HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso - CC - 064-2024RESOLUTION NO. 064-2024
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BURLINGAME AMENDING THE CITY USER FEE COST
RECOVERY POLICY
WHEREAS, the City of Burlingame has the authority to revise fee charges for providing
any product, service, or enforcement of various regulations under the general laws of the State of
California, including Government Code Sections 54985 et seq. and 66010 et seq.; and
WHEREAS, in order to ensure that the cost of such services and facilities is borne by the
users of said services and facilities in a fair and equitable manner, the City periodically adjusts
the fees for services and facility use to ensure that the fees charged reflect the actual costs to the
City and the City’s taxpayers in providing those services and facilities; and
WHEREAS, a User Fee Cost Recovery Policy provides a guideline for setting fees relative to
the full costs of service; and
WHEREAS, the policy establishes and articulates the rationale for various levels of cost
recovery for different services; and
WHEREAS, the User Fee Cost Recovery Policy for the City of Burlingame should be
reviewed annually, to serve as the foundation for updates to the City’s Master Fee Schedule, and to
ensure that the policy remains current with government financial best practices; and
WHEREAS, as part of the User Fee study process, the City updated the User Fee Cost
Recovery Policy accordingly.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
The Amended User Fee Cost Recovery Policy as shown on the attached Exhibit A is
hereby adopted.
Donna Colson, Mayor
I, Meaghan Hassel-Shearer, City Clerk of the City of Burlingame, hereby certify that the
foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the
Burlingame City Council held on the 6th day of May, 2024, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers:BEACH,BROWNRIGG,COLSON,PAPPAJOHN,STEVENSON
Councilmembers:NONE
Councilmembers:NONE
Meaghan Hassel-Shearer, City Clerk
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Purpose:
A clear User Fee Cost Recovery Policy will allow the City of Burlingame to provide an ongoing, sound basis
for setting fees that allows charges and fees to be periodically reviewed and updated based on
predetermined, researched and supportable criteria that can be made available to the public.
Background:
The City Council has traditionally approved a Master Fee Schedule as part of the budget process. City
user fees are adjusted to reflect the annual increase in costs that are adopted for the ensuing budget
year. The fee adjustments are not automatic. They require an annual review and approval by the City
Council. An annual review and update ensures that fees reflect current costs to provide services, allows
the addition of fees when applicable for new City services, and provides for the elimination of fees for
discontinued services.
A City‐wide Cost Allocation Plan provides a methodology for data‐based distribution of administrative and
other overhead charges to programs and services. A Cost of Services Study allows the determination of
the full cost of providing each service for which a fee is charged, and lays the final groundwork needed for
development of a values‐based and data‐driven User Fee Cost Recovery Policy. The most recent Cost
Allocation Plan and Cost of Services Study was completed in April 2204. Comments and direction from
the Master Fee Schedule Updates subsequent to the study were used to prepare this Fiscal Policy.
Policy:
The policy has three main components:
Provision for ongoing review
Process of establishing cost recovery levels
o Factors to be Considered
Target Cost Recovery Levels
o Parks and Recreation Programs
o Development Review Programs
o Public Works Services
o Public Safety Services
o Library
o Administrative Services
Provision for ongoing review
Fees will be reviewed at least annually in order to keep pace with changes in the cost of living and
methods or levels of service delivery. In order to facilitate a fact‐based approach to this review, a
comprehensive analysis of the city's costs and fees should be made every five to eight years. In the
interim, fees will be adjusted by annual cost factors reflected in the appropriate program's operating
budget, or by referencing the Consumer Price Index (CPI‐U), San Francisco Area for the month of
February of the current fiscal year.
Process of establishing user fee cost recovery levels
The following factors will be considered when setting service fees and cost recovery levels:
1.Community‐wide vs. special benefit
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The use of general purpose revenue is appropriate for community‐wide services while user
fees are appropriate for services that are of special benefit to individuals or groups. Full cost
recovery is not always appropriate.
2. Service Recipient Versus Service Driver
Particularly for services associated with regulated activities (development review, code
enforcement), from which the community eventually benefits, cost recovery from the
"driver" of the need for the service (applicant, violator) is appropriate.
3. Consistency with City public policies and objectives
City policies and Council goals focused on long‐term improvements to community quality of
life may also impact desired fee levels, as fees can be used to change community behaviors,
promote certain activities or provide funding for pursuit of specific community goals, for
example: health and safety, environmental stewardship.
4. Impact on demand (elasticity)
Pricing of services can significantly impact demand. At full cost recovery, for example, the
City is providing services for which there is a genuine market not over‐stimulated by
artificially low prices. Conversely, high cost recovery may negatively impact lower income
groups and this can work against public policy outcomes, especially if the services are
specifically designed to serve particular groups.
5. Discounted Rates and Surcharges
Rates may be discounted to accommodate lower income groups or groups who are the target
of the service, such as senior citizens or residents.
Higher rates are considered appropriate for non‐residents to further reduce general fund
subsidization of services.
6. Feasibility of Collection
It may be impractical or too costly to establish a system to appropriately identify and charge
each user for the specific services received. The method of assessing and collecting fees
should be as simple as possible in order to reduce the administrative cost of collection.
