DATE: March 24, 2025
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City/District Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Sofia Mangalam, Community Development Director
Steve Arnold, Consultant
SUBJECT: Proposed changes to Community Development Department Master Fees and Service Charges Schedule for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026
RECOMMENDATION
Staff seek policy direction from the City Council regarding changes to the Fees and Service Charges for the Community Development Department for FY 2025-2026 budget.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Master Fee Schedule is a document that details fees for services that the city provides to its residents and customers. The Community Development Department recommends amending the Master Fees and Service Charge Schedule, including introducing new fees for various services and revising a few existing fees.
BACKGROUND
California State Law, Government Code 66014(a) , stipulates that certain zoning and permit fees (“user fees”) charged by local agencies “…may not exceed the estimated reasonable cost of providing the service for which the fee is charged”.
User fees recover costs associated with the provision of specific services benefiting the user, thereby reducing the use of General Fund monies for such purposes. In addition to collecting the direct cost of labor and materials associated with processing and administering user services, it is common for local governments to recover support costs.
ANALYSIS
The Community Development Department comprises the following functions/divisions:
1. The Planning/Code Enforcement Division is responsible for long- term planning regarding the growth and development of the City, for reviewing and processing applications for all land use and development proposals, and for maintaining the appearance of the c ommunity. Typical entitlement applications, such as Use Permits, Architectural Reviews, Variances are processed through the Planning Division.
2. The Building Division is responsible for ensuring that all construction projects permitted within the City comply with the California Building Code, the Foster City Municipal Code, and all other applicable codes and regulations. The Building Division oversees permit applications, plan checks, permit issuance, and inspections of construction and development projects to ensure compliance with local and state building codes.
3. The Housing Division administers the City’s housing programs, including monitoring affordable housing units throughout the City, working to create more affordable housing opportunities, and implementing the City’s affordable housing regulations.
4. The Sustainability Division seeks to maintain a healthy environment, including clean air, clean water, and a living area free from pollution, in which resources are used wisely to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
Staff continue to review and evaluate permit fees for all divisions to ensure they remain fair, competitive, and reflective of current costs while offering transparency and fairness to applicants.
BUILDING FEES
In 2023, a User Fee Study was prepared by Willdan Financial Services (Willdan) that included a comprehensive assessment of the reasonable costs associated with each service provided. This evaluation included an in-depth analysis of the time spent on various tasks, such as reviewing plan submittals, conducting inspections, and the administrative work involved in issuing permits (see link for User Fee Study).
It became evident that the process for most permits involves the participation of multiple staff members, each dedicating varying amounts of time - ranging from a few minutes to several hours - to different aspects of the permit process. This multifaceted involvement underscores the complexity and resource- intensiveness of our operations. On April 10, 2023, staff presented three (3) options for building fee increases, including the following:
On April 10, 2023, the City Council, via Minute Order No. 191, directed staff to proceed with option 2, a 45% increase in building fees over three years based on the Building Cost Index (BCI). The increase in building fees will only apply to those fees that need to catch up to the full cost recovery. Subsequently, on May 01, 2023, the City Council approved the revisions to the Master Fee Schedule and approved using the annual BCI to adjust its building fees annually.
Overall Increases for Existing Fees
Based on the annual BCI index for 2024 (see link), the recommended increase for FY 2025- 26 is 2.3%.
New Fees
Certain fees need to be added in order to recover the costs of providing services, as described below:
1. Change of Occupancy: This is a streamlined permit option for processing a Change of Occupancy that does not require a permitted tenant improvement construction project.
This permit authorizes the existing premises to be inspected for minimum health and safety codes in effect at the time of the last permitted tenant improvement project.
Staff recommends charging a fully burdened hourly rate to cover the cost of the staff time spent reviewing/inspecting Change of Occupancy projects. This fee would be included under CDM-01.
Flat fees
To simplify permit processing, streamline plan checks, and expedite permit issuance for the most common residential permit items, such as re- roofs, window replacements, and bathroom and kitchen remodels, the staff is proposing flat fees, as detailed below. This offers transparency and fairness to the applicants. The flat fees include plan checks and processing. However, they do not include state-mandated fees or miscellaneous fees.
2. Residential window replacements: Staff frequently receive building permit applications for window replacements, often for energy upgrades, with no changes to types, sizes, or locations. The permit ensures building code compliance and that the work does not
compromise the structure's integrity or create health and safety issues. Currently, these fees are based on construction valuation provided by the applicant/contractor.
Staff is proposing a flat fee of $485 for this permit type (based on 1.5 hours of inspection time, .25 hours of Plan Check time, and .25 hours of Permit Technician time).
3. Residential door replacements: Staff frequently receive building permit applications for replacement of exterior doors with no changes to sizes or locations. Similar to window replacements, the permit ensures building code compliance and that the work does not compromise the structure's integrity or create health and safety issues. Currently, these fees are based on construction valuation provided by the applicant/contractor.
