2025
-
26 Master Fee Schedule
June 3, 2025
City Council
Background:
January 22, 1992 October 3, 2006 Every Fiscal Year
City Council
adopted Resolution
No. 12191
City Council approved
Resolution No. 14027,
Amending MFS 12191
The MFS is increased by the
Consumer Price Index (CPI) or
California Construction Cost
Index (CCCI)
Master Fee Schedule 101
Allows fee increases
based on CPI up to a
5% maximum
Allows PBT, PW & Fire
Fees to reach 100%
cost recovery
Current CPI = 2.7%
Current CCCI = 5.1%
Recommendation: Adopt the proposed Master Fee Schedule to keep City fees market-aligned and sustain essential services amid rising costs.
Library Fees
• Eliminated lost library card fee to
reduce the burden on low-income
patrons
• Removed the processing fee for
lost/damaged items
• Added replacement fees for lost
laptop equipment/accessories
Police
Department
Fees
• Carry Concealed Weapons (CCW)
Permit
New application $ 400
20 hours = background investigation
4 hours = inspection/processing
Renewal $ 200
2.5 hours = inspection/processing
• Changing production reports and
microfilm fees to a flat rate
Planning Fees
• Planning fees increase by an average of 0.7% to
reflect updated developer deposits.
• New Planning fee categories introduced to
comply with state housing laws (e.g., SB 35, SB
330).
• Technology Fee increased from 5% to 6% to
support digital permitting tools and future
system replacement.
• Overall adjustment: 0.4% fee increase in addition
to the 2.7% CPI.
• Fees remain mid-range compared to nearby cities
per the 2024 fee study.
Building Fees
• Building permit fees decrease by 0.3% overall, but
with more detailed, tiered categories based on
project complexity.
• Home improvement fees (e.g., retrofits, remodels)
are reduced to reflect actual staff time and
promote upgrades.
• New MEP inspection fees added for residential and
commercial projects.
Code
Enforcement
Fees
Unpermitted Work: Replaced the discontinued 4x
multiplier with hourly cost-based fees
Non-Construction Violations: General Fund to subsidize
~35% of enforcement costs (e.g., noise, signage)
Vacant Property Fee: New $2,906/year fee for vacant
buildings to support blight monitoring
Tobacco License: New $981/year fee for tobacco
retailers to cover enforcement and inspections
Fire
Prevention
Fees
• Goal: Achieve full cost recovery in 7 years while
maintaining accessible, compliant, and equitable
services.
• Construction & Inspection Fees: Increased to meet
100% cost recovery; annual/biannual inspections
capped at 55%, and 11–20 unit residential/business
inspections raised to 30% recovery.
• New Rates:
Business inspection fee set at $235, residential (11–20 units) at $404.
• Fee Adjustment: Non-EMS fees increased
by 9.12% (includes 2.7% CPI and 6.42% catch-up).
Fire EMS Fees
• EMS Billing Reform: First Responder
Fee consolidated into a bundled
transport rate ($4,953.89 base +
other charges) to comply
with AB716.
• Equity Policies: EMS services
remain free under specific
conditions (e.g., assist-only calls,
DOA, crime victims).
How does
Alameda
Compare?
• Fire Department Comparison agencies:
• Oakland, San Ramon, San Jose, San Leandro,
Fremont, among others…
• Reasonable attempt to compare readily
available information
• Caveats:
• Differing cost recovery policies or procedures
• Varied terminology for the provision of
similar services
• Basis of fees and policy goals differ among
jurisdictions
Public Works
Fees
• Parking Citations:
• $75 for parking in bike lanes
(CVC 21209)
• $45 for unauthorized use of EV parking
(AMC 8-8.9)
• $40 for parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk
(CVC 22500(n)(1)(A))
• Meter Fee Removal:
Daily meter fees removed from the MFS;
rate changes managed administratively
per AMC 12-4.4 to support parking
occupancy goals.
All others
• Alameda Recreation & Parks Department
(ARPD) fees are not being revised. These will
be revised in December 2025.
• Special Event permit fees have been
adjusted by 2.7% CPI.
• Affordable Housing Fees increased by April
CPI of 1.3%.
Recommendation
Adopt the proposed Master Fee Schedule to
keep City fees aligned with the market,
allowing us to:
• Manage inflation and rising costs
• Continue to provide essential services.
Next Steps:
February - May June 3, 2025 July 1, 2025
Review
Draft/Public
Workshops
City Council
Adoption Hearing
Effective Date
for New Fees
(30 days after)
Adopt the proposed 2025-26 Master Fee Schedule