annually New $3,255 N/A
Each additional hour Per hour New $465 N/A
Outside Cooking Booths/Food Trucks Each $709.34 $465 ($244)
Standby Fire Watch - Fire Inspector Per hour per person $471.71 $465 ($7)
Temporary Occupancy Permit for Vendors/Stock Occupancy Per occurrence $1,523.55 $2,213 $689
Hazmat Temporary Occupancy Permit for Vendors/Stock Occupancy Per occurrence New $2,284 N/A
Business Inspection Per Inspection New $465 N/A
Consultations:
Additional Hours Over Plan Review/Site Visit N/A
Fire Prevention Per hour $337.79 $353 $15
Development Services - Fire Per hour $337.79 $353 $15
HazMat Per hour $337.79 $353 $15
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 52
Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Alternate Means and Methods Application (2 hr. minimum) N/A
Fire Prevention Per application $1,009.75 $836 ($174)
HazMat Per application $1,009.75 $836 ($174)
Appeals to Decisions N/A
Fire Prevention Per hour $471.71 $483 $12
Development Services - Fire Per hour $471.71 $483 $12
HazMat Per hour $471.71 $483 $12
Consultation Fee N/A
Fire Prevention Per hour $471.71 $434 ($38)
Development Services - Fire Per hour $471.71 $434 ($38)
HazMat Per hour $471.71 $440 ($32)
Investigations:
Environmental Hazard Release Per hour per person New $418 N/A
Hazmat Per hour per person New $483 N/A
Fire Investigation Per hour per person New $465 N/A
Services:
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Testing Fee Per Hour $667.12 $465 ($202)
Hydrant Flow Fee Per occurrence $471.71 $698 $226
Life Safety & Fire Protection
Hydrant Installation/Modification - Private Per device $237.62 $818 $580
Sprinkler NFPA 13D - Base Base New $994 N/A
Sprinkler NFPA 13D - Per head Per Head New $4 N/A
All Other (Non-NFPA 13D) Automatic Fire Sprinkler
Installation/Modification $0.00 N/A
1 - 19 Sprinkler Heads Flat $1,055.58 $1,692 $636
20 or more Sprinkler Heads Base $2,334.23 $2,919 $584
Per head Per head $3.89 $11 $7
Express Fire Protection Plan Check Fee Per occurrence $235.27 $458 $223
Fire Alarm System Installation and Modification Flat $1,379.79 $1,988 $609
Plus per device or contact point Per device or contact point $31.09 $41 $10
Fire Prevention Inspection of Private Schools (min 2 hours) Per hour $473.48 $465 ($8)
Fire Protection and Fire Access Plan Review for New Developments or
Additions (min 2 hours) Per hour New $434 N/A
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 3-10 units Annually $471.71 $465 ($7)
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 11-25 units Annually $471.71 $930 $458
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 53
Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 26-100 units Annually $946.96 $1,395 $448
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 101-250 units Annually $1,418.67 $2,325 $907
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels greater than 250 units Annually $1,418.67 $2,790 $1,372
Other Automatic Extinguishing Systems Per occurrence $1,283.57 $1,395 $112
Site Disaster / Emergency Preparedness Planning Per hour $471.71 $446 ($26)
Standpipe System - Wet, Dry, or Combination Each $946.96 $1,636 $689
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Per occurrence $1,024.20 $1,395 $371
Underground Fire Service Line (Includes 4 hrs. of inspection and 1 hr. of
plan check) Per occurrence $2,229.25 $2,213 ($16)
Verification of Fire Protection System Maintenance and Certification Annually per system $86.89 $39 ($48)
Specific Hazard Permits
Candles and Open Flames in Assembly Areas Per permit $471.71 $465 ($7)
Hot Work (i.e. Spark/Flame Producing) Operations Each $529.56 $465 ($64)
Occupant Load Increase - Temporary Public Assembly Per permit $471.71 $1,283 $811
Place of Assembly Annually - base per address $951.77 $930 ($22)
Each additional assembly Each add'l New $233 N/A
Tent/Canopy or Air Supported Structure Per permit $992.81 $1,171 $178
PUBLIC WORKS
Encroachment Permit
A. Dumpster, Container Each $407.35 $475 $67
B. Non-Residential - Single Day Each $1,631.37 $2,053 $422
C. Non-Residential Short-Term (Less than 5 days) Each $1,902.94 $2,281 $378
D. Non-Residential Long-Term (More than 5 days) Each $2,609.41 $2,931 $321
E. Additional Non-Residential Long-Term (More than 5 days) Monthly Per month $917.04 $934 $17
F. Fence Each $2,005.08 $1,999 ($7)
G. Residential Each $1,038.00 $1,277 $239
Parklet Permit:
Initial Application Fee Per Application $1,860.00 $4,549 $2,689
License Fee for Use of Right-Of-Way Per sq. ft. $10.71 $11 $0
Refundable Deposit Per Application $2,500.00 $2,500 $0
Renewal Fee Per Application $232.50 $549 $317
Grading / Excavation
A. 101 - 1,000 cubic yards
First 100 cubic yards Base $246.97 $1,550 $1,303
Each additional 100 cubic yards or fraction thereof Each additional $246.97 $322 $75
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 54
Fee Category Unit Current Fee17 Total Cost18 $ Change
B. 1,001 - 10,000 cubic yards
First 1,000 cubic yards Base $2,469.69 $4,010 $1,540
Each additional 1,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof Each additional $233.20 $554 $320
C. 10,001 or more cubic yards
First 10,000 cubic yards Base $4,801.63 $8,398 $3,597
Each additional 10,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof Each additional $906.21 $2,034 $1,128
General & Miscellaneous Fees
Miscellaneous Public Works Inspection Per hour $253.85 $195 ($59)
Miscellaneous Public Works Plan Check Per hour $298.13 $243 ($55)
Inspection Fees
Tree Inspection for Private Development Per inspection $236.15 $764 $527
Wet Season Construction Site Stormwater Inspection
Per Inspection (charged monthly October thru April) Per inspection $360.12 $312 ($48)
Per hour thereafter, charged monthly October thru April Per hour $120.04 $208 $88
Off Hour Inspection Per Hour $310.62 $244 ($66)
Permit Fees
1. Temporary Discharge to Storm Drain from Non-Exclusionary
Construction Site Dewatering Per request plus consultant costs $18,212.73 $17,329 ($884)
2. Additional Temporary Discharge to Storm Drain from Non-
Exclusionary Construction Site Dewatering
Per week for the duration of
dewatering activities $387.67 $373 ($15)
Certificate of Compliance / Certificate of Correction / Map Amendment Per Occurrence $5,659.98 $4,577 ($1,083)
A. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($1.00 - $5,999) Per occurrence $817.66 $971.18 $154
B. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($6,000 - $25,999) Base $817.66 $971.18 $154
B. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($6,000 - $25,999) % of Value 10.70% 18.37% $0.08
C. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($26,000 - $100,999) Base $2,923.29 $5,430.35 $2,507
C. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($26,000 - $100,999) % of Value 13.70% 10.61% ($0)
D. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($101,000 - $500k) Base $13,033.27 $15,854.43 $2,821
D. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($101,000 - $500k) % of Value 10.70% 2.30% ($0.08)
E. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($500k-$1m) Base $55,726.27 $25,267.42 ($30,459)
E. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($500k-$1m) % of Value 10.70% 2.49% ($0.08)
F. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($1m+) Base $109,226.27 $38,175.31 ($71,051)
F. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($1m+) % of Value 10.70% 1.25% ($0.09)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Permit Review Fee Per Hour $256.81 $229.74 ($27)
Right of Way Closure Management Each $103.31 $95.89 ($7)
Storm Drain Plan Check Fee Each $1,225.01 $2,718.39 $1,493
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 55
The following table shows the current and fully burdened hourly rates by position type reviewed through
this study:
TABLE 19: HOURLY RATES
Position
Current Hourly
Rate
Fully Burdened
Hourly Rate
Associate Planner $247.09 $339.41
Building / Planning Technician $198.69 $325.82
Code Enforcement Lead $268.08 $297.53
Engineer $229.88 $229.74
Engineering Tech III $169.37 $191.77
Landscape Architect / Park Planner $255.37 $230.74
Planning Manager $314.41 $436.80
Planner $258.99 $343.26
Principal Planner $306.54 $393.54
Senior Engineer $272.88 $274.66
Senior Planner $298.69 $369.26
Building - Inspections and Investigations - Unclassified $356.01 $297.81
Building - Additional Plan Review $276.04 $351.21
Planning - Miscellaneous Plan Check & Inspection $278.57 $361.37
Public Works - Miscellaneous Plan Check $319.31 $242.86
APPENDIX B: FULLY BURDENED HOURLY RATES
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 56
As part of the cost-of-service (user fee) study for the City of Palo Alto, Matrix Consulting Group
conducted a comparative survey of user fees. The City identified five jurisdictions to be included in the
comparative survey: Menlo Park, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale. The project team
then reviewed public documents (i.e., agenda items, staff reports, budgets, fee schedules, and
ordinances), and or contacted jurisdictions to get comparative information.
While this report will provide the City with a reasonable estimate and understanding of the true costs of
providing services, many jurisdictions also wish to consider the local “market rates” for services as a
means for assessing what types of changes in fee levels their community can bear. However, a
comparative survey does not provide adequate information regarding the relationship of a jurisdiction’s
cost to its fees.
The following sections detail various factors to consider when reviewing comparative survey results, as
well as graphical comparisons of current fees and total calculated costs for various permits issued or
services provided by the City.
ECONOMIC FACTORS
To provide additional context to the comparative survey information, the project team collected
economic factors for the jurisdictions included. Three important economic factors to consider when
comparing fees across multiple jurisdictions are population, budget, and workforce size. The following
tables rank each jurisdiction from smallest to largest for each of these economic factors:
TABLE 20: RANKING OF JURISDICTIONS BY POPULATION
Jurisdiction 2024 Est. Population
Menlo Park 31,023
Palo Alto 65,057
Mountain View 81,458
Santa Clara 131,886
Sunnyvale 150,872
San Jose 956,433
TABLE 21: RANKING OF JURISDICTIONS BY CITYWIDE TOTAL BUDGET19
Jurisdiction FY24/25 Budget
Menlo Park $131,496,718
Mountain View $536,104,674
Sunnyvale $730,098,454
Palo Alto $1,269,242,117
Santa Clara $1,482,954,629
San Jose $5,334,969,564
19 To ensure appropriate comparisons, full operating budget (all funds) has been used for all jurisdictions.
APPENDIX C: COMPARATIVE SURVEY
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 57
TABLE 22: RANKING OF JURISDICTIONS BY WORKFORCE SIZE
Jurisdiction FY24/25 FTE
Menlo Park 293
Mountain View 710
Sunnyvale 957
Palo Alto 1,092
Santa Clara 1,153
San Jose 6,985
Based on the data shown in the previous tables, Palo Alto ranks in the higher middle of surveyed
jurisdictions in terms of workforce size and budget, and in the lower half of surveyed jurisdictions in
terms of population.
RECENCY FACTOR
While the previous comparative information can provide some perspective when comparing Palo Alto’s
fees with surveyed jurisdictions, other key factors to consider are when a jurisdiction’s fee schedule was
last updated and when the last comprehensive analysis was completed. The following tables detail when
each surveyed jurisdiction last conducted a fee analysis and when they last updated their fee schedule.
TABLE 23: LAST FEE STUDY CONDUCTED
Jurisdiction Response
Mountain View FY 09-1020
Menlo Park FY 17-18
San Jose FY 17-18
Sunnyvale FY 16-17
Santa Clara FY 23-24
TABLE 24: LAST FEE SCHEDULE UPDATE
Jurisdiction Response
Menlo Park FY 24/25
Mountain View FY 24/25
San Jose FY 24/25
Sunnyvale FY 24/25
Santa Clara FY 24/25
Based on the data presented in the above tables, only Santa Clara has conducted a fee study in the last 5
years. All surveyed jurisdictions have updated their fee schedules within the last year.
Although these metrics may seem similar, many jurisdictions will update their fee schedules without
completing or conducting a comprehensive fee analysis. For example, while the City of Mountain View
20 Mountain View is currently undergoing a fee study.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 58
has updated its fees annually, it hasn’t completed a fee study in the last 10 years. Although the fee
amounts are updated, the basis upon which those fee amounts are calculated has not been evaluated.
It is important to note that even though jurisdictions may have conducted fee studies, fees are not
always adopted at full cost recovery. The comparative results will only show the adopted fees for the
surveyed jurisdictions, not necessarily the full cost associated with the comparable service.
ADDITIONAL FACTORS
Along with keeping the statistics outlined in the previous sections in mind, the following issues should
also be noted when considering market surveys in setting fees for service:
• Each jurisdiction and its fees are different, and many are not based on the actual cost of providing
services.
• The same fee with the same name may include more or less steps or sub-activities. In addition,
jurisdictions provide varying levels of service and have varying levels of costs associated with
providing services such as staffing levels, salary levels, indirect overhead costs, etc.
Market surveys can run the risk of creating a confusing excess of data that will obscure rather than
clarify policy issues. Because each jurisdiction is different, Matrix Consulting Group recommends that
the information contained in the market comparison of fees be used as a secondary decision-making
tool, rather than a tool for establishing an acceptable price point for services.
COMPARATIVE SURVEY RESULTS
As part of this study, the project team conducted a survey of how the City’s current user fees and
calculated full cost compare to other similarly sized and regionally located jurisdictions. The following
subsections provide a comparative look at several fee-related services provided by the City versus the
surveyed jurisdictions.
NEW SINGLE-FAMILY HOME VALUED AT $421,857, 3,632 SQ. FT.
Currently, the Building Division charges a fee of $12,993 for a new 3,632 square foot single-family home
valued at $421,857. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be
$11,726. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed
jurisdictions.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 59
Palo Alto’s current fee ($12,993) and calculated full cost ($11,726) are higher than the jurisdictional
average of $11,227. Santa Clara ($13,102) and San Jose ($13,905) also have fees higher than the
jurisdictional average. Menlo Park ($9,929), Mountain View ($8,454), and Sunnyvale ($10,746) have fees
lower than the average and both Palo Alto’s current fee and full costs.
R-2 MULTI-FAMILY VALUED AT $28,006,595, 194,500 SQ. FT.
Currently, the Building Division charges a fee of $359,948 for a 194,500 square foot R-2 multi-family
building valued at $28,006,595. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of providing
this service to be $213,731. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost
compare to the surveyed jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($359,948) is above the jurisdictional average of $291,299. The City’s full cost is
below the jurisdictional average and more in alignment with Santa Clara and Mountain View’s fees.
ADU VALUED AT $198,523; 528 SQ. FT.
Currently, the Building Division charges a fee of $6,115 for a 528 square foot ADU valued at $198,523.
Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be $6,384. The following
graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed jurisdictions.
$-
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
$14,000
$16,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
New Single Family Home -$421,857 (3,632 sq. ft.)
Fee Average
$-
$100,000
$200,000
$300,000
$400,000
$500,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
R-2 Multi-Family -$28,006,595 (194,500 sq. ft.)
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 60
Palo Alto’s current fee ($6,115) and calculated full cost ($6,384) are significantly higher than the
jurisdictional average ($3,728). Sunnyvale has the most comparable fee at $6,000). Mountain View’s fee
($3,956) falls around the average, while the other three jurisdictions fall below average. It should be noted
that Palo Alto (current fee), Sunnyvale, and Mountain View charge this fee based on valuation, while Menlo
Park, San Jose, and Santa Clara charge their fees based on square footage. The full cost fee under the
new proposed schedule would be charged based on the type of ADU, rather than the valuation or square
footage. Importantly, fees associated with ADU’s have recently begun to be set below cost recovery to
address local housing issues.