Staff is proposing a flat fee of $485 for this permit type. (based on 1.5 hours of inspection time, .25 hours of Plan Check time, and .25 hours of Permit Technician’s time).
4. Residential re-roof: This is a standard permit to replace a roof on a single-family home, garage, or townhome. Currently, these fees are based on construction valuation provided by the applicant/contractor.
Staff is proposing a flat fee of $485 (based on 1.5 hours of inspection time, .25 hours of Plan Check time, and .25 hours of Permit Technician’s time).
5. Residential pool demo: This is a standard permit to allow a homeowner to legally demolish or remove an existing single- family or townhome. Currently, these fees are based on construction valuation provided by the applicant/contractor.
Staff is proposing a flat fee of $ 728 (based on 2 hours of inspection time, .5 hours of Plan Check time, and .5 hours of Permit Technician’s time)
6. Residential Electrical vehicle charging stations: This is a standard permit to allow for the installation of an EV charger, most commonly in a garage. The permit ensures that the installation meets all safety, electrical, and building code requirements. Staff also verifies electrical load calculations. Currently, these fees are based on construction valuation provided by the applicant/contractor.
Staff is proposing a flat fee of $485 for this permit type. (based on 1.5 hours of inspection time, .25 hours of Plan Check time, and .25 hours of Permit Technician’s time)
7. Furnace/Water heater Replacement (like for like): This permit allows the replacement of an existing furnace and/or a water heater with a new, more energy -efficient appliance and ensures that the installation complies with local building codes, safety stand ards, and manufacturer installation instructions. Staff also verify electrical load calculations.
Currently, these fees are based on construction valuation provided by the applicant/contractor.
Staff is proposing a flat fee of $485 for this permit type. (based on 1.5 hours of inspection time, .25 hours of Plan Check time, and .25 hours of Permit Technician’s time).
8. Furnace/Water Heater Relocation: This permit allows the relocation of a furnace and/or a water heater to a new location and ensures that any relocation work complies with local building codes, safety standards, and manufacturer installation instructions.
Currently, these fees are based on construction valuation provided by the applicant/contractor.
Staff is proposing a flat fee of $742 (based on 1.75 hours of inspection time, .75 hours of Plan Check time, and .5 hours of Permit Technician’s time). The relocation permit costs more than replacement because it involves reconfiguring gas, water and/or electrical lines; altering ductwork, venting systems, etc., which requires more complicated inspections.
Reorganization of the fees
9. Staff is proposing moving some of the fees into a separate fee item or changing the order for clarity purposes. For example, staff would like to move all the flat fees for building permits to CDB-17 to make it easy to find these fees.
PLANNING FEES
Specific to the Planning Division, the schedule includes fees for planning, zoning, and subdivision activities. In the current Planning Division fee schedule, there are 26-line items (CDP-01 through CDP-26). These fees are either flat fees or deposit-based fees.
Deposit-based fees:
Deposit-based application fees are identified as “Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum Deposit at time of filing” under the applicable fee(s). The planning staff draws against these deposited funds at the staff hourly rates adopted by the City Council for actual time spen t on reviewing the application. The Applicant and/or Property Owner are responsible for any supplemental deposits necessary to cover any costs which were not covered by the initial deposit. If funds remain in the Deposit account at the end of the application review, they are refunded to the Applicant and/or Property Owner. The deposit amount in the fee schedule depends on whether the specific planning action warrants staff -level approval (administrative) or approval from the Planning Commission/City Council and ranges from $500 to $5,000.
Increase the Deposit Amount
1. Appeal
The Foster City Municipal Code allows an applicant or any other person not satisfied with the decision of the planning director and/or planning commission to appeal the decision to the planning commission and/or city council, respectively. The appeal requires significant staff time, including preparing staff reports, presenting them to the
planning commission or city council as applicable, and coordinating with the applicant and appellant. Currently, the master fee schedule sets the deposit to $500 at the time of filing, which only adds up to an average of two (2) hours of a planner. The deposit is misleading as it takes longer to process an appeal.
Staff is recommending an increase in the deposit from $500 (resident/applicant) and $1,000 (non- resident/non-applicant) to $1,000 and $ 1,500 (deposit), respectively, to cover the cost of staff time coordinating with the appellant, drafting a staff report and presenting it to the City Council/Planning Commission, as applicable.
New Fees
2. SB 9 applications
On October 21, 2024, the City Council introduced an Ordinance, adding a new Chapter
17.79, Two-Unit Developments and Urban Lot Splits, to the Foster City Municipal Code.
SB 9 law requires a ministerial review of the following development activities in single- family residential zones, including:
• Two-unit housing development – Two (2) primary dwellings on an eligible single- family residential parcel; and
• Urban lot split - A one-time subdivision of an existing single-family residential parcel into two (2) parcels. This would allow up to four (4) primary units (where a project proposes both a two- unit development and an urban lot split, a jurisdiction can choose to allow only four (4) units total (including ADUs and JADUs).
