Flat fee costs are based on either a predetermined amount (a truly flat fee) or a fixed percentage of the value of the proposed work.

For building permits, separate fees are assessed during certain stages of review.
For example, plan check fees (plumbing, electrical, and mechanical) are due when you first submit your permit application. Other flat fees, like for field inspections and records imaging are due before the issuance of approved plans.

Flat fees are typically required when you first submit your application. If we cannot approve your application as proposed, we will work with you towards approval with no additional fees.

Plan check

Services that require reviewing construction-level drawings are charged by hourly rate. Typically the applicant pays a deposit when they submit their application. The hourly rate is billed towards the deposit. The deposit is determined based on the value of the work.

Examples of hourly rate permit applications include:

• Engineering site development
• Final maps
• Improvements plans

Hourly fees are charged after the 3rd round of building division plan review. There may be additional hourly rates for special circumstances related to inspections services.

Development applications and appeals

Hourly rates apply to all development applications and appeals.

Examples include:

• General Plan or Zoning Ordinance amendments
• Use permits
• Subdivisions
• Design review

Discretionary development review

Hourly rates also apply to discretionary review applications, such as rezoning, architectural and site design, and tentative subdivision and parcel maps. These projects typically require services like:

• Environmental analysis
• Report writing
• Significant correspondence and coordination
• Multiple public hearings

Deposits can range from $1,200 for a simple remodel to more than $10,000 for large development projects.

Initial deposits are retainers, not fees. The amount reflects the average amount of time spent to process an application. The staff time will vary based on the complexity of the application.

When you pay a deposit, an account will be set up for the project that will be charged at the hourly rate for staff time. Please notify the City at least 30 days in advance of any:

• Project or entitlement transfers (such as change in ownership)
• Changes to the applicant, owner, or billing contact information

A deposit is not a cap. Aspects may extend the processing time requiring additional costs. Once the costs exceed the deposit amount, you will be billed monthly at the hourly rate.

If the final cost is less than the deposit you will be issued a refund for the unused portion.

Impact fees are charged to new or proposed development projects to pay for all or a portion of the cost to provide public services to the development.

Parkland dedications

This fee is required for all net new residential development. The revenue is used to acquire or improve parkland, open space, and other recreational facilities.

Inclusionary housing

This fee is allowed in-lieu of providing the required affordable units within the project. It is for new residential developments. The generated funds are used solely for the development of affordable units elsewhere in the City.

Commercial linkage

This fee is required for all new commercial floor area of more than 1,000 square feet. The funds are used towards the development of affordable housing.

Parking in-lieu

If approved by the City Council, the fee is assessed to allow deletion of existing parking stalls within the Pedestrian-Retail Zoning District or the payment is made in-lieu of providing on-site vehicle parking stalls. The fees generated are used to offset the capital costs of existing and future public parking facilities.

Public art

See information under Fee Calculations to determine when this fee is applicable.

• The Public Art fee is exempt for 100% affordable housing projects.
• The Public Art fee is required for projects with $500,000.00 valuation or greater. Residential with 6+ units = 1% of construction cost. Sec.10-10.104 See Sec. 501.C3

Traffic impact

This fee is required for all net new residential units and commercial projects where a project increases the overall vehicle trip generation. The funds are used to construct improvements related to parking, and pedestrian, vehicular, and bicycle mobility.

Tree mitigation

If approved by a discretionary body, this fee is used to purchase and install new trees on City lands as an offset to remove otherwise healthy tree(s) on a project site. The fee is equal to the appraised value of the tree(s). For more information, refer to Section 3.-8.04.h.8.

Drainage

This fee is required when development occurs in a County or City drainage district whose drainage systems have been designated for improvement. Consult your project engineer for more details.

CA Department of Fish & Game

This fee is collected by the State for the filing of environmental review documents (CEQA Negative Declarations & Environmental Impact Reports). Consult your project planner for more details.