BUSINESS TENANT IMPROVEMENT VALUED AT $597,255, 5,852 SQ. FT.
Currently, the Building Division charges a fee of $18,395 for a 5,852 square foot tenant improvement
valued at $597,255. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of providing this service
to be $16,173. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the
surveyed jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($18,395) and full cost ($16,173) are higher than the jurisdictional average of
$11,733. Menlo Park’s fee of $5,076, which is based on square footage is driving the overall average
lower. If Menlo Park is removed, then the jurisdictional average is $13,398, which is much closer to the
City’s Full cost.
$-
$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
$4,000
$5,000
$6,000
$7,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Accessory Dwelling Unit -$198,523 (528 sq. ft.)
Fee Average
$-
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Business TI -$597,255 (5,852 sq. ft.)
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 61
NEW BUSINESS VALUED AT $1,068,079, 5,444 SQ. FT.
Currently, the Building Division charges a fee of $32,897 for a new 5,444 square foot business valued at
$1,068,079. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be $30,025.
The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed
jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($32,897) and full cost ($30,025) are significantly higher than the jurisdictional
average of $18,517. All other jurisdictions’ fees are below Palo Alto’s fees but close to average and
relatively comparable to each other.
WATER HEATER
Currently, the Building Division charges a fee of $281 for a water heater. Through this study, the project
team calculated the full cost of this service to be $298. The following graph shows how the division’s
current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($281) and full cost fee ($298) is slightly higher than the jurisdictional average of
$198. San Jose ($319) and Santa Clara ($325) are higher than average but lower than Palo Alto’s
calculated full cost. San Jose’s fee is most comparable to Palo Alto’s current fee. Mountain View’s fee at
$44 is skewing the average. If Mountain View was removed, then the average fee would be $237 which
$-
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
New Business -$1,068,079 (5,444 sq. ft.)
Fee Average
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Water Heater
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 62
would be more in alignment with Palo Alto’s current and full cost fees. Fees associated with water heater
permits are often set below cost recovery to encourage compliance.
SINGLE-FAMILY RE-ROOF VALUED AT $8,000
Currently, the Building Division charges a fee of $406 for a 2,500 square foot Single Family Re-roof
Permit valued at $8,000. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be
$538. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed
jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($406) and calculated full cost ($538) are higher than the jurisdictional average of
$372. The current fee is most comparable to San Jose’s fee ($463), while the full cost is most
comparable to Santa Clara’s fee ($671). Sunnyvale ($337), Mountain View ($238), and Menlo Park ($152)
all have fees that fall below average.
SINGLE-FAMILY BATHROOM REMODEL (DIRECT REPLACEMENT NON-STRUCTURAL)
VALUED AT $15,000, 50 SQ. FT
Currently, the Building Division charges a fee of $406 for a Single-Family Bathroom Remodel permit with
no structural changes. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of providing this
service to be $596. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the
surveyed jurisdictions.
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Single-Family Re-roof -$8,000 (2,500 sq. ft.)
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 63
Palo Alto’s current fee ($406) and calculated full cost ($596) is below the jurisdictional average of $717.
San Jose ($1,234) and Sunnyvale ($1,156) both charge higher fees than Palo Alto’s full cost.
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
Currently, the Building Division charges a fee of $350 for a Single-Family Residential Photovoltaic
System. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of providing this service to be
$1,346. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed
jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($350) is below the jurisdictional average of $441, which is below the state fee of
$450. The City’s full-cost fee is the highest among surveyed jurisdictions.
SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
Currently, the Building Division charges a fee of $350 for a Single-Family Residential Energy Storage
System. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of providing this service to be
$1,688. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed
jurisdictions.
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Single-Family Bathroom Remodel (Direct Replacement Non-
Structural) -$15,000 (50 sq. ft)
Fee Average
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Single-Family Residential Photovoltaic System
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 64
Palo Alto’s current fee ($264) is below the jurisdictional average of $645. Other than the City of Satna
Clara, other jurisdictions utilize valuation or other types of fees to recover the costs associated with
Residential energy storage systems.
SB330
Currently, the Planning Division charges a fee of $2,962 for an SB330 review. Through this study, the
project team calculated the full cost of this service to be $3,006. The following graph shows how the
division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($2,962) and full cost ($3,006) are similar, and both are near but slightly above the
jurisdictional average of $2,403. Santa Clara charges the highest fee at $5,900, while Menlo Park charges
the lowest fee at $800. It is important to note that Menlo Park’s fee is a deposit, however, so all costs will
be recovered and the final amount charged may be significantly higher.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – DIRECTOR LEVEL
Currently, the Planning Division charges a fee of $9,099 for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) processed at
the director level. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be
$9,068. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed
jurisdictions.
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Single-Family Residential ESS
Fee Average
$0
$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
$4,000
$5,000
$6,000
$7,000
Palo Alto - Current Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
SB330
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 65
Palo Alto’s current fee ($9,099) and calculated full cost ($9,068) are near but slightly lower than the
jurisdictional average of $9,607. Its fees are most in alignment with Menlo Park’s initial deposit of
$10,000.
PRE-APPLICATION STAFF CONSULTATION
Currently, the Planning Division charges a fee of $916 for a pre-application staff consultation or meeting.
Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this fee to be $1,149. The following graph
shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($916) and calculated full cost ($1,149) are significantly higher than the
jurisdictional average of $416; the City’s fees are not comparable to any surveyed jurisdiction. Notably,
however, Menlo Park ($400) charges this fee as a deposit. Of the two remaining jurisdictions who include
a fee for pre-application meetings on their fee schedule, Santa Clara ($522) charges more than the
average but less than Palo Alto’s current fee and San Jose ($325) charges less than the jurisdictional
average.
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Conditional Use Permit -Director Level
Fee Average
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
Palo Alto - Current Palo Alto - Full Cost Menlo Park San Jose Santa Clara
Pre-Application Staff Consultation
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 66
PARCEL MAP – MINOR, 4 OR LESS PARCELS
Currently, the Planning Division charges a fee of $6,168 for a minor parcel map review. Through this
study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be $5,753. The following graph shows
how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($6.169) and calculated full cost ($5,753) are very close to the jurisdictional
average of $5,700. As with the prior fee, Menlo Park charges a deposit for this service ($6,000). Of the
remaining jurisdictions, none are comparable to Palo Alto’s current fee or full cost. San Jose ($8,125)
and Santa Clara ($8,361) charge significantly above average, while Sunnyvale ($3,675) and Mountain
View ($2,338) charge below average.
VARIANCE
Currently, the Planning Division charges a fee of $5,813 for a variance. Through this study, the project
team calculated the full cost of this service to be $6,8547. The following graph shows how the division’s
current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($5,813) and full cost ($6,854) are both slightly above the jurisdictional average of
$5,409. Santa Clara charges the highest fee ($10,405), while Sunnyvale charges the lowest fee ($2,263).
$0
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Parcel Map -Minor, 4 or Less Parcels
Fee Average
$0
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Variance
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 67
Menlo Park charges this fee as a deposit ($3,000). Mountain View ($3,362) and San Jose ($7,743)
charge the fees most comparable to Palo Alto.
AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER INSTALLATION/MODIFICATION VALUED AT $25,000; 20
SPRINKLER HEADS
Currently, Fire charges a fee of $2,510 for an Automatic Fire Sprinkler Installation/Modification Permit
with 20 sprinkler heads. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be
$2,915. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed
jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($2,510) and calculated full cost ($2,915) are above the jurisdictional average
($1,232). Palo Alto’s current and full cost is most comparable to San Jose’s fee ($1,924).
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND MODIFICATION VALUED AT $25,000; 1 SYSTEM
Currently, Fire charges a fee of $1,484 for a Fire Alarm System Installation and Modification Permit for
one system. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be $1,986. The
following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($1,484) is near the jurisdictional average of $1,280; the City’s full cost ($1,986),
however, falls well above average. The current fee is most comparable to Menlo Park’s fee ($1,303). Palo
$0
$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
$4,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Automatic Fire Sprinkler Installation/Modification -$25,000 (20
sprinkler heads)
Fee Average
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Fire Alarm System Installation and Modification -$25,000 (1
system)
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 68
Alto’s calculated full cost is most comparable to San Jose’s fee ($2,544), the highest fee among the
surveyed jurisdictions. Mountain View charges the lowest fee at $447.
TREE INSPECTION FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS
Currently, the Public Works Division charges a fee of $254 for a private development tree inspection.
Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be $764. The following
graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($254) is lower than the jurisdictional average of $421 and is most comparable to
Menlo Park’s fee ($210). The City’s calculated full cost ($764) is much higher than average but is
comparable to Mountain View’s fee ($778). The fees for San Jose ($452), Santa Clara ($295), and
Sunnyvale ($372) fall between Palo Alto’s current fee and calculated full cost.
DUMPSTER/CONTAINER ENCROACHMENT PERMIT, 1 WEEK
Currently, the Public Works Division charges a fee of $438 for a Dumpster/Container Encroachment
Permit for one week. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be
$475. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed
jurisdictions.
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Tree Inspection for Private Developments
Fee Average
$0
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
Palo Alto - Current Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara
Dumpster/Container Encroachment Permit, 1 week
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 69
Palo Alto’s current fee ($438) and full cost ($475) are above the jurisdictional average of $225 for this
type of encroachment permit. Menlo Park charges the lowest fee at $120, while Santa Clara charges the
highest fee at $421. Both Palo Alto’s current fee and calculated full cost are most comparable to Santa
Clara’s fee.
GRADING VALUED AT $50,000; 10,000 CUBIC YARDS
Currently, the Public Works Division charges a fee of $5,163 for a 10,000 cubic yard Grading Permit
valued at $50,000. Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of this service to be
$8,398. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost compare to the surveyed
jurisdictions.
Palo Alto’s current fee ($5,163) is above the jurisdictional average of $4,972 and is most comparable to
Menlo Park’s fee ($4,786). The City’s calculated full cost ($8,996) is above the jurisdictional average but
still falls below San Jose’s fee ($11,236). Sunnyvale charges the lowest fee at $1,177. It is important to
note that Sunnyvale does not charge their fee based on project size or valuation; the fee schedule only
differentiates between single-family/duplex projects and all others.
CONSTRUCTION IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY VALUED AT $500,000; 5,000 SQ. FT.
Currently, the Public Works Division charges a fee of $56,707 for construction in the public right-of-way
valued at $500,000 (or 5,000 square feet). Through this study, the project team calculated the full cost of
this service to be $25,267. The following graph shows how the division’s current fee and full cost
compare to the surveyed jurisdictions.
$0
$2,000
$4,000
$6,000
$8,000
$10,000
$12,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Grading -$50,000 (10,000 cubic yards)
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
DEVELOPMENT COST OF SERVICE (USER FEE) STUDY
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 70
Palo Alto’s current fee ($56,707) is above average ($51,039) but comparable to Santa Clara’s fee
($58,511) and Menlo Park’s fee ($58,320). The City’s calculated full cost ($25,267) is well below average
and only comparable to Sunnyvale’s fee ($16,321).
SUMMARY
Based upon the comparative survey, the City’s calculated full cost is generally higher than the City’s
current fees and both are generally higher than the jurisdictional average of comparable cities, except for
building fees, where the full cost brings that more in alignment. It is important to note with many of the
comparative jurisdictions not having completed a recent study, the comparative fees may not reflect
the current cost of the services provided.
Additionally, the results of this survey only show the fees adopted by council, not the cost recovery policy
decisions for departments or a jurisdiction. As such, the results of this survey should be used as a
secondary decision-making tool and cannot be used to determine if costs are “too high” or “too low” as
the basis upon which fees are set in other jurisdictions are variable.
$0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$70,000
$80,000
Palo Alto -
Current
Palo Alto - Full
Cost
Menlo Park Mountain View San Jose Santa Clara Sunnyvale
Construction in Public Right-of-Way -$500,000 (5,000 sq. ft.)
Fee Average
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
FY2026 Proposed Fee
*The list below includes the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve Fee to reflect the published fee amount.
Fee Category Unit Proposed FY2026 Fee*
BUILDING
Building Permit Fees
Base Fee for All Standalone Permits Per permit $305
Base Fee for Small or Medium Sq. Ft. / Valuation Permits Per permit $1,221
Base Fee for Larger Sq. Ft. / Valuation Permits Per permit $4,578
Single-Family / Duplex Residential (Sq. Ft.) Permit Fees:
0-250 sq. ft. Each $655
251-500 sq. ft Each $1,310
501-1,000 sq. ft. Each $1,474
1,001 - 1,500 sq. ft. Each $2,457
1,501 - 2,000 sq. ft. Each $2,785
2,001 - 2,500 sq. ft. Each $4,914
2,501 - 3,000 sq. ft. Each $5,078
3,001 - 3,500 sq. ft. Each $5,569
3,500 - 4,000 sq. ft. Each $5,733
4,001 - 4,500 sq. ft. Each $5,897
4,501 - 5,000 sq. ft Each $6,060
5,001 - 5,500 sq. ft. Each $6,552
5,501 - 6,000 sq. ft. Each $7,207
6,001 - 6,500 sq. ft. Each $7,535
6,500 sq. ft+ Base $8,190
6,500 sq. ft. Each Addl 500 sq. ft. $630
Multi-Family & Commercial (Valuation) Permit Fees:
$0 - $2,000 Base $1,310
$2,001 - $25,000 Base $1,310
$2,001 - $25,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $28.49
$25,001 - $50,000 Base $1,966
$25,001 - $50,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $39.31
$50,001 - $100,000 Base $2,948
$50,001 - $100,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $22.93
$100,001 - $500,000 Base $4,095
$100,001 - $500,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $8.19
$500,001 - $1,000,000 Base $7,371
$500,001 - $1,000,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $18.02
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000 Base $16,380
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $8.19
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000 Base $49,139
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $6.55
$10,000,001 - $25,000,000 Base $81,898
$10,000,001 - $25,000,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $2.18
$25,000,001 - $50,000,000 Base $114,657
$25,000,001 - $50,000,000 Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $1.97
$50,000,000+Base $163,795
$50,000,000+Each Addl. $1,000 or fraction thereof $0.98
Demolition Per permit $1,195
Deconstruction (Initiation / Intake)Per permit $1,073
Commercial Interior Non-Structural Demolition Per permit $501
Construction & Demolition (C&D)
Commercial and Multi-Family Projects greater than or equal to $25,000.00 in Valuation Per permit $518
Single Family and Two Family Projects greater than $25,000.00 and less than $75,000.00 in Valuations Per permit $518
Single Family and Two Family Projects greater than $75,000.00 in Valuation Per permit $554
Electrical Permits
Generator
Single-Family Per Permit $785
Multi-Family / Commercial Per Permit $1,450
Electrical Service - New or Replacement
Less than 400 amp Per Permit $621
400 amp and Greater Per Permit $958
Rewiring (Single Family Residential Only)Per Permit $665
Temporary Electric Service (Power Pole, Pedestal, etc.)Per Permit $164
Misc. Permit - Not Otherwise Listed
Single-Family Residential Permits / Equipment Not Listed Above Per Permit $580
Multi-Family / Commercial Permits / Equipment Not Listed Above Per Permit $754
Electrical Permits - Electrical Vehicle Charging Stations
Multi-Family / Commercial (Level 1 and 2)
BBD\
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
FY2026 Proposed Fee
*The list below includes the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve Fee to reflect the published fee amount.