These applications typically involve detailed reviews to verify that projects meet eligibility criteria and adhere to local object ive design standards. They will need staff time to coordinate with multiple divisions/departments, such as planning, building, engineering, and the San Mateo County Fire Department . In addition, Urban lot Split applications must be reviewed for compliance with zoning and subdivision regulations.
The following are examples of SB 9 application fees charged by a few cities:
a. City of San Carlos: $11,318 fee (see page 8 link
)
b. County of San Mateo: $6,041 SB 9 Subdivision fee (see page 2 link) c. City of Burlingame: $2,212 fee for SB9 (link)
Staff recommends adding two (2) new fees for SB 9 applications as follows:
• SB 9 Two-unit housing development: a $2,000 fee to cover staff time for application intake, initial review, interdepartmental coordination, and compliance verification. • SB 9 Urban lot split, $1,000 Application Fee plus Actual Cost subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit.
3. Permit Extension
On August 5, 2024, the City Council approved an Ordinance amending Section
17.06.180 within Chapter 17.06, “Administration, Construction and Enforcement,” and
Section 17.36.110 within Chapter 17.36, “PD Planned Development Combining District,” of Title 17, “Zoning” of the Foster City Municipal Code to allow extensions to planning entitlements. This amendment provided a mechanism for the City to extend discretionary approval (Architectural Review, Use Permits, Variance, etc.) for two one- year extensions from the original date of expiration, provided that there are no changes to the originally approved permit/project.
Following are examples of “Extension” fees charged by a few cities:
a. City of Belmont: $1,047.03 Extension of permits (page 7, link)
b. City of Burlingame: $917.00 Amendment/Extension of Permits (page 61, link) c. City of South San Francisco: $2,860 Time Extension (page 8, link)
Staff recommends adding the following fees for Extension requests:
• Administrative Extension: A flat fee of $ 1,000 for cost recovery purposes associated with processing permit extension requests, including reviewing the original entitlement, reevaluating conditions of approval, visiting the site (if applicable), and preparing a Notice of Decision.
• Planning Commission Extension: $500 Application fee plus Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,500 Deposit at the time of filing for cost recovery purposes associated with application intake, reviewing the original entitlement, visiting the site (if applicable), and staff report and presentation to the Planning Commission.
4. AB 1332 ADU plans and Pre-Reviewed ADU/JADU Plans
On August 5, 2024, the City Council approved four (4) pre -reviewed designs for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) prepared by the Housing Endowment and Regional Trust of San Mateo County (HEART) for the implementation of the Housing Element program H-D-4-c, “Preapproved ADU/JADU Designs and Expedited Review.”
In addition, in conformance with the provision of Government Coder Section 65852.27, the City Council approved a Pre -Approval Design program for ADUs , through which designers/architects/engineers can submit construction documents for ADUs/JADUs for review.
The following are examples of fees charged by other cities:
• County and City of San Francisco: $956 Per Application Plan Review Fee (link )
Staff recommends charging a fully burdened hourly rate to cover the cost of the staff time spent reviewing ADU/JADU plans.
It shall be noted that as included in the master fee schedule, all the planning fees are subject to annual adjustment to account for annual inflation based on the prior year's annual percentage (%), which is 2.4% for 2024.
Miscellaneous Fees
1. Tobacco Retail Permit Fees:
As per Chapter 8.12 Tobacco Retailer Permit of FCMC, all Tobacco Retailers must obtain and maintain a valid Tobacco Retailer Permit for each retail location and ensure the permit is renewed annually before expiration. Section 8.12.080 requires one (1) compliance check to be conducted every 12 months and notes that the costs of said compliance inspection shall be included in the permit fees.
The following are examples of penalty fees charged by a few cities:
a. County of San Mateo: $672 annual fee. The new sales application fee is waived to businesses already in operation when the county or city adopts the ordinance because the business is grandfathered in. However, if there are delays in applying for a permit with the County, the business may lose its eligibility to be grandfathered in a nd may be evaluated as a new business, subject to the one- time $249 application fee. (link to Tobacco Retailer Permit program )
b. City of El Cerrito: $523.49 per location (link to Tobacco Retailers License) c. City of Emeryville: $367 (link).
Staff recommends adding a new fee of $400 per year for the Tobacco Retailer Permit to cover the cost of processing the permit application for new applicants and yearly renewal (1 hour of Administrative Assistant), and compliance check inspection (1 to 1.5 hours of inspection by a Code Enforcement Officer).
Attachment 1 summarizes the proposed changes to the FY 202 5-26 Master Fees and Service Charges Schedule for the Building and Planning Division s under the Community Development Department.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
This action is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (general rule for projects that have no direct or reasonably foreseeably indirect physical change to the environment).
