Finance Committee Agenda and Packet 2021 04 19

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SUBJECT: BUILDING PERMIT FEE REVIEW DATE: AUGUST 7, 2018 Paqe 6 of 13 DISCUSSION: The estimated annual cost for the Building Safety program at $1.22 million annually is in alignment with revenue trends from the last five years, which ranges from $1.03 million to 1.48 million, with an average of $1.25 million. Utilization of consultants to provide supplemental plan review and inspection services will help to ensure that as workloads increase or decrease, that department costs will also adjust commensurate with permit and plan review fee revenue. When compared to surrounding jurisdictions, the City's fee schedule appears to also be within the ranges seen in other communities. As the City transitions into paperless permitting and online access to permitting services over the next year, staff anticipates some additional ongoing costs and staff time to implement and maintain these new systems. Although there are additional costs, staff expects that the paperless permitting system and expanded online services will improve customer service and staff efficiency. If current fees are found to not adequately cover the costs for these services, the City could consider the adoption of a technology fee as Boulder County has done (ranging between $10 and $50 per permit depending on valuation). FISCAL IMPACT: Current permit fees appear to cover and are aligned with associated costs for administering the program. Based on current operation of the Building Safety program and associated fees, there is no fiscal impact to the City. PROGRAM/SUB-PROGRAM IMPACT: Development Review is a subprogram of the Community Design program. The Development Review Subprogram encompasses both planning reviews (e.g., Planning Unit Developments, Special Review Uses, General Development Plans, and Subdivision Plats) and building permit administration. This analysis does not include planning review, as the scope of services and cost allocations will vary significantly between planning review and building permit administration. Community Design Program Goal: Sustain an inclusive, family -friendly community with a small-town atmosphere; effective and efficient building services; and effective preservation of the City's historic structures through a voluntary system. Development Review Subprogram Objective. - Review development applications and enforce the building, zoning and subdivision laws of the city to promote public health, safety, comfort, convenience, prosperity, general welfare and consumer protection. This analysis will ensure the City is meeting the Community Design Program Goal of ensuring affective and efficient building services. CITY COUNCIL COMMUNICATION 256 12