Fee Category Unit Proposed FY2026 Fee*
1-6 Stations Per Permit $4,326
Each addl 6 stations Per Group $1,134
Multi-Family / Commercial (Level 3 and 4)
1-6 Stations Per Permit $5,238
Each addl 6 stations Per Group $1,134
Single-Family (Level 1 and 2)Per Permit $1,327
Single-Family (Level 3)Per Permit $1,527
Electrical Permits - Photovoltaic Systems (PV)
Multi-Family / Commercial System (10kW or less) Per Permit $1,938
Multi-Family / Commercial System (11kW-49kW) Per Permit $2,613
Multi-Family Commercial System (50kW or greater) Per Permit $3,471
Multi-Family / Commercial System - Reinstallation Per Permit $1,349
Single-Family Systems (10kW or less)Per Permit $1,481
Single-Family Systems (greater than 10kW)Per Permit $1,868
Single-Family - Reinstallation Per Permit $1,002
SolarAPP+ PV Per Permit $655
SolarAPP+ PV and ESS Per Permit $1,331
Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Single-Family System Per Permit $1,859
Multi-Family / Commercial System Per Permit $3,255
General & Miscellaneous Fees
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Excluding Master Permits Per Permit $7,024
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Master Permit Per Model $2,537
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Site Construction - Site Specific Related to Master Per Permit $5,241
ADU - Stand-Alone Detached - Pre-fab Site Specific Related to Master Per permit $3,757
Address Change - First address change Per address $401
Each additional Per address $100
Awnings (Groups of 5)
Single-Family Per group $337
Multi-Family / Commercial Per group $1,672
Bathroom Remodel
Single-Family (Direct Replacement Non-Structural) Per Permit $655
Multi-Family (Direct Replacement, Non-Structural) Per Permit $829
Single/Multi-Family (Other)Per Permit $1,002
Instant Permit Per Permit $655
Cell Tower Building Review Per Permit $2,729
Deck or Balcony - Single Family Per Permit $865
Doors, windows and skylights (Group of 5) - Structural
Single-Family Per group $601
Multi-Family/Commercial Per group $875
Doors, windows and skylights (Group of 10) - Non-Structural
Single Family Per group $515
Multi-Family/Commercial Per group $601
Dryrot Repair/Replacement - Single Family
Structural Per Permit $838
Non-Structural Per Permit $501
Electric Service and Safety Inspection Per hour $328
Extension of Building Permit or Building Permit Application Per application $262
Foundation Repair - Single Family Residential (No Basement) Per Permit $561
Green Building Special Inspector
Initial Review Per application $414
Renewal Update Per application $207
Inspections and Investigations
Outside of Normal Business Hours (2 hour minimum) Per hour $378
Unclassified (2 hour minimum)Per hour $328
Kitchen Remodel
Single-Family (Direct Replacement, Non-Structural) Per Permit $491
Multi-Family (Direct Replacement, Non-Structural) Per Permit $665
Single/Multi-Family (Remodel, not direct replacement) Per Permit $829
Instant Permit Per Permit $491
Progress & Partial Inspections (Up to 30 minutes inspection) Per inspection $164
Reactivation of Expired Building Permit
Multiple Outstanding Inspections % of Original Building Permit Fee 50%
Final Inspection Only
g ,
whichever is less $402
Application Per permit plus Plan Check Fees $99
BBD\
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
FY2026 Proposed Fee
*The list below includes the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve Fee to reflect the published fee amount.
Fee Category Unit Proposed FY2026 Fee*
Real Property Research Fee (1-hour minimum)Per hour $305
Building Reinspection Fee
Multi-Family Residential and Commercial (up to 30 minute inspection) Per Inspection $164
Single-Family
Primary Inspection Type (1 hour)Per Inspection $328
Secondary Inspection Type (30 minutes)Per Inspection $164
Request of Release of Building Plans and Documents Per request $305
Re-Roof:
Re-Roof - Multi-Family / Commercial
First 5,000 sf Per Permit $1,357
Each additional 2,500 sf Each additional 2,500 sf $328
Re-Roof-Single Family Overlay Per permit $328
Re-Roof - Single Family Per permit $592
Retaining Walls
First 100 LF Per Permit $1,583
Each additional 100 LF Each additional 100 LF $229
Siding Repair/Replacement (in-kind)Per Permit $328
Sign Permit (Group of 5)
Illuminated Per Permit $825
Non-Illuminated Per Permit $498
Monument Per Permit $721
Seismic Retrofit - Brace and Bolt - Single Family Residential Per Permit $501
Industrial Storage Racks / Cabinets Per Permit $675
Stucco Repair/Replacement Each $328
Swimming Pool / Spa
Single-Family Per Permit $1,302
Multi-Family / Commercial Per Permit $2,440
Deferred submittal/revisions - Base Charge
Per Application $694
Hourly Charge Per hour $347
Mechanical Permits
HVAC Systems (i.e., Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, Air Handling Unit)
Single-Family Per Permit $538
Multi-Family / Commercial (Groups of 5)
Direct replacements Per Permit $992
New - with curb Per Permit $1,694
New - without curb Per Permit $1,357
Instant Permit - Single-Family Heat Pump Mechanical New/Replacement Per Permit $328
Boilers, Compressors, and Absorption Systems / Water Heaters
Single Family / Multi Family Per Permit $328
Commercial Per Permit $598
Instant Permit - Single-Family Heat Pump Water Heater New/Replacement Per Permit $328
Furnace, Flue, and Associated Ducts
Single Family / Multi Family Per permit $501
Commercial Per permit $695
Miscellaneous Permit - not otherwise listed Per Permit $328
Per hour Per hour $328
Process Piping System Per permit $501
Process Piping System - Hazardous Per permit $889
Swimming Pool Heater - Direct Replacement Per permit $538
Ventilation and Exhaust System - Single-Family / Multi-Family Each $501
Plan Review Fees
Additional Plan Review Per hour $347
Alternate Materials, Design Methods of Construction (AMMR) Per application $988
Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Review/Consultation Flat $655
Building Plan Check:
Single-Family Residential % of Bldg Permit Fee 125%
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee 95%
Fire and Life Safety Plan Check:
Single-Family Residential % of Bldg Permit Fee 8%
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee 40%
Public Works Plan Check:
Single-Family Residential % of Bldg Permit Fee 35%
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee 15%
Zoning Plan Check
Single-Family Residential % of Bldg Permit Fee 35%
BBD\
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
FY2026 Proposed Fee
*The list below includes the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve Fee to reflect the published fee amount.
Fee Category Unit Proposed FY2026 Fee*
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee 15%
Zero Waste Plan Check
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee 0.48%
Traffic Engineering Plan Check
Commercial & Multi-Family % of Bldg Permit Fee 0.06%
Plumbing Permits
Backflow protective device Each $224
Building Sewer System - Direct Replacement Per permit $388
Gas Piping System Per permit $561
Sand Oil Interceptor and Grease Traps Per permit $1,008
Plumbing Fixtures - New / Direct Replacement (Groups of 5) Per group $328
Solar Hot Water System Per permit $665
Storm Drain System Per permit $448
Potable Water System - Repair / Direct Replacement Per permit $388
Plumbing Permits - Graywater Systems
Clothes washer System / Simple System Per permit $561
Complex System Per permit $898
Miscellaneous Permit - not otherwise listed Per permit $328
Per hour Per hour $388
Use & Occupancy Permits
Certificate of Use and Occupancy
Stand-alone Per application $1,431
Included in Associated Building Permit Per application $188
Certificate of Use and Occupancy - Replacement Per application $148
Temporary Occupancy Permit
Multi-Family Residential, Non-Residential, and Other Commercial Per application $3,072
Single Family and Commercial Tenant Improvement less than 10,000 sq. ft.Per application $1,265
Appeal Per Hour $454
Consultation Per Hour $454
PLANNING $0
Appeals
Appeal Costs Exceeding Appeals Filing Fee Deposit $7,000
Appeals and Request for Hearing before City Council or Planning & Transportation Commission Per Application $618
Architectural Review
Architectural Review - Major Project Deposit $40,000
Architectural Review - Minor Project (ARB Review)Each $12,606
Architectural Review - Minor Project (Staff Review)Each $6,418
Design Enhancement Exception Each $3,977
Preliminary Review Each $9,056
Signs - (ARB Review/Exceptions)Per application $7,347
Signs, Minor Façade Changes, Landscaping, Accessory Structures or Similar Minor Changes to a Building Exterior -
(Staff Review, unless OTC)Per application $3,115
Streamlined Housing Development Review Each $27,250
Comprehensive Plan Change
Comprehensive Plan Change Deposit $30,000
Comprehensive Plan Maintenance Fee % of Valuation 0.14%
Development Agreement
Annual Review Deposit $6,000
Development Agreement Deposit $35,000
Director's Approval
Home Improvement Exception Each $4,741
Planning Fee Waiver Each $0
Documents & Photocopies
Administrative Extensions and Zoning Letters Applicable hourly rate Flat Fee $389
Property Research requiring more than 30 minutes Applicable hourly rate Per Hour $376
Environmental Impact Assessment
CEQA Categorical Exemption Each $819
Environmental Document (Staff Prepared)Deposit $15,000
Mitigation Monitoring - Environmental Impact Report Deposit $6,000
Mitigation Monitoring - Mitigated Negative Declaration Deposit $4,000
Historic Resource
Demolition Application for Historic Buildings Each $1,992
Historic Resource Review - Major Project Each $7,287
Historic Resource Review - Minor Project (Staff Review)Each $3,347
Historic Resource Review of Individual Review Application Each $1,237
Mills Act Contract - Establish or Withdraw Deposit $4,000
Transfer of Development Rights Projects Deposit $6,000
Williamson Act Contract - Establish or Withdraw Deposit $4,000
Individual Review
BBD\
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
FY2026 Proposed Fee
*The list below includes the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve Fee to reflect the published fee amount.
Fee Category Unit Proposed FY2026 Fee*
Expansion of Existing Two-Story greater than 150 sq. ft. Each $8,134
Individual Review - Minor Revisions to Approved Projects Each $4,116
Individual Review Refund Fee 2 hr. rate $756
New Two-Story Addition or New Two-Story Home Each $15,848
Preliminary Individual Review and SB9 with Architect Per occurrence $1,141
Other Application Fees
Contract Administrative % of Cost 25%
Planning Compliance Fee Deposit $1,000
Pre-Screening fee Flat $6,817
SB9 Applications Each $5,696
Public Noticing - Up to 150 ft. Radius Each $359
Public Noticing - 600 ft. Radius Each $359
Public Noticing beyond 600 ft. Radius Each $359
Recording Fee with County Pass through Actual Cost
Day Care Center Each $9,280
Pre-Application Staff Consultation Fee Each $1,265
SB 330 Pre-Application Fee Each $3,310
Site & Design
Site & Design Major Deposit $40,000
Subdivision (Minor) Four or Less Parcels
Parcel Map Each $6,333
Preliminary Parcel Map, Minor Each $8,503
Parcel Map, Minor with Exception Each $9,606
Preliminary Parcel Map, Minor with Exception Deposit $20,000
Subdivision - (Major) Five or More Parcels
Subdivision Final Map Each $9,392
Tentative Map Deposit $20,000
Use Permit
Conditional Use Permit - Director Level Each $9,983
Conditional Use Permit - Director Level - Amendment Each $4,680
Conditional Use Permit - Alcohol Each $4,282
Conditional Use Permit - Alcohol - Amendment Each $2,075
Temporary Use Permit Each $2,352
Variance
Variance - Director's Level Each $7,545
Wireless Permit
Wireless Tier 1 Flat $4,074
Wireless Tier 2 Deposit $25,000
Wireless Tier 3 Deposit $30,000
Zone Change
Planned Community Zone Change - Minor Change Flat $8,236
Planned Community Zone Change Deposit $40,000
Zone Change Regular Deposit $25,000
Retail Waiver
Retail Waiver Flat $9,226
FIRE PREVENTION $0
Compliance Fees
Emergency Response Fee - Hazmat Per person per hour $507
Hazmat Plan Submittal min 5 hrs $2,125
Hazmat Closure
Partial Closure min 3 hrs $1,384
Full Closure min 8 hrs $3,509
Hazmat Work Submittal Without Approved Plans and/or Permits 2x Fee 2x Fee
Hazmat Closure Without Approved Plans and/or Permits 2x Fee 2x Fee
Review of Emergency Planning Guide *only assessed if not part of annual submittal Per hour $507
General & Miscellaneous Fees Fire Prevention Plan Check Hourly
Fire Prevention Per hour $370
Development Services - Fire Per hour $388
HazMat Per hour $370
Hazardous Materials Classification Permits
Compressed Gas Annually $507
Corrosives Annually $507
Cryogenic Fluid Annually $507
Flammable and Combustible Liquids Annually $1,014
Flammable Gas Annually $507
Flammable Solids Annually $507
Health Hazard (Liquids & Solids)Annually $507
Liquefied Petroleum Gases Annually $507
Organic Coatings Annually $507
Organic Peroxides Annually $507
Other Hazardous Materials - Unclassified Annually $507
BBD\
Operate a Tank Vehicle to Transport Flammable/Combustible Liquids
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
FY2026 Proposed Fee
*The list below includes the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve Fee to reflect the published fee amount.
Fee Category Unit Proposed FY2026 Fee*
Ovens - Industrial Baking or Drying Annually $1,014
Oxidizers (Liquids & Solids)Annually $507
Oxidizing Gas Annually $507
Pryophoric Gas Annually $507
Pryophoric Materials (Liquids & Solids)Annually $507
Pryotechnical Special Effects Material Annually $507
Radioactive Materials or Sources Annually $1,014
Refrigeration Equipment Annually $507
Spraying/Dipping Annually $507
Tire Recapping/Tire Storage Annually $1,953
Toxic, Highly Toxic, Moderately Toxic, Health Hazard Gas Annually $1,014
Toxic, Highly Toxic, Moderately Toxic, Health Hazard Materials Annually $1,014
Unstable Reactive Gas Annually $507
Unstable Reactive Materials (Liquids & Solids)Annually $507
Water Reactive Materials (Liquids & Solids)Annually $507
Additional Approvals for Hazardous Materials Storage Permit
Per occurrence (includes up to 2 hours)Per occurrence $877
Per hour for time above two hours Per hour $439
Business Plan (HMBP)Per location $760
Late Fee for Hazardous Materials Storage Permit % of HazMat Fee
Level I Facility Per location $760
Level II Facility Per location $1,267
Level III Facility Per location $3,295
Petroleum Aboveground Storage Tank Annually $2,028
Provisional Hazmat Storage (6 Month)Each $877
Liquid or Gas-Fueled Powered Equipment (i.e. Generator, Welders, Portable Light Units, etc.)
First Equipment Each $507
Each Additional Equipment at Same Location Each $127
Temporary Generator / Backup Power Supply Each $1,384
Battery Operated Equipment
Up to 10 pieces of Equipment Each $507
Each Additional Equipment at Same Location Each $127
Per vehicle $760
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy - Hazmat Per occurrence $1,014
Inspection Fees
Additional Inspection or Reinspection Fee (2-hour minimum)
Fire Prevention Per hour $488
Development Services - Fire Per hour $512
HazMat Per hour $507
After Hours Inspection Fee*
Fire Prevention Per hour $557
Development Services - Fire Per hour $583
HazMat Per hour $583
As-Built Plan Check and Additional Work Each $859
Care Facility Inspection Including Fire Clearance
Facilities with 7-25 clients Per inspection $488
Facilities with more than 25 clients Per inspection $1,953
Christmas Tree Lot/Pumpkin Patch Each $488
High Rise Building - Certificate of Compliance
Annually for up to 7 hours Annually $3,418
Each additional hours Per hour $488
Hospital Inspections
Annually for up to 7 hours Annually $3,418
Each additional hours Per hour $488
Outside Cooking Booths/Food Trucks Each $488
Standby Fire Watch - Fire Inspector Per hour per person $488
Temporary Occupancy Permit for Vendors/Stock Occupancy Per occurrence $2,324
Hazmat Temporary Occupancy Permit for Vendors/Stock Occupancy Per occurrence $2,398
Business Inspection Per Inspection $488
Consultations:
Additional Hours Over Plan Review/Site Visit
Fire Prevention Per hour $370
Development Services - Fire Per hour $388
HazMat Per hour $370
Alternate Means and Methods Application (2 hr minimum)
Fire Prevention Per application $878
HazMat Per application $878
Appeals to Decisions
Fire Prevention Per hour $508
Development Services - Fire Per hour $532
HazMat Per hour $508
BBD\
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
FY2026 Proposed Fee
*The list below includes the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve Fee to reflect the published fee amount.