FISCAL IMPACT
The amended changes to the FY 2025-2026 Master Fees Schedule for the Community Development Department will allow the City to more efficiently recover costs for materials and staff times associated with specific projects.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Smart Planning, Development, and the Local Economy
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Revisions to Master Fee Schedule for Community Development Department
REF. NO. REVENUE TITLE FY 2024-25 Proposed Fees FY 2025-26 Community Development
CDB-01 Plan Checking Fees
1st Plan Check 70% of building fee 70% of building fee
2nd Plan Check No additional cost No additional cost
3rd and following Actual Cost Actual Cost
Express Plan Check Additional 50% of regular plan checking fee except for minor projects like ADUs, JADUs, solar, and electrical charging stations Additional 50% of regular plan checking fee except for minor projects like ADUs, JADUs, solar, and electrical charging stations
CDB-02 Building Permit Fees (Based on valuation)
A) $1 to 500 $64.34 $65.82
B) $501 to 2,000 $64.34 for the first $500,
+ $8.10 for each additional $100 or
fraction thereof, to and including $2,000
$65.82 for the first $500,
+ $8.29 for each additional $100 or
fraction thereof, to and including $2,000
C) $2,001 to 25,000 $191.92 for the first $2,000,
+ $38.68 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof, to and including $25,000
$196.33 for the first $2,000,
+ $39.57 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof, to and including $25,000
D) $25,001 to 50,000 $1,087.25 for the first $25,000,
+ $26.92 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof, to and including $50,000
$1,112.26 for the first $25,000,
+ $27.54 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof, to and including $50,000
E) $50,001 to 100,000 $1,765.86 for the first $50,000,
+ $19.12 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof, to and including $100,000
$1,806.47 for the first $50,000,
+ $19.56 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof, to and including $100,000
F) $100,001 to 500,000 $2,743.21 for the first $100,000, + $15.03 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof, to and including $500,000
$2,806.30 for the first $100,000,
+ $15.38 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof, to and including $500,000
G) $500,001 to 1,000,000 $8,887.47 for the first $500,000, + $12.95 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000
$9,091.88 for the first $500,000,
+ $13.25 for each additional $1,000 or
fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000
H) $1,000,000+ and up $15,458.64 for the first $1,000,000, + $7.66 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
$15,814.19 for the first $1,000,000,
+ $7.84 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
I) Solar (Photovoltaic) Panels Exempt from Building Permit Fees. Move to CBD-17 J) Kitchen Remodel Building Permit Fee - Flat Rate $480.14 Move to CBD-17 K) Single Bathroom Remodel Building Permit Fee Flat Rate $384.66 Move to CBD-17 CDB-03 General Plan and Title 15 Building and Title 17 Zoning Ordinance Maintenance Fees 1) $1 to $500 No Fee No Fee
2) Accessory Dwelling Units No Fee No Fee
3) Affordable Housing Projects that are 100% income restricted No Fee No Fee 4) $501 and up 0.50% of the application value above $500 0.50% of the application value above $500 City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District Proposed Master Fees & Service Charges Schedule
Fiscal Year 2025-26
REF. NO. REVENUE TITLE FY 2024-25 Proposed Fees FY 2025-26 City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District Proposed Master Fees & Service Charges Schedule
Fiscal Year 2025-26
CDB-04 Plumbing Permit Fees
Per Unit Fee Schedule (Plumbing)
1. Plumbing Permit Issuance Fee $112.52 $115.11
2. Plumbing Supplemental Permit Issuance Fee (per application) $112.52 $115.11
3. For each trap $28.82 $29.48
4. For each building sewer system $62.02 $63.45
5. For each building water system $28.82 $29.48
6. For each rainwater system per drain $28.82 $29.48
7. For each water heater or vent $28.82 $29.48
8. For each gas piping system (1-5 outlets) $4.54 $4.64
9. For each gas outlet over 5 (per outlet) $4.54 $4.64
10. For each interceptor or grease trap $28.82 $29.48
11. For each repair to a water system $28.82 $29.48
12. For each repair to a drain/vent $28.82 $29.48
13. For each check/backflow (2" or smaller) $28.82 $29.48
14. For each check/backflow (over 2") $62.02 $63.45
15. For each vacuum breaker (1-5) $20.18 $20.64
16. For each vacuum breaker over 5 $4.54 $4.64
17. For fire sprinkler systems $16.02 $16.39
18. For medical gas piping system $208.29 $213.08
19. For each medical gas outlet $20.18 $20.64
20. For graywater system $165.35 $169.15
21. For Plumbing per valuation $14.28 per each $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof $14.61 per each $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof CDB-05 Mechanical Permit Fees
Per Unit Fee Schedule (Mechanical)
1. Mechanical Permit Issuance Fee $112.52 $115.11
2. Mechanical Supplement Permit Issuance Fee (per application) $112.52 $115.11
3. For each furnace/heat pump to 100,000 BTU $61.37 $62.78
4. For each furnace/heat pump over 100,000 BTU $75.26 $76.99
5. For each floor furnace $61.37 $62.78
6. For each suspended or wall furnace $61.37 $62.78
7. For each appliance vent $29.48 $30.16
8. For repair to a heating or cooling appliance. $55.73 $57.01
9. For each boiler/comp. to 100,000 BTU (3hp) $60.60 $61.99
10. For each boiler/comp. over 100,000 BTU (15hp) $112.95 $115.55
11. For each boiler/comp. over 500,000 BTU (30hp) $153.98 $157.52
12. For each boiler/comp. over 1,000,000 BTU (50hp) $170.76 $174.69
13. For each boiler/comp. over 1,750,000 BTU (over 50 hp) $170.76 $174.69
14. For each AC unit up to 10,000 CFM $43.76 $44.77
15. For each AC unit over 10,000 CFM $74.88 $76.60
16. For each single duct vent fan $29.48 $30.16
17. For each ventilation system $43.76 $44.77
18. For each hood $43.76 $44.77
19. For each domestic type incinerator $75.26 $76.99
20. For each commercial type incinerator $60.17 $61.55
21. For any other appliance $43.76 $44.77
22. Fireplace Inserts $42.93 $43.92
23. Freestanding Stove $42.93 $43.92
24. For Mechanical per valuation $14.28 per each $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof $14.61 per each $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof REF. NO. REVENUE TITLE FY 2024-25 Proposed Fees FY 2025-26 City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District Proposed Master Fees & Service Charges Schedule
Fiscal Year 2025-26
CDB-06 Electrical Permit Fees
Per Unit Fee Schedule (Electrical)
1. Permit Issuance Fee $112.52 $115.11
2. Supplement Permit Issuance Fee $112.52 $115.11
3. For each receptacle/switch/fixture $2.93 $3.00
4. For each circuit $2.93 $3.00
5. For each fixed electrical appliance $12.40 $12.69
6. For each new service to 200 amps $76.63 $78.39
7. For each new service 200 to 1,000 amps $155.45 $159.03
8. For each service upgrade 0 to 1,000 amps $103.71 $106.10
9. For each service upgrade over 1,000 amps $170.76 $174.69
10. For each additional meter $1.70 $1.74
11. For each temporary power pole $62.02 $63.45
12. For each circuit for a sign $62.02 $63.45
13. For each sub-panel $45.61 $46.66
14. For each pool/spa/hot-tub $62.08 $63.51
15. For each electric water heater $12.36 $12.64
16. For each electric heater $12.36 $12.64
17. For each motor 0 to 1 HP $12.36 $12.64
18. For each motor 2 to 10 HP $30.85 $31.56
19. For each motor 11 to 50 HP $62.08 $63.51
20. For each motor 51 to 100 HP $124.27 $127.13
21. For low voltage/wireless per $100 val. $12.36 $12.64
22. For each busway $12.36 $12.64
23. For each miscellaneous $30.85 $31.56
24. For Electrical per val. $14.28 per each $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof $14.61 per each $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof CDB-07 Penalty Fee - Building Division
a. R-1
permit applied* within 10 days - $376 processing fee
permit applied* 11-30 days-$376 processing fee + 100% permit fee permit applied* after 30 days-$376 processing fee + 200% permit fee permit applied* within 10 days - $384.65 processing fee permit applied* 11-30 days-$384.65 processing fee + 100% permit fee permit applied* after 30 days-$384.65 processing fee + 200% permit fee b. Others
permit applied* within 10 days - $753 processing fee
permit applied* 10-30 days - $753 processing fee + 100% permit fee permit applied* after 30 days - $753 processing fee + 200% permit fee
permit applied* within 10 days - $770.32 processing fee permit applied* 10-30 days - $770.32 processing fee + 100% permit fee permit applied* after 30 days - $770.32 processing fee + 200% permit fee CDB-08 Digitizing Processing Fee $4.41/Plan Sheet $4.51/Plan Sheet $2.23 /Document Sheet (Less than 8 1/2" x 14") $2.28 /Document Sheet (Less than 8 1/2" x 14") CDB-09 Administrative Fee $15.90 Min. (or Actual Cost*) $16.27 Min. (or Actual Cost*) CDB-10 Technology Fee $5.25 per application + $.87 per each $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof
$5.37 per application + $.89 per each $1,000 in valuation or fraction thereof REF. NO. REVENUE TITLE FY 2024-25 Proposed Fees FY 2025-26 City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District Proposed Master Fees & Service Charges Schedule
Fiscal Year 2025-26
CDB-11 Permit Processing Fee $58.87 $60.22
CDB-12 Alternate Method and Material Request (AMMR) Actal Cost Actal Cost CDB-13 New Address Actal Cost Actal Cost
CDB-14 Permit Extension $156.00 $159.58
CDB-15 Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) Request Actal Cost Actal Cost CDB-16 Revision to approved construction plans Reviews Actal Cost Actal Cost CDB-17 (NEW) Flat fees for Minor Residential projects