Fee Category Unit Proposed FY2026 Fee*
Consultation Fee
Fire Prevention Per hour $455
Development Services - Fire Per hour $477
HazMat Per hour $462
Investigations:
Environmental Hazard Release Per hour per person $439
Hazmat Per hour per person $507
Fire Investigation Per hour per person $488
Services:
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Testing Fee Per Hour $488
Hydrant Flow Fee Per occurrence $732
Life Safety & Fire Protection
Hydrant Installation/Modification - Private Per device $859
Sprinkler NFPA 13D - Base Base $1,044
Sprinkler NFPA 13D - Per head Per Head $4
All Other (Non-NFPA 13D) Automatic Fire Sprinkler Installation/Modification
1 - 19 Sprinkler Heads Flat $1,776
20 or more Sprinkler Heads Base $3,065
Per head Per head $11
Express Fire Protection Plan Check Fee Per occurrence $481
Fire Alarm System Installation and Modification Flat $2,088
Plus per device or contact point Per device or contact point $43
Fire Prevention Inspection of Private Schools (min 2 hours) Per hour $488
Fire Protection and Fire Access Plan Review for New Developments or Additions (min 2 hours)Per hour $455
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 3-10 units Annually $488
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 11-25 units Annually $977
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 26-100 units Annually $1,465
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels 101-250 units Annually $2,442
Multifamily dwellings, hotels & motels greater than 250 units Annually $2,930
Other Automatic Extinguishing Systems Per occurrence $1,465
Site Disaster / Emergency Preparedness Planning Per hour $468
Standpipe System - Wet, Dry, or Combination Each $1,717
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy Per occurrence $1,465
Underground Fire Service Line (Includes 4 hrs of inspection and 1 hr of plan check)Per occurrence $2,324
Verification of Fire Protection System Maintenance and Certification Annually per system $41
Specific Hazard Permits
Candles and Open Flames in Assembly Areas Per permit $488
Hot Work (i.e. Spark/Flame Producing) Operations Each $488
Occupant Load Increase - Temporary Public Assembly Per permit $1,347
Place of Assembly Annually - base per address $977
Each additional assembly Each add'l $244
Tent/Canopy or Air Supported Structure Per permit $1,229
PUBLIC WORKS $0
Encroachment Permit
A. Dumpster, Container Each $522
B. Non-Residential - Single Day Each $2,258
C. Non-Residential Short-Term (Less than 5 days)Each $2,509
D. Non-Residential Long-Term (More than 5 days)Each $3,224
E. Additional Non-Residential Long-Term (More than 5 days) Monthly Per month $1,027
F. Fence Each $2,198
G. Residential Each $1,405
Parklet Permit:
Initial Application Fee Per Application $5,004
License Fee for Use of Right-Of-Way Per sq. ft. $10.71
Refundable Deposit Per Application $2,750
Renewal Fee Per Application $604
Grading / Excavation
A. 101 - 1,000 cubic yards
First 100 cubic yards Base $1,705
Each additional 100 cubic yards or fraction thereof Each additional $354
B. 1,001 - 10,000 cubic yards
First 1,000 cubic yards Base $4,411
Each additional 1,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof Each additional $609
C. 10,001 or more cubic yards
First 10,000 cubic yards Base $9,238
Each additional 10,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof Each additional $2,238
General & Miscellaneous Fees
Miscellaneous Public Works Inspection Per hour $215
Miscellaneous Public Works Plan Check Per hour $267
Inspection Fees
Tree Inspection for Private Development Per inspection $840
BBD\
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
FY2026 Proposed Fee
*The list below includes the 5% Technology Fee and 5% Reserve Fee to reflect the published fee amount.
Fee Category Unit Proposed FY2026 Fee*
Wet Season Construction Site Stormwater Inspection
Per Inspection (charged monthly October thru April)Per inspection $343
Per hour thereafter, charged monthly October thru April Per hour $229
Off Hour Inspection Per Hour $269
Permit Fees
1. Temporary Discharge to Storm Drain from Non-Exclusionary Construction Site Dewatering Per request plus consultant costs $19,062
Per week for the duration of dewatering
activities $410
Per Occurrence $5,035
Actual Cost Actual Cost
Per occurrence $1,068
Base $1,068
% of Value 20.21%
Base $5,973
% of Value 11.67%
Base $17,440
% of Value 2.53%
Base $27,794
% of Value 2.74%
Base $41,993
% of Value 1.37%
Per Hour $253
Each $105
2. Additional Temporary Discharge to Storm Drain from Non-Exclusionary Construction Site Dewatering
Certificate of Compliance / Certificate of Correction / Map Amendment
Subdivision Map Act Applications
A. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($1.00 - $5,999)
B. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($6,000 - $25,999)
B. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($6,000 - $25,999)
C. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($26,000 - $100,999)
C. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($26,000 - $100,999)
D. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($101,000 - $500k)
D. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($101,000 - $500k)
E. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($500k-$1m)
E. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($500k-$1m)
F. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($1m+)
F. Construction in Public Right-of-Way ($1m+)
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Permit Review Fee
Right of Way Closure Management
Storm Drain Plan Check Fee Each $2,990
BBD\
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
PALO ALTO, CA
COST OF SERVICES (USER FEE)
STUDY – MUNICIPAL FEES
MAY 2025
Exhibit 7
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP
INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
LEGAL FOUNDATIONS AND POLICY 3
USER FEE STUDY METHODOLOGY 6
RESULTS OVERVIEW 8
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK 9
COMMUNITY SERVICES 11
FIRE EMS 17
POLICE 24
POLICE – ANIMAL CONTROL 28
PUBLIC WORKS 31
REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 34
REVENUE COLLECTION 36
COST RECOVERY CONSIDERATIONS 37
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL FEE STUDY REPORT
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 1
The report, which follows, presents the results of the Cost of Services (User Fee) Study conducted by
Matrix Consulting Group for the City of Palo Alto, California.
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The purpose of this study is to evaluate and determine the full cost (direct and indirect) of providing a
variety of city services. Matrix Consulting Group analyzed the cost-of-service relationships that exist
between fees for service activities in the following departments: City Clerk, Revenue, Real Estate, Public
Works, EMS, and Community Services. The results of this study provide a tool for understanding current
service levels and the cost for those services.
GENERAL PROJECT APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
The methodology employed by Matrix Consulting Group is a widely accepted “bottom up” approach to
cost analysis, where time spent per unit of fee activity is determined for each position within a
Department or Program. Once time spent for a fee activity is determined, all applicable City costs are
then considered in the calculation of the “full” cost of providing each service. The following table
provides an overview of types of costs applied in establishing the “full” cost of services provided by the
City:
TABLE 1: OVERVIEW OF COST COMPONENTS
Cost Component Description
Direct Fiscal Year 2025 Budgeted salaries, benefits, and allowable expenditures.
Indirect Program, departmental, clerical, and Citywide support.
Together, the cost components in the table above comprise the calculation of the total “full” cost of
providing a service, regardless of whether a fee for that service is charged.
The work accomplished by Matrix Consulting Group in the analysis of the proposed fees for service
involved the following steps:
• Department / Program Staff Interviews: The project team interviewed department / program staff
regarding their needs for clarification to the structure of existing fee items or for addition of new fee
items.
• Data Collection: Data was collected for each permit / service, including time estimates. In addition, all
budgeted costs and staffing levels for Fiscal Year 2025 were entered into Matrix Consulting Group’s
analytical software model.
• Cost Analysis: The full cost of providing each service included in the analysis was established.
INTRODUCTION AND EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL FEE STUDY REPORT
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 2
• Review and Approval of Results with City Staff: Department management has reviewed and
approved these documented results.
A more detailed description of user fee methodology and legal and policy considerations are provided in
subsequent chapters of this report.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Overall, this study found that the City is under-recovering for most of its administrative, EMS, Public
Works, and Recreation services. Each of these service areas serve a different population and
constituency and should be reviewed individually to determine how and where fees should be set.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR COST RECOVERY POLICY AND UPDATES
Matrix Consulting Group recommends that the City use the information contained in this report to review
current Cost Recovery Policies, including mechanisms for the annual update of fees for service.
ADOPT A FORMAL COST RECOVERY POLICY
The Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA) best practices for Establishing Government
Charges and Fees states that governmental entities should adopt formal policies regarding charges and
fees which include the jurisdiction’s intention to recover the full cost or partial costs of providing
services, sets forth circumstances under which the jurisdiction might set a charge for fee at less than or
more than 100% of full cost, and outlines the considerations that might influence the jurisdiction’s pricing
decision.
Whenever a cost recovery policy is established at less than 100% of the full cost of providing services, a
known gap in funding is recognized and may then potentially be recovered through other revenue
sources. Matrix Consulting Group recommends that the City continue to review, update, and apply its
formalized cost recovery policies to each service area included in this Study.
ADOPT AN ANNUAL FEE UPDATE / INCREASE MECHANISM
The purpose of a comprehensive update is to completely revisit the analytical structure, service level
estimates and assumptions, and to account for any major shifts in cost components or organizational
structures that have occurred since the City’s previous analysis. GFOA best practices for Establishing
Government Charges and Fees states that governmental entities should review, and update charges and
fees periodically based on factors such as the impact of inflation, other cost increases, adequacy of cost
recovery, use of services, and the competitiveness of current rates to avoid large infrequent fee
increases. Therefore, it is recommended the City establish a practice of conducting comprehensive
analyses every five to seven years to captures any changes to organizational structure, processes, code
amendments, as well as any new service areas. In between comprehensive updates, the City should
continue its practice of updating fees annually based on internal cost factors
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL FEE STUDY REPORT
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 3
This section of the report is intended to provide an overview of the legal rules and regulations that
govern what is considered a fee for service, how those fees can be calculated, general principles,
philosophies, and general policy considerations for setting fees for service.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
A “user fee” is a charge for service provided by a governmental agency to a public citizen or group.
California has several Government Codes and Propositions that regulate fees for service, with the
purpose of ensuring that fees are reasonable and justified. The most prominent and relevant of these
includes:
• Proposition 26: Passed in 2010, specifically outlined the difference between a fee and a tax and
dictates that fees must be directly related to a service and cannot exceed the reasonable cost of that
service.
• Government Code § 50076: clarifies that fees for service costs are not special taxes and do not need
voter approval.
• Government Code § 65104: gives local governments the authority to charge planning and zoning fees
to recover processing costs.
When determining fees for service it is important to ensure there is a direct benefit – the service is
provided directly to the payer, and that it is cost based, and does not exceed the reasonable cost of
providing the service.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE
While Proposition 26 defines what constitutes a user fee, and how those fees can be determined, it also
provides a key exception for fees charged for facility or property rentals. This exception outlines that fees
for use of government property (e.g., renting public buildings, parks, or event spaces) are voluntary
transactions. Therefore, governments can charge market-based rental fees for these services.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND PHILOSOPHIES REGARDING USER FEES
Local governments are providers of many types of general services to their communities. While all
services provided by local government are beneficial to constituents, some services can be classified as
globally beneficial to all citizens, while others provide more of a direct benefit to a specific group or
individual. The following table provides examples of services provided by local government within a
continuum of the degree of community benefit received:
LEGAL FOUNDATIONS AND POLICY
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL FEE STUDY REPORT
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 4
TABLE 2: SERVICES IN RELATION TO BENEFIT RECEIVED
Funding for local government is obtained from a myriad of revenue sources such as taxes, fines, grants,
special charges, user fees, etc. In recent years, alternative tax revenues, which typically offset subsidies
for services provided to the community, have become increasingly limited. These limitations have caused
increased attention on user fee activities as a revenue source that can offset costs otherwise subsidized
(usually) by the general fund. In Table 3, services in the “global benefit” section tend to be funded
primarily through voter-approved tax revenues. In the middle of the table, one typically finds a mixture of
taxes, user fees, and other funding sources. Finally, in the “individual / group benefit” section of the table
lie the services provided by local government that are typically funded almost entirely by user fee
revenue.
The following are two central concepts regarding the establishment of user fees:
v Fees should be assessed according to the degree of individual or private benefit gained from
services. For example, the processing and approval of a land use or building permit will generally
result in monetary gain to the applicant, whereas Police services and Fire Suppression are examples
of services that are essential to the safety of the community at large.
v A profit-making objective should not be included in the assessment of user fees. In fact, California
laws require that the charges for service be in direct proportion to the costs associated with
providing those services. Once a charge for service is assessed at a level higher than the actual cost
of providing a service, the term “user fee” no longer applies. The charge then becomes a tax subject
to voter approval.
Therefore, it is commonly accepted that user fees are established at a level that will recover up to, and
not more than, the cost of providing a particular service.
GENERAL POLICY CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING USER FEES
Undoubtedly, there are programs, circumstances, and services that justify a subsidy from a tax-based or
alternative revenue source. However, it is essential that jurisdictions prioritize the use of revenue sources
for the provision of services based on the continuum of benefit received.
"Global" Community
Benefit
•Police
•Park Maintenance
•Fire Suppression
"Global" Benefit and an
Individual or Gorup
Benefit
•Recreation / Community
Services
•Fire Prevention
Individual or Group
Benefit
•Building Permits
•Planning and Zoning
Approval
•Engineering Development
Review
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PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL FEE STUDY REPORT
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 5
Within the services that are typically funded by user fees, the Matrix Consulting Group recognizes several
reasons why City staff or the Council may not advocate the full cost recovery of services. The following
factors are key policy considerations in setting fees at less than 100 percent of cost recovery:
• Limitations posed by an external agency. The State or an outside agency will occasionally set a
maximum, minimum, or limit on the jurisdiction’s ability to charge a fee. Examples includes time spent
copying and retrieving public documents and / or transportation permits.
• Encouragement of desired behaviors. Keeping fees for certain services below full cost recovery may
provide better compliance from the community. For example, if the cost of a permit for changing a
water heater in residential home is higher than the cost of the water heater itself, many citizens will
avoid pulling the permit.
• Benefit received by user of the service and the community at large is mutual. Many services that
directly benefit a group or individual equally benefit the community. Examples include Planning
Design Review, historical dedications, and certain types of special events.
The Matrix Consulting Group recognizes the need for policies that intentionally subsidize certain
activities. The primary goals of a User Fee Study are to provide a fair and equitable basis for determining
the costs of providing services and ensure that the City complies with State law.
SUMMARY OF LEGAL RESTRICTIONS AND POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
Once the full cost of providing services is known, the next step is to determine the “rate” or “price” for
services at a level which is up to, and not more than, the full cost amount. The Council is responsible for
this decision, which often becomes a question of balancing service levels and funding sources. The
placement of a service or activity within the continuum of benefit received may require extensive
discussion and at times fall into a “grey area.” However, with the resulting cost of services information
from a User Fee Study, the Council can be assured that the adopted fee for service is reasonable, fair, and
legal. The City will need to review all fees for service in this analysis. Where subsidies are identified, they
City should increase the fees to reduce the deficit; where over-recoveries are identified, the fee must be
reduced to comply with the law.
Docusign Envelope ID: 9B1ED50D-9227-4C7A-B697-0A6DEBB744A9
PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL FEE STUDY REPORT
MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 6
The Matrix Consulting Group utilizes a cost allocation methodology commonly known and accepted as
the “bottom-up” approach to establishing User Fees. The term means that several cost components are
calculated for each fee or service. These components then build upon each other to comprise the total
cost for providing the service. The following chart describes the components of a full cost calculation:
The general steps utilized by the project team to determine allocations of cost components to a
particular fee or service are:
• Calculate fully burdened hourly rates by position, including direct and indirect costs;
• Develop time estimates for the average time spent to deliver each service included in the study; and
• Distribute the appropriate amount of the other cost components to each fee or service based on the
staff time allocation basis or another reasonable basis.
The results of these allocations provide detailed documentation for the reasonable determination of the
actual cost of providing each service.
One of the key study assumptions utilized in the “bottom up” approach is the use of time estimate
averages for the provision of each fee-related service. Utilization of time estimates is a reasonable and
defensible approach, especially given that experienced staff members who understand service levels
and processes unique to the City developed these estimates.
The project team worked closely with City staff in developing time estimates with the following criteria:
• Estimates are representative of average times for providing services. Extremely difficult or abnormally
simple projects are not factored in the analysis.
• Estimates reflect the time associated with the position or positions that typically perform a service.
• Estimates are reviewed by the project team for “reasonableness” against their experience with other
agencies.
• Estimates were not based on time in motion studies, as they are not practical for the scope of
services and time frame for this project.
DIRECT
(Salaries, Benefits,
Productive Hours)
INDIRECT
(Departmental Admin,
Services & Supplies,
Citywide Overhead etc.)
Total Cost
USER FEE STUDY METHODOLOGY
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• Estimates match the current or proposed staffing levels to ensure there is no over-allocation of staff
resources to fee and non-fee related activities.
The Matrix Consulting Group agrees that while the use of time estimates is not perfect, it is the best
alternative available for setting a standard level of service on which to base a jurisdiction’s fees for
service and meets the requirements of California law.
The alternative to time estimating is actual time tracking, often referred to billing on a “time and
materials” basis. Except in the case of anomalous or very large and complex projects, the Matrix
Consulting Group believes this approach to not be cost effective or reasonable for the following reasons:
• Accuracy in time tracking is compromised by the additional administrative burden required to track,
bill, and collect for services in this manner.
• Additional costs are associated with administrative staff’s billing, refunding, and monitoring deposit
accounts.
• Customers often prefer to know the fees for services in advance of applying for permits or
participating in programs.
• Departments can better predict revenue streams and staff needs using standardized time estimates
and anticipated permit volumes.
Situations arise where the size and complexity of a given project warrants time tracking and billing on a
“time and materials” basis. The Matrix Consulting Group has recommended taking a deposit and
charging Actual Costs for such fees as appropriate and itemized within the current fee schedule.
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 8
The motivation behind a cost of services (User Fee) analysis is for the City Council and Departmental
staff to maintain services at a level that is both accepted and effective for the community and to
maintain control over the policy and management of these services.
It should be noted that the results presented in this report are not a precise measurement. In general, a
cost-of-service analysis takes a “snapshot in time,” where a fiscal year of financial and operational
information is utilized. Changes to the structure of fee names, along with the use of time estimates,
allow only for a reasonable projection of subsidies and revenue. Consequently, the Council and
Department staff should rely conservatively upon these estimates to gauge the impact of
implementation going forward.
Discussion of results in the following chapters is intended as a summary of extensive and voluminous
cost allocation documentation produced during the Study. Each chapter will include detailed cost
calculation results for each major permit category including the following:
• Modifications: discussions regarding any proposed revisions to the current fee schedule, including
elimination or addition of fees.
• “Per Unit” Results: comparison of the full cost of providing each unit of service to the current fee for
each unit of service (where applicable).
• Annualized Results: utilizing volume of activity estimates annual subsidies and revenue impacts were
projected where appropriate.
The full analytical results were provided to City staff under separate cover from this summary report.
RESULTS OVERVIEW
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 9
The Office of the City Clerk serves as a municipal recordkeeper, with duties that include processing
ordinances and resolutions, preparing Council agendas and minutes, and managing municipal elections.
This Office also acts as the City’s repository for records and process records requests. The fees
examined within this study relate to appeals, documents & photocopies, domestic partner registries, and
subscriptions. The following subsections discuss fee schedule modifications and detailed per unit
results for the fee-related services provided by the Office of the City Clerk.
FEE SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
In discussions with City Clerk staff, the following modifications to the current fee schedule were
proposed:
• Eliminated Fees: the ‘Certification Fee’ was removed from the schedule as this service is no longer
provided by Clerk staff.
• New Fees: fees for ‘Black and White’, ‘Color’, and ‘Digital Copy’ services were added to the fee
schedule to collect additional revenues for these services.
The modifications noted above ensure that the proposed fee schedule better reflets the services being
provided by City Clerk staff.
DETAILED RESULTS
The Office of the City Clerk collects fees for appeals, document and photocopy services, domestic
partner registries, and subscription related services. The total cost calculated for each service includes
direct staff costs, and Departmental and Citywide overhead. The following table details the fee name,
current fee, total cost, and difference associated with each service offered.
TABLE 3: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – CITY CLERK
Fee Name Unit Current Fee Total Cost Difference
Appeals
Appeal Costs Exceeding Appeals Filing Fee Deposit Refer To Planning and Development Services
Appeals and Request for Hearing before City
Council or Planning & Transportation Commission Each Refer To Planning and Development Services
Documents & Photocopies
Fair Political Practices Commission Photocopies1 Per Page $0.10 $0.10 $0
Black & White2 Per Page $0.10 $0.10 $0
Color2 Per Page $0.25 $0.25 $0
Digital Copy3 Each Actual Cost
1 The total cost associated has been set according to CA Govt Code § 81008(a).
2 The total cost associated has been set according to GOV § 7922.530.
3 The total cost associated has been set according to GOV § 6253.9(a).
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
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Fee Name Unit Current Fee Total Cost Difference
Domestic Partner Registry
Domestic Partners Registration Fee Each $38 $78 ($40)
Subscriptions
Candidate Filing Fee4 Each $25 $25 $0
Both Appeal fees refer to the Planning and Development Services section of the municipal fee schedule,
as depending on the type of application being appealed, these amounts can vary. All Document and
Photocopy fees, as well as Subscription fees have been set to align with state codes. The ‘Domestic
Partners Registration Fee’ shows a current subsidy of $40.
ANNUAL RESULTS
Due to the nature of City Clerk fees, most of which are set by the state, no annual results were calculated.
4 The total cost associated has been set according to ELEC § 10228
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 11
The Community Services Department (CSD) provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including
parks, hiking trails, fitness facilities, pools, and a municipal golf course. It also offers engaging programs
for all ages, from educational classes to art exhibits and the Palo Alto Jr. Museum and Zoo. The focus of
this analysis was the programmatic cost recovery associated with the following divisions: Arts and
Sciences, Open Space, Parks and Golf, and Recreation and Cubberley. The following sections outline the
cost recovery associated with the Community Services department as a whole, as well as each division.
COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT COST RECOVERY
The typical cost recovery for parks and recreational service is between 20% and 50%. This range reflects
the belief that these services primarily benefit the community at large and therefore should be subsidized
through taxpayers. As part of this analysis, the project team calculated the cost recovery for the
Community Services Department based on its direct costs of operations and accounting for any indirect
costs (Departmental / Divisional administration and Citywide overhead).
Direct cost recovery compares budgeted costs against generated revenues. To determine direct
departmental cost recovery, the project team compared FY24 budgeted revenues to FY25 budgeted
costs. The following table shows by program: Revenue, Budget, the associated difference, and cost
recovery percentage.
TABLE 4: CSD DEPARTMENTAL COST RECOVERY – DIRECT COSTS
Division FY24 Rev FY25 Exp5 Cost Recovery
CSD Arts and Sciences $4,673,381 $10,105,808 46%
CSD Open Space, Parks and Golf $6,174,447 $16,169,915 38%
CSD Recreation and Cubberley $5,853,093 $7,916,070 74%
Total $16,700,920 $34,191,793 49%
The Department is at a 49% cost recovery level on a direct cost basis. This direct cost recovery is on the
higher end of the typical cost recovery (20-50%). The range of cost recovery levels between programs is
typical for parks and recreation fees. For example, the optional nature of fees related to recreation
services usually equates to those fees being set closer to cost recovery. On the other hand, services
provided in relation to youth or senior services tend to be subsidized to account for the community
benefit.
Total cost recovery looks at direct program costs, departmental / divisional administration, and citywide
overhead and compares those costs against generated revenues. For programmatic services to be
provided, recreation management and administration staff support is needed. Furthermore, support
5 The FY25 Budget does not include CSD Administration, as those costs are considered part of the overhead.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 12
services are also needed from other City departments, including Finance, Human Resources, City
Attorney, Facility, Maintenance, and so forth. The following table shows by division the indirect costs:
TABLE 5: CSD DEPARTMENTAL COST RECOVERY – INDIRECT COSTS INCLUDED
Division Depart. OH6 Citywide OH Total Indirect Cost
CSD Arts and Sciences $818,588 $1,876,689 $2,695,277
CSD Open Space, Parks and Golf $1,309,790 $1,684,736 $2,994,526
CSD Recreation and Cubberley $641,215 $1,297,111 $1,938,326
Total $2,769,593 $4,858,536 $7,628,129
The project team accounted for roughly $8 million in indirect overhead costs. The table below compares
FY24 Revenue to FY25 Total Direct and Indirect Costs (Full Cost), highlighting the difference and
associated cost recovery percentage.
TABLE 6: CSD DEPARTMENTAL COST RECOVERY – FULL COSTS
Division FY24 Rev FY25 Full Cost Cost Recovery
CSD Arts and Sciences $4,673,381 $12,801,084 37%
CSD Open Space, Parks and Golf $6,174,447 $19,164,441 32%
CSD Recreation and Cubberley $5,853,093 $9,854,396 59%
Total $16,700,920 $41,819,922 40%
Based on the analysis, the Department has a Full Cost recovery level of 40%, which is still within the
typical range of 20-50% for parks and recreation services. Of the total direct and indirect expenditures,
approximately 81% are direct expenditures, 12% is Citywide overhead, and 7% is Administrative costs.
ARTS & SCIENCES COST RECOVERY
The Arts & Sciences Division offers a variety of visual and performing arts programs for youth and
adults. Additionally, it oversees the daily operations of the Art Center, Junior Museum and Zoo (JMZ),
Children’s Theatre, Community Theatre, Cubberley Theatre, the Public Art Program, and the Cubberley
Artist Studios Program. The following table shows by cost center: Revenue, Budget, the associated
difference, and cost recovery percentage.
TABLE 7: ARTS & SCIENCES COST RECOVERY – DIRECT COSTS
Division FY24 Rev FY25 Exp7 Cost Recovery
Visual Arts, Classes, Exhibitions $1,458,479 $2,912,659 50%
Community Theater $198,608 $526,696 38%
Junior Museum & Zoo $2,226,536 $3,770,337 59%
Children's Theater $784,891 $2,329,639 34%
Total $4,668,515 $9,539,331 49%
6 This represents the FY25 budgeted expenditures for the CSD Community Services Administration division only as
the remaining divisions (i.e. Animal Shelter, Human Services Administration, Child Care Services, etc.) are not
overhead to all of CSD.
7 The FY25 Budget does not include Arts & Culture Administration, as these costs are considered part of the
overhead.
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 13
The Arts & Sciences division is at a 49% cost recovery level on a direct cost basis. This direct cost
recovery is within the typical cost recovery (20-50%). The next table shows associated indirect costs
included:
TABLE 8: ARTS & SCIENCES COST RECOVERY – INDIRECT COSTS INCLUDED
Division Depart. OH8 Citywide OH Total Indirect Cost
Visual Arts, Classes, Exhibitions $299,056 $220,601 $519,657
Community Theater $54,078 $3,705 $57,783
Junior Museum & Zoo $387,117 $587,606 $974,723
Children's Theater $239,194 $394,237 $633,431
Total $979,446 $1,206,149 $2,185,595
The project team accounted for roughly $2 million in indirect overhead costs. The table below compares
FY24 Revenue to FY25 Total Direct and Indirect Costs (Full Cost), highlighting the difference and
associated cost recovery percentage.
TABLE 9: ARTS & SCIENCES COST RECOVERY – FULL COSTS
Division FY24 Rev FY25 Full Cost Cost Recovery
Visual Arts, Classes, Exhibitions $1,458,479 $3,432,316 42%
Community Theater $198,608 $584,479 34%
Junior Museum & Zoo $2,226,536 $4,745,060 47%
Children's Theater $784,891 $2,963,071 26%
Total $4,668,515 $11,724,926 40%
Based on the analysis, the Arts & Sciences division has a full cost recovery level of 40%. Of the total
direct and indirect expenditures, approximately 82% are direct expenditures, 10% is Citywide overhead,
and 8% is Administrative costs.
The full cost in Table 9, which equals roughly $11.7 million, varies from the full cost in Table 6, which
equals $12.8 million, due to the exclusion of direct and indirect costs in relation to program cost centers9
which do not generate revenue. These exclusions ensure the division’s full cost recovery rate is not
artificially reduced.
In addition to the overall cost recovery range typically seen in relation to parks and recreation fees, there
are typical cost recovery target ranges based upon the Matrix Consulting Group's experience conducting
recreation fee studies. On the low end, classes and programs tend to have a 30% to 50% cost recovery as
the intention is to balance cost recovery without inhibiting attendance or producing barriers to entry. The
Division’s classes and programs are on the higher end of this cost recovery range, which makes sense as
the classes / programs offered are unique (ceramics, science, etc) and this drives the desirability. Facility
rentals tend to be on the higher end at 50% to 80% cost recovery as rentals are primarily for individual
8 This represents the proportionate split of the FY25 budgeted expenditures for both the CSD Administration and
Arts & Culture Administration division across all Arts & Science specific cost centers.
9 Cost centers excluded include the following: 80020210, 80020310, 80020410, 80020414, & 80020710.
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benefit and the community has the option to use the City’s facilities or other facilities based on their
needs. The Divisions facility cost recoveries are lower than this cost recovery range.
OPEN SPACE, PARKS & GOLF COST RECOVERY
The Open Space, Parks, and Golf Division is responsible for the upkeep and operations of the City’s
parkland and open spaces. Additionally, it maintains a full-service golf complex. The following table
shows by cost center: Revenue, Budget, the associated difference, and cost recovery percentage.
TABLE 10: OPEN SPACE, PARKS & GOLF COST RECOVERY – DIRECT COSTS
Division FY24 Rev FY25 Exp10 Cost Recovery
Parks $318,377 $3,263,358 10%
Facilities $777,232 $8,877,486 9%
Golf $5,078,837 $3,639,805 140%
Total $6,174,447 $15,780,648 39%
The Open Space, Parks & Golf Division is at a 39% cost recovery level on a direct cost basis. This direct
cost recovery is within the typical cost recovery (20-50%). The next table shows by the indirect costs
included:
TABLE 11: OPEN SPACE, PARKS & GOLF COST RECOVERY – INDIRECT COSTS INCLUDED
Division Depart. OH11 Citywide OH Total Indirect Cost
Parks $362,910 $370,383 $733,293
Facilities $987,243 $1,129,580 $2,116,823
Golf $404,773 $128,904 $533,677
Total $1,754,926 $1,628,867 $3,383,793
The project team accounted for roughly $3 million in indirect overhead costs. The table below compares
FY24 Revenue to FY25 Total Direct and Indirect Costs (Full Cost), highlighting the difference and
associated cost recovery percentage.