1. Furnace/Water Heater Relocation Based on valuation $748.00
2. Kitchen Remodel (Formely CDB-02 J) $480.14 $491.18
3. Residential door replacements Based on valuation $485.00
4. Residential Electrical vehicle charging stations (Single-family and Townhomes)
Based on valuation $485.00
5. Residential pool demo Based on valuation $728.00
6. Residential re-roof Based on valuation $485.00
7. Residential window replacements Based on valuation $485.00
8. Single Bathroom Remodel (Formely CDB-02 K) $384.66 $393.51
9. Solar (Photovoltaic) Panels (Formely CDB-02 I) Exempt from Building Permit Fees. Exempt from Building Permit Fees.
CDM-01 Miscellaneous Fees
1. Reinspection Fee Actual Cost Actual Cost
2. After hours inspections / inspections outside of normal hours Actual overtime cost, including overhead, 4 hour minimum Actual overtime cost, including overhead, 4 hour minimum
3. Strong Motion Instrumentation and Seismic Hazard Mapping FeePer state of California Department of Conservation latest edition 2004 fees:
Category 1 Construction (all Residential under 3 stories): $13.00 per $100,000 permit valuation;
Category 2 Construction (Residential over 3 stories, all Commercial):
$28.00 per $100,000 permit valuation
Per state of California Department of Conservation latest edition 2004 fees:
Category 1 Construction (all Residential under 3 stories): $13.00 per $100,000 permit valuation;
Category 2 Construction (Residential over 3 stories, all Commercial): $28.00 per $100,000 permit valuation
Required deposit: $50.00 per ton of debris estimated to be generated by project.
Required deposit: $50.00 per ton of debris estimated to be generated by project.
All Projects: If calculation is less than $1,000, then minimum deposit is $1,000.
All Projects: If calculation is less than $1,000, then minimum deposit is $1,000.
Residential Projects: If calculation exceeds $10,000, then $10,000 is the maximum deposit.
Residential Projects: If calculation exceeds $10,000, then $10,000 is the maximum deposit.
Commercial Projects: If calculation exceeds $30,000, then $30,000 is the maximum deposit.
Commercial Projects: If calculation exceeds $30,000, then $30,000 is the maximum deposit.
5. Request for author's release of plans. $40.39 base fee $41.32 base fee
6. Building Standards Administration Special Revolving Fund (Green Fee)Per current state of California-State and Consumer Services Agency- Building Standards Commission valuation schedule
Per current state of California-State and Consumer Services Agency-Building Standards Commission valuation schedule
7. C&D Application Fee
a. C&D Application Fee - Roof $159.20 $162.86
b. C&D Application Fee - Others $446.18 $456.44
(NEW) 8. Change of Occupancy N/A Actual Cost
Note for Building Fees
4. Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Deposit. Note: A pro-rata deposit refund is made for diversion rates less than required by ordinance.
These fees are subject to annual adjustment to account for annual inflation based on prior year annual % (i.e. FY 24-25 increase will be based on 2023 Annual %) construction cost data from the Building Cost Index (BCI) published by the California Department of General Services, Real Estate Services Division.
REF. NO. REVENUE TITLE FY 2024-25 Proposed Fees FY 2025-26 City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District Proposed Master Fees & Service Charges Schedule
Fiscal Year 2025-26
CDH-01 BMR Housing Fees - Monitoring Fees Annual monitoring fee of $72 per unit per year for the term of affordability with reasonable periodic increases for BMR units of affordable housing development agreements starting 7/1/2024.
Annual monitoring fee of $73.73 per unit per year for the term of affordability with reasonable periodic increases for BMR units of affordable housing development agreements starting 7/1/2024.
CDH-02 BMR Housing Fees -Compliance Fees $500 per incident (approximately two hours of staff time), plus the actual cost of City Attorney time.
$512 per incident (approximately two hours of staff time), plus the actual cost of City Attorney time.
CDP-01 Preliminary Project Review Fees
a. City Council/Planning Commission Review Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $2,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $2,000 Deposit at time of filing b. Staff Review Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,000 Deposit at time of filing CDP-02 General Plan Amendment Fees Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 Deposit at time of filing CDP-03 Variance Fees Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $2,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $2,000 Deposit at time of filing CDP-04 Zoning Text/Map Amendment Fees Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 Deposit at time of filing CDP-05 Use Permit Modification Fees
a. Administrative Minor Use Permit Modification (e.g. paint change, landscape modifications, prototype amendments and other improvements per Section
17.06.030 of Title 17 Zoning of Foster City Municipal Code) Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $500 Deposit at time of filing b. Administrative Major Use Permit Modification (e.g. Façade and site improvements)
Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $3,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $3,000 Deposit at time of filing c. Planning Commission/City Council Use Permit Modification (e.g. Use Permit list, facade upgrades to existing commercial/office buildings) Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 Deposit at time of filing CDP-06 Use Permit Fees
a. Administrative Use Permit (e.g. changes to existing wireless facility) Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $750 Deposit at time of filing b. Planning Commission/City Council Use Permit (e.g. Residential Additions to Waterfront properties, Conditional Use Permits, new wireless facility) Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 Deposit at time of filing c. Use Permit accompanying Specific Development Plan per Section
17.36.050 Title 17 Zoning of Foster City Municipal Code Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 Deposit at time of filing d. Density Bonus Fees per Section 17.86.040 of Title 17 Zoning of Foster City Municipal Code
Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $500 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $500 Deposit at time of filing CDP-07 Architectural Review Fees (Excluding Solar Panels, which are exempt) a. Administrative Minor Architectural Review (e.g. windows, decks, fences, front yard paving, skylights, accessory structures)
Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $750 Deposit at time of filing b. Administrative Major Architectural Review (e.g. additions to non-water front homes or residential additions less than 400 SF)
Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $2,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $2,000 Deposit at time of filing c. Planning Commission Architectural Review per Section 2.28.100 of Title 2 of the Foster City Municipal Code
Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 deposit at time of filing CDP-08 Sign Review (Note 1)
a. Administrative Sign Permit $351.55 $359.99
b. Planning Commission Review/Sign Use Permit Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,500 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,500 Deposit at time of filing c. Temporary/Promotional/Public Convenience Sign Review $117.11 $119.92 Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $750 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $750 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $500 Deposit at time of filing REF. NO. REVENUE TITLE FY 2024-25 Proposed Fees FY 2025-26 City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District Proposed Master Fees & Service Charges Schedule
Fiscal Year 2025-26
CDP-08 B Signage violations (each day in which an illegal condition continues is a single violation and each subsequent day such illegal condition continues is a new and separate offense)
First Violation Not exceeding $100 Not exceeding $100
Second violation of the same provision within one year Not exceeding $200 for a second violation of the same provision within one year
Not exceeding $200 for a second violation of the same provision within one year Third or subsequent violation of the same provision within one year Not exceeding $500 for a third or subsequent violation of the same provision within one year
Not exceeding $500 for a third or subsequent violation of the same provision within one year
CDP-09 Appeal Fees
a. Appeal by Resident / Applicant Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $500 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,000 Deposit at time of filing b. Appeal by Non-Resident / Non-Applicant Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,500 Deposit at time of filing CDP-10 Request for Planning Commission Interpretation Fees Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,000 Deposit at time of filing CDP-11 Environmental Assessment Fees Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $1,000 Deposit at time of filing CDP-12 Environmental Impact Report Fees Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $10,000 Deposit at time of filing Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum $10,000 Deposit at time of filing CDP-13 Zoning Compliance Letter Actual cost* Subject to a minimum $500 initial deposit Actual cost* Subject to a minimum $500 initial deposit CDP-14 Development Agreement Actual cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 initial deposit Actual cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 initial deposit CDP-15 Disposition and Development Agreement Actual cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 initial deposit Actual cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 initial deposit CDP-16 Owner Participation Agreement Actual cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 initial deposit Actual cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 initial deposit CDP-17 Subdivision Map Fees
a. Tentative Subdivision Map Fees $831 Application Fee plus Actual Cost subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit*
$850.94 Application Fee plus Actual Cost
subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit*
b. Tentative Parcel Map Fees $831 Application Fee plus Actual Cost subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit*
$850.94 Application Fee plus Actual Cost
subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit*
c. Tentative Subdivision or Parcel Map Revision Fees $831 Application Fee plus Actual Cost subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit*
$850.94 Application Fee plus Actual Cost
subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit*
d. Tentative Subdivision or Parcel Map Extension Fees $831 Application Fee plus Actual Cost subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit*
$850.94 Application Fee plus Actual Cost
subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit*
e. Lot Line Adjustment Fee $488 Application Fee plus Actual Cost subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit*
$499.71 Application Fee plus Actual Cost
subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit*
f. Third Party Reviews (NEW) Actual cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 initial deposit Actual cost* Subject to a minimum $5,000 initial deposit CDP-18 Temporary Use Permit
- Minor Events/Use (as determined by the Director of Community Development Services) including shopping center promotional events; outdoor sales by individual stores within shopping centers; parking lot sales/fairs; outdoor exhibits or open displays; special small scale events sponsored by religious institutions or their supporting clubs, schools or school organizations and clubs or civic groups and clubs
Exempt Exempt
- Major Events/Uses (as determined by the Community Development Director) including commercial operations by other than civic, school or religious organizations, clubs and institutions
$293.43 (or Actual Cost*) $300.47 (or Actual Cost*)
REF. NO. REVENUE TITLE FY 2024-25 Proposed Fees FY 2025-26 City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District Proposed Master Fees & Service Charges Schedule
Fiscal Year 2025-26
CDP-19 Code Enforcement
a. 1st Inspection and/or 1st Letter $0.00 $0.00
b. 2nd Inspection and/or 2nd Letter, and each additional inspection / letter thereafter
$246.24, plus actual cost of City Attorney time, until compliance is achieved and when staff is able to recover the associated costs. $252.15, plus actual cost of City Attorney time, until compliance is achieved and when staff is able to recover the associated costs.
CDP-20 Penalty Fee - Planning Division (per Section 17.06.175 of Title 17 of the Municipal Code) a. R-1 $341.65 penalty processing fee; Deposit of twice the standard time and materials costs, against which 200% of the actual processing fees will be applied.
$349.85 penalty processing fee; Deposit of twice the standard time and materials costs, against which 200% of the actual processing fees will be applied. b. Others $799.30 penalty processing fee; Deposit of twice the standard time and materials costs, against which 200% of the actual processing fees will be applied.