TABLE 12: OPEN SPACE, PARKS & GOLF COST RECOVERY – FULL COSTS
Division FY24 Rev FY25 Full Cost Cost Recovery
Parks $318,377 $3,996,651 8%
Facilities $777,232 $10,994,309 7%
Golf $5,078,837 $4,173,482 122%
Total $6,174,447 $19,164,441 32%
10 The FY25 Budget does not include Open Space & Science Administration, as these costs are considered part of
the overhead.
11 This represents the proportionate split of the FY25 budgeted expenditures for both the CSD Administration and
Open Space & Science Administration division across all Open Space & Science specific cost centers.
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 15
Based on the analysis, the Open Space, Parks & Golf division has a full cost recovery level of 2%. Of the
total direct and indirect expenditures, approximately 83% are direct expenditures, 8% is Citywide
overhead, and 9% is Administrative costs.
Typically, maintenance cost centers are support and do not generate high levels of revenue, this is
reflected in the low-cost recovery. At 124%, the Golf program generates a high amount of revenue. This
excess in cost recovery is typical for specialized services.
RECREATION & CUBBERLEY COST RECOVERY
The Recreation and Cubberley Division is responsible for various youth and adult programming, including
sports, camps, aquatics, special events, and much more. Additionally, it oversees the operations of three
community centers, a teen center, the MakeX studio, and, through a public-private partnership, the
Rinconada Pool. The following table shows by cost center: Revenue, Budget, the associated difference,
and cost recovery percentage.
TABLE 13: RECREATIONS & CUBBERLEY COST RECOVERY – DIRECT COSTS
Division FY24 Rev FY25 Exp12 Cost Recovery
Adult Classes & Programs $264,978 $448,565 59%
Aquatics $9,717 $71,698 14%
Youth Classes & Programs $1,712,792 $2,431,945 70%
Recreation Facilities $2,449,245 $3,526,093 69%
Parks, Fields, & Courts $1,411,534 $712,006 198%
Special Events $640 $259,405 0%
Total $5,848,906 $7,449,712 79%
The Recreation & Cubberley division is at a 79% cost recovery level on a direct cost basis. This direct
cost recovery is higher than the typical cost recovery (20-50%). The next table shows by the indirect
costs included:
TABLE 14: RECREATIONS & CUBBERLEY COST RECOVERY – INDIRECT COSTS INCLUDED
Division Depart. OH13 Citywide OH Total Indirect Cost
Adult Classes & Programs $67,290 $57,340 $124,630
Aquatics $10,755 $17,794 $28,549
Youth Classes & Programs $364,818 $129,396 $494,214
Recreation Facilities $528,952 $718,160 $1,247,112
Parks, Fields, & Courts $106,809 $281,959 $388,768
Special Events $38,914 $32,982 $71,896
Total $1,117,538 $1,237,631 $2,355,169
12 The FY25 Budget does not include Recreation & Cubberley Administration, as these costs are considered part of
the overhead.
13 This represents the proportionate split of the FY25 budgeted expenditures for both the CSD Administration and
Recreation & Cubberley Administration division across all Recreation & Cubberley specific cost centers.
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The project team accounted for roughly $2 million in indirect overhead costs. The table below compares
FY24 Revenue to FY25 Total Direct and Indirect Costs (Full Cost), highlighting the difference and
associated cost recovery percentage.
TABLE 15: RECREATIONS & CUBBERLEY COST RECOVERY – FULL COSTS
Division FY24 Rev FY25 Full Cost Cost Recovery
Adult Classes & Programs $264,978 $573,195 46%
Aquatics $9,717 $100,247 10%
Youth Classes & Programs $1,712,792 $2,926,160 59%
Recreation Facilities $2,449,245 $4,773,206 51%
Parks, Fields, & Courts $1,411,534 $1,100,773 128%
Special Events $640 $331,301 0%
Total $5,848,906 $9,804,881 60%
Based on the analysis, the Recreation & Cubberley division has a full cost recovery level of 60%. Of the
total direct and indirect expenditures, approximately 76% are direct expenditures, 13% is Citywide
overhead, and 11% is Administrative costs.
The full cost in Table 15, which equals roughly $9.80 million, varies from the full cost in Table 6, which
equals $9.85 million, due to the exclusion of direct and indirect costs in relation to program cost
centers14 which do not generate revenue. These exclusions ensure the division’s full cost recovery rate is
not artificially reduced.
In addition to the overall cost recovery range typically seen in relation to parks and recreation fees, there
are typical cost recovery target ranges based upon Matrix Consulting Group's experience conducting
recreation fee studies. Typically, classes and programs have a 30% to 50% cost recovery. The Division’s
youth and adult programming are on the higher end of the cost recovery range. At 130%, the parks, fields,
and court rentals generate additional revenues above cost. This excess in cost recovery is typical for
rentals partially due to their optional nature, as the community can choose to use the City’s amenities,
and in part due to the individual benefit of rentals.
SUMMARY
Overall, the Community Services Department is within the typical cost recovery range, and while classes
/ programs are within range, rentals and specialized services are higher in cost recovery. The department
should utilize the target cost recovery ranges as a guideline to setting rates. Within these larger program
categories, there can be different cost recovery targets for sub-programs or subsections. For example,
within Recreation, there would be different cost recovery goals for adult vs. youth services.
14 Cost centers excluded include the following: 80080311 & 80080312.
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The City provides comprehensive in-house ambulance and emergency medical services, which includes
staffing its fire engines with Firefighter / Paramedics for Advanced Life Safety (ALS) and Basic Life
Safety (BLS) calls, as well as several ambulances. The following subsections discuss the current EMS
related cost per transport, the full cost calculated for the different types of services (i.e., ALS, BLS, etc.),
mileage charge, oxygen use, as well as the annual revenue impacts.
EMS SPECIFIC LEGAL FRAMEWORK
EMS fees have traditionally been considered under the umbrella of user fees or fees for service. As such,
these fees are subject to the same legal rules and regulations as other user fees, i.e., the fee cannot
exceed the cost to provide the service. However, EMS fees are unique from other fees for service as the
fee payer dictates the rate they will pay, which is often less than the current fee charged for the service.
For example, traditionally, if the fee for a water heater permit is $150, any individual who pulls a water
heater permit must pay $150. However, in the case of EMS fees, if the fee for transport is $150,
depending upon your insurance provider, the City may get paid $0, $50, $100, or the full $150. Therefore,
the two types of fees are not equal.
While the City has historically set its EMS fees at full cost, it has run into the traditional conundrum of not
being able to achieve full cost recovery, as the fee charged is not the fee rate paid. The focus of this
analysis is to provide the City with defensible, full cost fees. Depending on the City’s payor mix, the City
will not be able to recover the full cost of EMS services, however, it will be in full compliance with the law.
EMS COST PER TRANSPORT CALCULATION
To calculate the full cost associated with EMS fees, the project team evaluated the City’s direct and
indirect costs associated with these activities. The City has the following types of expenses that are
EMS-related:
• EMS Program: this program houses the direct costs associated with EMS staff, supplies, and
contract services, such as billing.
• Indirect Costs: These costs reflect departmental overhead associated with the Fire Chief and other
support personnel, as well as Citywide overhead associated with Finance, Human Resources, etc.
• EMS Staffed Firefighters: The City has recently increased its staffing associated with EMS services to
include additional firefighter paramedics to increase the number of transports they can provide.
The following table shows the total FY25 budgeted EMS costs based on these expenses:
FIRE EMS
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TABLE 16: TOTAL EMS-RELATED COSTS
Expense Type FY25 Budget
Direct EMS Expenses $5,910,989
Citywide and Departmental Overhead $896,281
EMS Staffed Firefighters $7,214,994
Total EMS Related Expenses $13,602,558
The total Fire EMS related costs are roughly $13.6 million. To determine the total cost per transport the
project took the $13.6 million in EMS costs and divided it by the average total number of transports
conducted by the Department over the past three fiscal years, as shown in the following table:
TABLE 17: TOTAL EMS COST PER TRANSPORT
Expense Type FY25 Budget
Direct EMS Expenses $3,602,558
Total # of Transports 3,840
Total Cost Per Transport $3,543
Based upon EMS direct and indirect costs of $13.6 million and approximately 3,800 annual transports,
the City’s cost per transport is approximately $3,543.
ALS AND BLS COST CALCULATION
While $3,543 is the overall cost per transport, this is converted into two types of fees – Advanced Life
Support (ALS) and Basic Life Support (BLS). The typical methodology for converting eh overall cost per
transport to these two service areas is based upon a factor that can be applied to each depending upon
the level of effort. This factor is based upon discussions with staff, ensuring that the overall split of
services totals the overall revenue to be recovered. The following table shows the calculation of the cost
for each service area based on the cost per transport, the effort factor, and the resulting full cost per unit.
TABLE 18: COST CALCULATION PER UNIT – ALS AND BLS
Category Cost Per Transport Effort Factor Cost Per Unit
ALS $3,543 1.1 $3,897
BLS $3,543 0.9 $3,188
As the table indicates, the total cost calculated is $3,897 for an ALS transport and $3,188 for a BLS
transport. The following table compares the City’s current fee, to the full cost calculated:
TABLE 19: TRANSPORT FEES – COST PER UNIT COMPARISON
Category Current Fee Full Cost Difference
ALS Transport Base Rate $2,966 $3,897 ($931)
BLS Transport Base Rate $2,556 $3,188 ($632)
The City is under-recovering for both its transportation categories, with the ALS subsidy at $931 and the
BLS subsidy at $632.
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MILEAGE CALCULATION
Along with the ability to bill for transportation and treatment-related activities, the City can also bill for
the mileage that is incurred from the transportation scene to the hospital. The mileage charge is typically
meant to account for maintenance, fuel, and replacement costs. In FY25 the EMS program budgeted
$419,706 for vehicle equipment maintenance, fuel, and replacement costs.
To determine the cost per mile, the project team divided the $419,700 by the average number of miles
billed for transport-related activities. The following table shows the resulting cost per mile:
TABLE 20: COST PER MILE CALCULATION
Category Amount
Total EMS Mileage Cost $419,706
Avg Mileage Billed 13,268
Total Cost Per Mile $31.63
The total cost per mile was calculated at $31.63. The following table compares the current fee per mile
to the full cost per mile:
TABLE 21: MILEAGE– COST PER UNIT COMPARISON
Category Current Fee Full Cost Difference
Mileage $35 $32 $3
Based on the cost calculated, the City is over-recovering by approximately $3 per mile. It is important to
note that even though the City shows an over-recovery, due to its payor mix it does not actually receive
$35 per mile. The actual reimbursement amount depends on the payor mix of the agency.
OXYGEN CALCULATION
As with the mileage charge, the City also bills for oxygen usage. The cost for oxygen usage was
calculated based on the rental and re-filling costs for oxygen and the number of tanks. The following
table shows the cost per tank calculation:
TABLE 22: COST PER TANK CALCULATION
Category Amount
Oxygen Cost $7,075
Total # of Oxygen Tanks 15
Cost Per Tank $472
The cost per tank through this study was calculated at $472. However, each trip or use of oxygen does
not take up a full tank. The project team calculated the number of trips it takes to utilize a full oxygen
tank. This trip calculation was done based on the average number of transports, the average number of
oxygen uses, and the percentage of time the tank is refilled / checked. The following table shows the
number of trips calculated per oxygen tank utilization:
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TABLE 23: # OF TRIPS PER OXYGEN TANK CALCULATION
Category Amount
Total # of Transports 3,840
Total # of Oxygen Uses 1,152
# of Trips per Oxygen Tank 3.33
% of Time Tank is Refilled / Check 50%
# of Trips per Oxygen Tank – Utilized 1.67
Even though, on average, it takes a little over three trips before the oxygen tank would need to be refilled,
based upon discussion with staff, the City does not wait until the oxygen tank is fully depleted before
refilling it. As such, the tank is refilled or checked about every one and a half trips. The following table
takes the total cost per tank and then divides it by the number of trips per oxygen tank utilization to
determine the cost per oxygen use:
TABLE 24: COST PER OXYGEN USE
Category Amount
Cost Per Tank $472
# of Trips per Oxygen Tank – Utilized 1.67
Cost Per Oxygen Use $283
The total cost per oxygen use calculated is $283. The following table compares the City’s current fee to
the total cost calculated and the resulting difference:
TABLE 25: OXYGEN – COST PER UNIT COMPARISON
Category Current Fee Full Cost Difference
Oxygen Use $179 $283 ($104)
The City is under-recovering by approximately $100 per oxygen use, recovering approximately 63% of its
costs.
COMPLIANCE FEES
The City currently assess an hourly fee for engine company inspections. This fee is only assessed when
the engine company is required to perform a second reinspection. The following table compares the
City’s current fee to the total cost calculated and the resulting difference:
TABLE 26: EMS – COMPLIANCE FEES
Category Current Fee Full Cost Difference
Engine Company Second Reinspection $279 $994 ($715)
The City’s current fee is under-recovering by approximately $700. While the large difference can be
attributed to increased costs associated with Engine services, the more likely reason for the large
disparity is due to the current fee not being set at full cost recovery.
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FIRST RESPONDER FEE
While discussing current EMS services with City staff, it was noted that the current ALS and BLS fees
only account for EMS specific costs, but do not cover the costs associated with engine incident
responses. Therefore, it was proposed that a First Responder Fee be established to provide the City with
a mechanism to recover these costs. Based on a thirty (30) minute call out, the full cost calculated for
the First Responder Fee would be $497.
ANNUAL REVENUE IMPACTS
As noted at the beginning of this chapter, EMS services differ from other fee-related services, as the user
is billed after services are provided, typically with bills going through insurance companies first.
Depending on the user’s insurance, the City may only receive a fraction of the amount billed. Therefore,
based on the make-up of the users of EMS services, the revenue the City receives is dramatically lower
than what is billed. The following subsections outline the City’s current payer mix and annual cost
recovery.
PAYOR MIX
Those who use EMS transport services typically fall into one of five (5) categories: Medicaid, Medicare,
Private Insurance, Worker’s Comp, or Other. The following table outlines the payor mix for EMS services
in as well as the average recovery for Fiscal Year 2024.
TABLE 27: EMS SERVICE PAYOR MIX
Payor Type FY24 % of Payors Average Recovery
Medicaid 15% 43%
Medicare 53% 26%
Private Insurance 26% 86%
Worker’s Comp 1% 34%
Other 5% 5%
For Medicaid and Medicare services, the insurance provider sets a standard amount it will reimburse for
various EMS services – regardless of the fees billed by the service provider. The amount the City receives
from Private Insurance, Worker’s Comp, and Other users depends on the medical plan of the individual.
As shown in the table above, the majority of the City’s users are on Medicare which has an average
recovery rate of 26%, while the highest recovery rate (86%) belongs to those with Private Insurance, who
comprise roughly 25% of the total users.
ANNUAL REVENUE RECOVERY – CURRENT FEE
There are two types of annual revenue recoveries that can be calculated for EMS services:
1. Potential Revenue vs. Total Cost: this compares assumed revenue generation based on 100%
collection of fees billed compared to the full cost of providing the service.
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2. Annual Revenue Collected vs. Annual Cost: this shows the amount collected compared to the
annual cost associated with those activities.
Based upon the current fee charged by the Fire Department for EMS-related activities and the projected
annual cost, the project team calculated that the department would have had a $5.2 million deficit or
recovered approximately 69% of its costs. The following table shows by fee category the annual amount
billed, the annual cost, and the surplus / deficit:
TABLE 28: EMS ANNUAL COST RECOVERY – BILLED VS TOTAL COST
Category Potential Revenue Total Cost Difference
Transport Mileage $464,380 $419,698 $44,682
BLS $3,023,748 $3,771,849 ($748,101)
ALS $7,880,662 $10,354,075 ($2,473,413)
First Responder Fee $1,908,170 ($1,908,170)
Oxygen $206,208 $326,016 ($119,808)
Total $11,574,998 $16,779,808 ($5,204,810)
Of the $5.2 million, the biggest impact relates to ALS related transports, while nearly $2 million is related
to First Responder services which aren’t currently being assessed. However, as noted above, what the
City bills is not what the City recovers. Therefore, the following table compares the revenue collected by
the City to the City’s total cost of providing services, and the associated difference:
TABLE 29: EMS ANNUAL COST RECOVERY – RECOVERED VS TOTAL COST
Category Recovered Revenue Total Cost Difference
Transport Mileage $207,757 $419,698 ($211,941)
BLS $1,192,728 $3,771,849 ($2,579,121)
ALS $3,283,567 $10,354,075 ($7,070,508)
First Responder Fee $0 $1,908,170 ($1,908,170)
Oxygen $53,614 $326,016 ($272,402)
Total $4,737,667 $16,779,808 ($12,042,141)
While the City billed for nearly $11.6 million in transport related services, it only received roughly $4.7
million in offsetting revenue. When comparing the $4.7 million to their total annual costs, their deficit is
approximately $12 million, resulting in a cost recovery rate of only 28%.
ANNUAL REVENUE RECOVERY – TOTAL COST
Should the City increase their fees to reflect the full cost of providing EMS services, including
implementation of the First Responder fee, they would see an increase in annual revenue. The following
compares current collected revenue to projected revenue collections based on a full cost fee and
estimates a potential revenue increase.
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TABLE 30: EMS ANNUAL COST RECOVERY – POTENTIAL REVENUE
Category Recovered Revenue Revenue at Full Cost Fee Potential Revenue Increase
Transport Mileage $207,757 $191,897 ($15,860)
BLS $1,192,728 $1,351,895 $159,166
ALS $3,283,567 $3,813,738 $530,171
First Responder Fee $0 $374,400 $374,400
Oxygen $53,614 $84,764 $31,150
TOTAL $4,737,667 $5,816,694 $1,079,027
Should the City adopt EMS transport fees at the full cost shown in this report, based on the average
annual workload it could generate approximately $5.8 million in revenue, which would represent an
increase of roughly $1 million. Projected revenue associated with the First Responder Fee assumes 75%
recovery from only Private Payors. However, given that the First Responder fee is new, and the ability for
the City to recover these billed services is unknown, we would conservatively project the City’s potential
revenue increase at only $700,000.
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 24
The Palo Alto Police Department is responsible for providing emergency and non-emergency public
safety services to the citizens of Palo Alto. As part of this duty, the department administers fees for
background checks, vehicle impoundments, and variety of permits for specific businesses, such as
taxicabs and firearms dealers. Officers also assist with Special Events and administer related fees
accordingly. The following subsections discuss fee schedule modifications and detailed per unit results
for the fee-related services provided by the Police Department.
FEE SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
In discussions with Police Department staff, the following modifications to the current fee schedule were
proposed:
• Eliminated Fees: The following fees were eliminated as they represent services no longer offered by
the Police Department:
– Adult Entertainment – Closing-out Sale
– Adult Entertainment – Closing-out Sale Renewal (Two Maximum)
– Background Check – New
– Department of Justice Fingerprint and Rolling Fee
– FBI Fingerprint Fee
– Noise Exception Permit
– Parenting Project Materials
– Parenting Project Program
– Valet Parking – Sign & Curb Markings
• New Fees: Police Department staff proposed the addition of the following fees to the fee schedule, as
they represent either services already offered and not codified or new services the City would like to
offer:
– Civil Subpoena Appearance Fee
– Towed Stored Vehicle Fee
• Expanded Fees: Staff proposed expanding the ‘Taxicab – Driver’ fee to include two categories (‘New’
and ‘Renewal’) to better account for a difference in processing time.
• Modified Fees: The ‘Subpoena Fee’ was clarified to read ‘Subpoena Fee for Documents,’ and the
‘Special Event / Film Permit’ fee was modified to read ‘Film / Photography Permit.’
The modifications noted above ensure that the proposed fee schedule better reflets the services being
provided by Police Department staff.
POLICE
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DETAILED RESULTS
The Police Department collects fees for high-risk business regulation, vehicle impoundments, special
events, and miscellaneous administrative tasks. The total cost calculated for each service includes direct
staff costs and Departmental, Divisional, and Citywide overhead. The following table details the fee
name, current fee, total cost, and difference associated with each service offered.
TABLE 31: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – POLICE
Fee Name Unit Current Fee Total Cost Difference
Background Check
OPM/DOD Background Check Per Application $5 $112 ($107)
Impoundment Fees - Vehicle
Vehicle Impoundment Fee Each $158 $162 ($4)
Vehicle Repossession Receipt15 Each $15 $15 $0
Towed Stored Vehicle Fee Each New $162
Personnel Rates
Emergency Response Fee Per Incident Actual Cost
Special Fees
Clearance Letter Each $35 $131 ($96)
Digital Media Reproduction Fee Each $65 $281 ($216)
Location Crime Statistics Fee Each $86 $359 ($273)
Offsite Document Retrieval Per Item Actual Cost
Report Copy Fee16 Each $15 $15 $0
Research Fee Per Hour $160 $245 ($85)
Subpoena Fee For Documents17 Per Hour $24 $24 $0
Civil Subpoena Appearance Fee18
Per Person Per
Day $275 $275 $0
Firearms Dealer
Firearms Dealer Master Permit - New Per Year $3,564 $3,637 ($73)
Firearms Dealer Master Permit - Renewal Per Year $644 $970 ($326)
Miscellaneous
Helicopter Landing Fee Per Occurrence $79 $81 ($2)
One Day Liquor Permit Fee:
For Profit Rate Per Permit $65 $76 ($11)
Non-Profit Rate Per Permit $49 $76 ($27)
Secondhand Dealers
DOJ Per Application $300 $300 $0
New Per Application $481 $242 $239
Renewal Per Application $120 $121 ($1)
Taxicab
Master License:
New Per Year $3,589 $7,274 ($3,685)
Renewal Per Year $1,609 $2,425 ($816)
Driver:
New Per Year $65 $242 ($177)
15 Ca. Gov. Code § 26751
16 EVI § 1563(b)(6)
17 EVI § 1563(b)(1)
18 GOV § 68097.2 (b)
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 26
Fee Name Unit Current Fee Total Cost Difference
Renewal Per Year $65 $81 ($16)
Vehicle Inspection for Each Vehicle Per Year $92 $81 $11
Replacement or Transfer Fee Each $80 $40 $40
Valet Parking
Permit Application Per Application $863 $970 ($107)
Permit Application Renewal (Annual) Per Year $130 $242 ($112)
Short-Term Application Fee Per Application $406 $229 $177
Special Events
Personnel Rates for events where 100% of the proceeds go to a Profit Organization:
Community Services Officer Per Hour $111 $215 ($104)
Police Agent Per Hour $245 $272 ($27)
Police Officer Per Hour $206 $244 ($38)
Police Reserve Per Hour $88 $58 $30
Police Sergeant Per Hour $272 $291 ($19)
Personnel Rates for events where 80% of the proceeds go directly to Non-Profit Organizations:
Community Services Officer Per Hour $92 $215 ($123)
Police Agent Per Hour $212 $272 ($60)
Police Officer Per Hour $171 $244 ($73)
Police Reserve Per Hour $72 $58 $14
Police Sergeant Per Hour $232 $291 ($59)
Personnel Rates for events where 80% or more of the proceeds go directly to Non-Profit Organizations or
events declared as co-sponsored by the City of Palo Alto:
Community Services Officer Per Hour $87 $215 ($128)
Police Agent Per Hour $185 $272 ($87)
Police Officer Per Hour $160 $244 ($84)
Police Reserve Per Hour $65 $58 $7
Police Sergeant Per Hour $205 $291 ($86)
Special Fees:
Special Event Permit
201 - 400 Attendees Per Permit $334 $582 ($248)
401 – 600 Attendees Per Permit $359 $2,036 ($1,677)
Each Add’l 200 Attendees Each $53 $291 ($238)
Film / Photography Permit:
Large Commercial Filming Per Permit $306 $582 ($276)
Low-Impact Filming Permit (Cast &
Crew 35 or less) Per Permit $306 $291 $15
Student Filming / Photography Per Permit $306 $291 $15
Photography Permit Per Permit $306 $145 $161
Temporary Street Closure Each Refer to PW Fee Schedule
The Police Department’s fees show a mix of under- and over-recoveries but generally under-recover. The
largest undercharge is for a New Taxicab Master License at about $3,700. The smallest deficit is for the
‘Secondhand Dealers – Renewal’ fee at just $1. Of the fees that show over-recoveries, the largest
overcharge is for a ‘Short-Term Application Fee’ for Valet Parking at around $175, and the smallest is the
‘Vehicle Inspection for Each Vehicle’ fee for taxicab drivers at approximately $10.
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ANNUAL RESULTS
Because of the limited workload information available for Police, no annual results were calculated.
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 28
The Animal Control Division of the Palo Alto Police Department oversees enforcement of animal-related
ordinances, responds to issues involving animals in the City, and provides permits and licensing for pets
and livestock and related events. The fees examined in this study related to animal permits, disposal,
animal impoundments, pet licenses, and pet quarantines. The following subsections discuss fee
schedule modifications and detailed per unit results for the fee-related services provided by the Animal
Control Division.
FEE SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
In discussions with Animal Control staff, the following modifications to the current fee schedule were
proposed:
• Eliminated Fees: The following fees were eliminated as they represent services no longer offered by
Animal Control:
– Disposal – Dogs, Cats, Rabbits (up to 20lbs)
– Disposal – Dogs (up to 75lbs)
– Disposal – Dogs (76lbs and over)
– Disposal – Each Additional Animal
– Disposal – Large Animals (up to 150lbs)
– Disposal – Small Animals and Birds
– Riding Academy
– Special Impoundment Fee – Dog
• New Fees: Police Department staff proposed the addition of the following fees to the fee schedule, as
they represent either services already offered and not codified or new services the City would like to
offer:
– Pet Licenses – Senion Citizen / Veteran
– Rabies Exemption
– Service Dog Tag
• Modified Fees: The names of the following fees were modified to provide greater clarity:
– Animal Permits – Dangerous Animal Permit
– Animal Permits – Livestock / Apiary
– Animal Permits – Pet Show
– Animal Permits – Traveling Menagerie or Petting Zoo
POLICE – ANIMAL CONTROL
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– Disposal – Service Fee
– Pet Licenses – Spayed or Neutered (Altered)
– Pet Licenses – Unaltered
The modifications noted above ensure that the proposed fee schedule better reflets the services being
provided by Animal Control.
DETAILED RESULTS
Animal Control collects fees for animal-related permitting, impoundment, pet licenses, and
miscellaneous other services. The total cost calculated for each service includes direct staff costs, and
Departmental, Divisional, and Citywide overhead. The following table details the fee name, current fee,
total cost, and difference associated with each service offered.
TABLE 32: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – ANIMAL CONTROL
Fee Name Unit Current Fee Total Cost Difference
Animal Permits
Boarding Per Permit $219 $384 ($165)
Breeding Permit - Cat, Dog, or Bird Per Permit $133 $384 ($251)
Kennel, Birds, or Animals Per Permit $219 $384 ($165)
Livery Stable, Boarding Stable Per Permit $219 $384 ($165)
Livestock / Apiary Per Permit $80 $220 ($140)
Pet Shop/Groomer Per Permit $219 $384 ($165)
Pet Show Per Permit $80 $327 ($247)
Pony Ride, Pony Ring Per Permit $219 $327 ($108)
Traveling Menagerie or Petting Zoo Per Permit $219 $327 ($108)
Dangerous Animal Permit Per Permit $432 $384 $48
Disposal
Service Fee Each $60 $107 ($47)
Impoundment Fees
Impoundment Fees - Cat:
First Offense Per Occurrence $36 $213 ($177)
Second Offense Per Occurrence $54 $213 ($159)
Third and Subsequent Offenses Per Occurrence $74 $213 ($139)
Impoundment Fees - Dog - Licensed:
First Offense Per Occurrence $36 $213 ($177)
Second Offense Per Occurrence $54 $213 ($159)
Third Offense Per Occurrence $72 $213 ($141)
Fourth Offense Per Occurrence $135 $213 ($78)
Fifth to Tenth Offense Per Occurrence $181 $213 ($32)
Eleventh and Subsequent Offenses Per Occurrence $203 $213 ($10)
Impoundment Fees - Dog - Unlicensed:
First Offense Per Occurrence $61 $213 ($152)
Second Offense Per Occurrence $93 $213 ($120)
Third Offense Per Occurrence $115 $213 ($98)
Fourth Offense Per Occurrence $154 $213 ($59)
Fifth to Tenth Offense Per Occurrence $209 $213 ($4)
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Fee Name Unit Current Fee Total Cost Difference
Eleventh and Subsequent Offenses Per Occurrence $246 $213 $33
Impoundment Fees - General:
Other Animals (Small) - Bird, Rabbit, Reptile,
etc. Per Occurrence $31 $213 ($182)
Other Animals (Large) - Horse, Cow, Pig,
Goat, etc. Per Occurrence $123 $213 ($90)
State Mandated Fees19
First Offense Per Occurrence $35 $35 $0
Second Offense Per Occurrence $50 $50 $0
Third and Subsequent Offenses Per Occurrence $100 $100 $0
Pet Licenses
12 Months
Unaltered Per Dog $45 $52 ($7)
Spayed or Neutered (Altered) Per Dog $22 $52 ($30)
Senior Citizen / Veteran Per Dog New $52
24 Months
Unaltered Per Dog $67 $71 ($4)
Spayed or Neutered (Altered) Per Dog $33 $71 ($38)
Senior Citizen / Veteran Per Dog New $71
36 Months
Unaltered Per Dog $90 $90 $0
Spayed or Neutered (Altered) Per Dog $45 $90 ($45)
Senior Citizen / Veteran Per Dog New $90
Service Dog Tag Per Dog New $52
Rabies Exemption Per Dog New $38
Replacement License Tags (Dogs) Each $5 $33 ($28)
Special Fees
Animal Control Officer Per Hour $91 $213 ($122)
Quarantine Home Inspection Fee Each $46 $427 ($381)
Animal Control’s fees generally under-recover the associated costs. The fee that shows the largest
under-recovery is the ‘Quarantine Home Inspection Fee’ at around $400, followed by the fee for a
‘Breeding Permit – Cat, Dog, or Bird’ ($250). The fee with the smallest undercharge is the ‘Impoundment
Fees – Dog – Unlicensed – Fifth to Tenth Offense’ at about $5. Only two fees show an over-recovery
(‘Dangerous Animal Permit’ and ‘Impoundment Fees – Dog – Unlicensed – Eleventh and Subsequent
Offenses’), both of which can be considered penalties.
ANNUAL RESULTS
Because of the limited workload information available for Animal Control, no annual results were
calculated.
19 CA Food & Agri Code § 30804.7
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 31
The Public Works department aims to ensure the City’s infrastructure is well-maintained, promote the
protection of the City’s urban forest, and protect quality of life through the prevention of pollution, and
promotion of environmental policies and regulations. Though the Department provides a variety of
services that span multiple funds, the focus of this analysis was on Operations, Storm Drain, and
Wastewater services. The following subsections discuss fee schedule modifications and detailed per
unit results for the fee-related services provided by the Animal Control Division.
FEE SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
In discussions with Public Works staff, some minor modifications to each division’s fee structures were
proposed. These modifications are outlined in the following points:
• Operations: Staff determined that the addition of two fees: Disposal and Use of Equipment would
help better outline the services provided. Conversely, Overtime & Holiday rates associated with
Electric Vehicle Charger Connections and Charging, as well as Newsrack Impoundment were removed
as those services are no longer needed or provided.