$818.48 penalty processing fee; Deposit of twice the standard time and materials costs, against which 200% of the actual processing fees will be applied.
CDP-21 Photography / Filming Temporary Use Permit Processing Fee $384.31 $393.53 CDP-22 Interdepartmental Evaluation Committee Review of Proposals by Persons, Businesses and Organizations Located Outside of Foster City (Excluding Land Use and Photography / Filming Temporary Use Permit see CDP-21 above)
$363.20 $371.92
CDP-23 Annual Wireless Facilities Site License (Per Site) Per License Agreement Per License Agreement CDP-24 Sidewalk Vending Permit Fee (one year permit) $100.00 $100.00 CDP-25
(i) first violation. $250.00 $250.00
(ii) second violation within one year of the first violation. $500.00 $500.00 (iii) third violation and each subsequent violation, within one year of the first violation.
$1,000.00 $1,000.00
CDP-26
(i) first violation. $100.00 $100.00
(ii) second violation within one year of the first violation. $200.00 $200.00 (iii) third violation within one year of the first violation $500.00 $500.00 (iv) An administrative fine of five hundred and no/100ths ($500.00) dollars for a fourth and each subsequent violation, and revocation of the vending permit. Revocation proceedings will be conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the city. $500.00 $500.00
Upon proof of a valid permit issued by the City before such fines are due, the city would reduce the amount of the fines to one hundred and no/100ths ($100.00) dollars for the first violation, two hundred and no/100ths ($200.00) dollars for the second violation, and five hundred and no/100ths ($500.00) dollars for each violation thereafter.
All fines shall be assessed and imposed in accordance with Section 12.44.100 of the Foster City Municipal Code Sidewalk Vending Administrative Fines
For vending without a valid vending permit the following fines shall be applicable:
For all violations of Foster City Municipal Code Chapter 12.44 other than vending without a valid vending permit as outlined above:
REF. NO. REVENUE TITLE FY 2024-25 Proposed Fees FY 2025-26 City of Foster City/Estero Municipal Improvement District Proposed Master Fees & Service Charges Schedule
Fiscal Year 2025-26
CDP-27 (NEW)
Two-unit housing development N/A $2,000.00
Urban lot split N/A $1,000 Application Fee plus Actual Cost subject to a minimum $10,000 initial deposit.
CDP-28 (NEW) AB 1332 ADU plans and Pre-Reviewed ADU/JADU Plans N/A Staff recommends charging a fully burdened hourly rate to cover the cost of the staff time spent reviewing ADU/JADU plans.
CDP-29 (NEW) Permit Extension
Administrative Extension N/A $1,000.00
Planning Commission Extension N/A$500 Application Fee plus Actual Cost subject to a minimum $1,500 initial deposit.
CDP-30 (NEW) Tobacco Retail Permit Fees N/A $400 per year Note: 1
FOOTNOTE:
EIR and other technical consultant contracts for a project shall be paid in full by the applicant.
The penalty fee for sign installed prior to obtaining a sign permit shall be double the normal fee. Signs erected by nonprofit and community interest groups, senior clubs and organizations deemed "similar" by the Community Development Director shall be exempt from the payment of sign permit application fees. •Deposit-based fees:
Deposit-based application fees are identified as “Actual Cost* Subject to a minimum Deposit at time of filing” under the applicable fee(s). The planning staff draws against these deposited funds at the staff hourly rates adopted by the City Council for actual time spent on the review of the application. The Applicant and/or Property Owner are responsible for any supplemental deposits necessary to cover any costs which were not covered by the initial deposit. If there are funds remaining in the Deposit account at the end of the review of the application, the funds are refunded to the Applicant and/or Property Owner. The deposit amount in the fee schedule depends on whether the specific planning action warrants staff-level approval (administrative) or approval from Planning Commission/City Council and ranges from $500 to $10,000.
SB 9 Applications
Proposals designed and located in strict conformance with approved residential development design prototypical guidelines for property improvements in the specific subdivision shall be charged 1/2 of the usual fee for such improvements.
Initial fees paid at the time of project submittal for all project categories without deposit are considered minimum fees which are not refundable. Initial fees paid for project categories with deposits may be refunded in part, depending upon the amount of staff time and reimbursable expenditures expended on the project as determined by the Director of Community Development. * "Actual Cost" is time and materials, including all direct and indirect overhead costs. "Actual Cost" billing begins after the initial fee payment amount is exceeded by direct and/or indirect costs. "Actual Cost" is charged against the required deposit.
All the fees are subject to annual adjustment to account for annual inflation based on the prior year annual percentage (%). Upon approval, these new and revised fees will be in effect in 60 days.
For work requiring an Outside Consultant, the City will be reimbursed at the rate of the consultant plus 15% for administration.
When the account balance goes negative, the request to replenish funds shall be paid in full by the applicant within five (5) business days. If the payment is not paid in full, the project will be put on hold.