• Storm Drain: Staff determined that the Storm Drain Inspection Fee should be renamed to better
reflect the service being provided to: Stormwater Treatment Feature Operations and Maintenance
Inspection. Additionally, the Base fee was lowered from four (4) hours to three (3) hours.
• Wastewater Treatment: Staff determined that the Exceptional Waste – (High Volume) and
Exceptional Waste (Low Volume) categories under Industrial Waste Discharge should be
consolidated into a singular fee. Similarly, the Full (Categorical) and Full (Non-Categorical) were also
consolidated into a singular fee, along with the Septic Tank & Portable Toilet Waste Disposal fees
which were consolidated into a single per gallon Discharge fee
The modifications outlined above strengthen the schedules associated with each division, and ensure
that the services provided are clearly identified, and accurately reflect the time associated with each
service.
DETAILED RESULTS
The Public Works divisions included in this analysis collect a variety of fees for services. The total cost
calculated for each service includes direct staff costs and Departmental, Divisional, and Citywide
overhead. The following subsections outline the detailed per unit results for Operations, Storm Drain, and
Wastewater.
OPERATIONS
Operations staff provide services relating to Maintenance and Repair, Map / Plan Review, and Tree
Removals. The following table details the fee name, current fee, total cost, and difference associated
with each service offered.
PUBLIC WORKS
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TABLE 33: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS
Fee Name Unit Current Fee
Total
Cost Difference
Maintenance & Repair
Regular Time:
Construction & Repair Per Hour $184 $185 ($1)
Electric Vehicle Charger Connection Per Connection $0.00 to $2.00
Electric Vehicle Charger Connection Overstay Per Hour $0.00 to $5.00
Electric Vehicle Charging Per Kilowatt Hour $0.24
Newsrack Impoundment Fee
First Day Base $208
Each Subsequent Day Each Subsequent Day $3
Supervision Per Hour $187 $228 ($41)
Sweeping Services Per Hour $151 $179 ($28)
Traffic Control/Graffiti Services Per Hour $138 $163 ($25)
Traffic Property Damage Per Hour $138 $163 ($25)
Tree Services Per Hour $161 $172 ($11)
Overtime & Holiday:
Construction & Repair Per Hour $272 $222 $50
Supervision Per Hour $282 $276 $6
Sweeping Services Per Hour $227 $213 $14
Traffic Control/Graffiti Services Per Hour $208 $194 $14
Traffic Property Damage Per Hour $208 $194 $14
Tree Services Per Hour $226 $208 $18
Disposal Each Actual Cost
Use of Equipment Each Actual Cost
Map/Plan Review Fees
Home Improvement Exception - Trees Per Application $487 $575 ($88)
IR Review - Trees Per Application $759 $575 $184
Tree Removal
Protected Tree Removal Per Removal $499 $460 $39
Record Management Fee Per File $32 $174 ($142)
Tree Removal
Per Inch of Damage
Plus Planting
Installation $153
The majority of the services provided by Operations are charged hourly, with some of those services
showing under-recoveries, and others show over-recoveries. Fees associated with Electric Vehicle
Charger Connections and charging were not evaluated through this analysis as they are not a time-based
service. Newsrack impoundments and Tree Removals also weren’t reviewed as these are penalties.
Overall, Operations fees are generally recovering their costs on a per unit basis, and inline with typical
cost recovery levels of between 80% and 100%.
STORM DRAIN
Storm Drain staff provide services relating to flood variance, flood zone determination, and temporary
elevation benchmarks. The following table details the fee name, current fee, total cost, and difference
associated with each service offered.
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MATRIX CONSULTING GROUP 33
TABLE 34: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – PUBLIC WORKS STORM DRAIN
Fee Name Unit Current Fee Total Cost Difference
Flood Variance Fee Each City Cost plus 15%
Flood Zone Determination Letter Per Letter $147 $419 ($272)
Stormwater Treatment Feature Operations and Maintenance Inspection:
Up to 3 Hours Base $59920 $540 $60
Per Hour Thereafter Per Hour Thereafter $123 $187 ($64)
Temporary Elevation Benchmarks Per Benchmark $500 $505 ($5)
The Flood Zone Determination Letter shows a subsidy of approximately $272, while the the base rate for
a Stormwater Treatment Feature Operations and Maintenance Inspection shows an overage of $60. With
the exception of the Flood Zone Determination Letter, the fees charged for Storm Drain services are
within the typical cost recovery range of 80% - 100%.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Wastewater Treatment staff provide services relating to Industrial Waste Discharge, and Recycled Water.
The following table details the fee name, current fee, total cost, and difference associated with each
service offered.
TABLE 35: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – PUBLIC WORKS WASTEWATER
Fee Name Unit
Current
Fee
Total
Cost Difference
Industrial Waste Discharge Fees:
Automotive Per Year $699 $1,523 ($824)
Basic Per Year $4,120 $5,735 ($1,615)
Best Management Practices (BMP) Per Year $1,541 $2,856 ($1,315)
Exceptional Waste Per Permit Modified $3,473 N/A
Full Per Year Modified $6,898 N/A
Groundwater Per Year $1,576 $1,614 ($38)
Industrial Waste Discharge Fees - Liquid Waste Disposal Fee:
Septic Tank & Portable Toilet Waste Disposal
Permit Processing Each $105 $542 ($437)
Discharge Fee Per Gallon $0.1021 $0.77 ($0.67)
Recycled Water Fees:
Recycled Water Permit Processing Per Permit $52 $452 ($400)
All fees charged by Wastewater staff show an under-recovery, the largest being for Basic Industrial
Waste Discharge at $1,615. Overall, fees associated with Wastewater services are below the typical cost
recovery level of 80% - 100%.
20 The current fee has been modified to provide a true three-hour comparison.
21 The current fee has been modified to provide a true per gallon comparison.
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ANNUAL RESULTS
Workload statistics at a level sufficient to evaluate annual revenue impacts were not available, therefore
no annual results were calculated.
Real Estate and Property Management is a division within the Administrative Services Department. This
Division is responsible for the management of City-owned properties, including the acquisition, leasing,
and sale of property. The fees examined within this study relate to Conveyance and Easement Vacation
services. The following subsections discuss fee schedule modifications and detailed per unit results for
the fee-related services provided by the Real Estate and Property Management division.
FEE SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
In discussions with Real Estate and Property Management staff it was determined that no modifications
to the current fee structure were needed.
DETAILED RESULTS
The Real Estate and Property Management division collects fees associated with easement vacations,
property transfer tax exemptions, and other conveyances. The following table details the fee name,
current fee, total cost, and difference associated with each service offered.
TABLE 36: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Fee Name Unit
Current
Fee
Total
Cost Difference
Conveyance
Commercial/Non-Residential/Residential - Long Term (More
than 12 months) Each $1,750 $4,613 ($2,863)
Consent to Assignment, Amendment, Extension or
Hypothecation of a lease or sublease where the City is lessor Each $780 $1,648 ($868)
Easement Document Preparation and Processing
(Commercial & Residential) Each $1,700 $1,648 $52
License/Grant Deed Preparation Each $1,930 $4,613 ($2,683)
Property Transfer Tax Exemption Fee Each $245 $577 ($332)
Public Notice Mailing/Posting/Advertising (Commercial &
Residential) Deposit $116 $116 $0
Telecommunication Application Processing Fee Each $3,426
Easement Vacation
General Each $4,892
Summary Each $2,083 $3,295 ($1,212)
All but one of the fees charged by Real Estate and Property Management staff show an under-recovery.
The largest subsidy relates to ‘Commerial / Non-Residential / Residential – Long Term (More than 12
months) Conveyance’ at $2,863, while the least subsidized fee is for a ‘Property Transfer Tax Examption
REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
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Conveyance’ at $13. ‘Easement Document Preparation and Processing (Commercial & Residential)
Conveyance’ shows an over-collection of $52, and should be reduce in order to comply with current fee
regulations.
It should be noted that time estiamtes were not provided by staff for services relating to
‘Telecommunication Application Processing Conveyance’ and ‘General Easement Vacation’, therefore, not
total cost was calculated.
ANNUAL RESULTS
Given the minimal workload associated with the real estate and property management, no annual results
were calculated.
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Revenue Collection is a division within the Administrative Services Department. This Division is
responsible for the collection of general city revenues associated with utility billing, parking permits, TOT
payments, and other miscellaneous receivables. The fees examined within this study relate to
Documents and Photocopies, Parking, and Miscellaneous services. The following subsections discuss
fee schedule modifications and detailed per unit results for the fee-related services provided by the
Revenue Collection division.
FEE SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
In discussions with Revenue Collection staff, it was determined that Documents & Photocopies fees
relating to ‘Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)’, ‘Budget Book’, and ‘Municipal Fee Schedule’
would be eliminated. These fees are being removed as the associated materials can now be found on the
City’s website, no longer requiring staff time for processing.
DETAILED RESULTS
The Revenue Collection division collects fees associated with certified mailings, duplicate receipts,
returned checks, and parking permit investigations. The following table details the fee name, current fee,
total cost, and difference associated with each service offered.
TABLE 37: TOTAL COST PER UNIT RESULTS – REVENUE COLLECTION
Fee Name Unit
Current
Fee
Total
Cost Difference
Documents & Photocopies
Mailing (Certified) Each $4 $23 ($18)
Miscellaneous
Duplicate Receipt Each $9 $36 ($27)
Returned Payment Charge (California Civil Code Section 1719)22 Each $25 $25
Parking
Permit Investigation (non-refundable) Each $23 $36 ($13)
Recreational Vehicle/Oversized Vehicle
Per
Application $22 $90 ($68)
Of the services reviewed through this study all under-recover for the full cost of providing the service. The
largest subsidy relates to ‘Recreation Vehicle / Oversized Vehicle’ at $68, while the smallest subsidy
relates to ‘Permit Investigation (non-refundable)’ at $13.
ANNUAL RESULTS
Given the minimal workload associated with the reviewed services, no annual results were calculated.
22 The total cost associated has been set according to CIV § 1719(a).
REVENUE COLLECTION
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The following sections provide guidance regarding how and where to increase fees, determine annual
update factors, and develop cost recovery policies and procedures.
FEE ADJUSTMENTS
This study has documented and outlined on a fee-by-fee basis where the City is under- and over-
collecting for its fee-related services. City and Department management will now need to review the
study results and adjust fees per Departmental and City philosophies and policies. The following dot
points outline the major options the City has in adjusting its fees:
• Over-Collection: Upon review of the fees that were shown to be over-collecting for costs of services
provided, the City should reduce the current fee to be in line with the full cost of providing the service.
• Full Cost Recovery: For fees that show an under-collection for costs of services provided, the City
may decide to increase the fee to full cost recovery immediately.
• Phased Increase: For fees with significantly low cost recovery levels, or which would have a
significant impact on the community, the City could choose to increase fees gradually over a set
period of time.
The City will need to review the results of the fee study and associated cost recovery levels and
determine how best to adjust fees. While decisions regarding fees that currently show an over-recovery
are straightforward, the following subsections provide further detail on why and how the City should
consider either implementing Full Cost Recovery or a Phased Increase approach to adjusting its fees.
FULL COST RECOVERY
Based on the permit or review type, the City may wish to increase the fee to cover the full cost of
providing services. Certain permits may be close to cost recovery already, and an increase to full cost
may not be significant. Other permits may have a more significant increase associated with full cost
recovery.
Increasing fees associated with permits and services that are already close to full cost recovery can
potentially bring a Department’s overall cost recovery level higher. Often, these minimal increases can
provide necessary revenue to counterbalance fees that cannot be increased.
The City should consider increasing fees for permits for which services are rarely engaged to full cost
recovery. These services often require specific expertise and can involve more complex research and
review due to their infrequent nature. As such, setting these fees at full cost recovery will ensure that
when the permit or review is requested, the City is recovering the full cost of its services.
COST RECOVERY CONSIDERATIONS
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PHASED INCREASES
Depending on current cost recovery levels, some current fees may need to be increased significantly to
comply with established or proposed cost recovery policies. Due to the type of permit or review or the
amount by which a fee needs to be increased, it may be best for the City to use a phased approach to
reaching its cost recovery goals.
As an example, you may have a current fee of $200 with a full cost of $1,000, representing 20% cost
recovery. If the current policy is 80% cost recovery, the current fee would need to increase by $600,
bringing the fee to $800, to comply. Assuming this service is something the City provides quite often and
affects various members of the community, an instant increase of $600 may not be feasible. Therefore,
the City could take a phased approach, whereby it increases the fee annually over a set period until cost
recovery is achieved.
Raising fees over a set period not only allows the City to monitor and control the impact to applicants but
also ensure that applicants have time to adjust to significant increases. Continuing with the example
above, the City could increase the fee by $150 per year for the next four years, spreading out the
increase. Depending on the desired overall increase and the impact to applicants, the City could choose
to vary the number of years by which it chooses to increase fees. However, the project team
recommends that the City not phase increases for periods greater than five years, as that is the
maximum window after which a comprehensive fee assessment should be completed.
ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS
Conducting a comprehensive analysis of fee-related services and costs annually would be quite
cumbersome and costly. The general recommendation is that a comprehensive fee analysis should be
conducted every three to five years. This allows jurisdictions to ensure they account for organizational
changes, such as staffing levels and merit increases, and process efficiencies, code or rule changes, or
technology improvements. Currently, Palo Alto updates their fees annually based on internal cost factors.
Developing annual update mechanisms allows jurisdictions to maintain current levels of cost recovery,
while accounting for increases in staffing or expenditures related to permit services. The two most
common types of update mechanisms are Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Cost of Living Adjustment
(COLA) factors. The following points provide further detail on each of these mechanisms:
• COLA / Personnel Cost Factor: Jurisdictions often provide their staff with annual salary adjustments
to account for increases in local cost of living. These increases are not tied to merit or seniority but
rather meant to offset rising costs associated with housing, gas, and other livability factors.
Sometimes these factors vary depending on the bargaining group of a specific employee. Generally,
these factors are around two or three percent annually.
• CPI / ECI Factor: A common method of increasing fees or cost is to look at regional cost indicators,
such as the Consumer Price Index or Employment Cost Index. These factors are calculated by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics, are put out at various intervals within a year, and are specific to states and
regions.
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The City of Palo Alto should review its current options internally (COLA) as well as externally (CPI / ECI)
to determine which option better reflects the goals of the Departments and the City. If choosing a CPI /
ECI factor, the City should outline which CPI / ECI should be used, including specific region and adoption
date. If choosing an internal factor, the City should be sure to specify which factor if multiple exist.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
This study has identified areas where the City is under-collecting the costs associated with providing
services. This known funding gap is therefore being subsidized by other City revenue sources.
Cost recovery policies and procedures ensure that current and future decision makers understand how
and why fees were determined and set, as well as provide a road map for ensuring consistency when
moving forward. The following subsections outline typical cost recovery levels and discuss the benefits
of reviewing target cost recovery goals and procedures to achieve increased cost recovery.
TYPICAL COST RECOVERY
The Matrix Consulting Group has extensive experience in analyzing local government operations across
the United States and has calculated typical cost recovery ranges. The following table outlines typical
cost recovery ranges by major service area.
TABLE 38: TYPICAL COST RECOVERY RANGES BY MAJOR SERVICE AREA
Service Areas Typical Cost Recovery Ranges
Administration 40-70%
Public Works 80-100%
Parks & Recreation 20-50%
Information presented in the table above is based on the Matrix Consulting Group’s experience in
analyzing local governments’ operations across the United States and within California and reflects
typical cost recovery ranges observed by local adopting authorities.
COST RECOVERY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The City currently has formal cost recovery policies that outline recovery goals based on services and
community impacts. The City should review the results of this study in conjunction with adopted policies
regarding cost recovery and make adjusts to meet current fiscal needs.
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