Target cost recovery levels
1. Low cost recovery levels (0% ‐ 30%) are appropriate if:
There is no intended relationship between the amount paid and the benefit received
Collecting fees is not cost‐effective
There is no intent to limit use of the service
The service is non‐recurring
Collecting fees would discourage compliance with regulatory requirements
The public at large benefits even if they are not the direct users of the service
2. High cost recovery levels (81% ‐ 100%) are appropriate if:
The individual user or participant receives the benefit of the service
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Other private or public sector alternatives could or do provide the service
For equity or demand management purposes, it is intended that there be a direct
relationship between the amount paid and the level and cost of the service received
The use of the service is specifically discouraged
The service is regulatory in nature
3. Services having factors associated with both cost recovery levels would be subsidized at a mid‐
level of cost recovery (31% ‐ 80%).
General categories of services tend to fall logically into the three levels of cost recovery above and can
be classified according to the factors favoring those classifications for consistent and appropriate fees.
Primary categories of services include:
Parks and Recreation Programs
Development Review Programs ‐ Planning and Building
Public Works Department‐ Engineering, Utilities, and Maintenance
Public Safety
Library
Administrative Services
Parks and Recreation Programs
Cost analyses of Parks and Recreation activities do not follow a typical unit‐based approach, as the unit
costs for these types of programs are largely affected by the participation numbers, which can vary
significantly in each instance. Instead, the cost analysis for the Parks and Recreation Department consists
of a comparison of the overall full cost and revenue of each program area. The individual activities are
grouped into the nine different program areas shown below.
General Categorization of Programs, Services,
Activity, and Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery (0‐
30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery (31‐
80%)
High Cost
Recovery (81‐
100%)
Parks
Park and Playground Maintenance X
Tennis Courts X
Dog Park X
Street Banner Hanging X
Landscape Maintenance X
Arborist Services
Tree Plantings X
Protected Tree Removal Permits X
Recreation Programs: Senior Services
Senior Activities X
Bingo‐N‐Bag Lunch X
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General Categorization of Programs, Services,
Activity, and Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery (0‐
30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery (31‐
80%)
High Cost
Recovery (81‐
100%)
Recreation Programs: Youth Services
Pre‐School and Enrichment X
Youth Camps/ Trips X
Recreation Programs: Teen Services
Youth Advisory Committee X
Recreation Programs: Leisure Classes
Performing Arts X
Art X
Language X
Culinary X
Fitness X
Special Interest Miscellaneous X
Recreation Programs: Sports
School Age Sports X
Tennis Lesson/Camps X
Softball X
Miscellaneous Sports/Camps X
Events/ Celebration
City Sponsored X
City‐Wide X
Movies/Music in the Park X
Pet Parade X
Other Events X
Facility Usage
City Functions (e.g. commissions) X
Co‐Sponsored Organization X
Non‐Profit X
Fields (Youth: Non‐Profit) X
Fields (Adult: Non‐Profit) X
Tennis Courts X
Picnic Rentals (Private Party) X
Private Rentals X
Fields (For Profit) X
Contracted Venues (For Profit) X
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It should be noted that discussions regarding the potential (or desirability) for full cost recovery do not
apply to Parks and Recreation Services as a whole. Park and recreation programs occupy a unique service
niche in local government. A breadth of recreation and park services provides a general community benefit
that warrants a significant measure of subsidization. Normally, market/economic and social/political
pressures will dictate or heavily influence the fee levels for these discretionary programs.
Low Recovery Expectations
Low to zero recovery is expected for programs in this category as the community benefits from the
service. Non‐resident fees (if allowed) may provide medium cost recovery.
In general, low cost programs or activities in this group provide a community wide benefit. These
programs and activities are generally programs or activities enhancing the health, safety and livability
of the community and therefore require the removal of a cost barrier for optimum participation. For
example:
Parks ‐ As long as collecting fees at City parks is not cost‐effective, there should be no fees
collected for general use of parks and playgrounds. Costs associated with maintaining the
City's parks represent a large cost for which there is no significant opportunity for recovery ‐
these facilities are public domains and are an essential service of City government.
Senior Classes/Events ‐ The primary purpose of senior classes and events is to encourage
participation. The seniors served in these classes may not have the means of paying for the
classes. The classes should continue to be offered in collaboration with outside agencies
when possible.
Pilot Programs ‐ In any program year, certain classes or activities may be offered on a “pilot” basis
at subsidized levels to determine initial interest and how favorably the program would be
received overall.
Events/Celebrations ‐ Community Services events provide opportunities for neighborhoods
to come together as a community and integrate people of various ages, economic and
cultural backgrounds. Events also foster pride in the community and provide opportunities
for volunteers to give back. As such, the benefits are community‐wide. In addition, collection
of fees are not always cost effective.
Facility Usage ‐ Safe and secure facilities for neighborhood problem‐solving and provision of
other general services support an engaged community and should be encouraged with low or
no fees.
Medium Recovery Expectation
Recovery of most program costs incurred in the delivery of the service, but without recovery of any of
the costs which would have been incurred by the department without the service. Both community
and individuals benefit from these services. Non‐resident fees if allowed may provide higher cost
recovery.
Youth Sports / Camps – Programs that encourage outdoor fitness for youth should be offered
at moderate fees to encourage use of City facilities and help defray the cost of their
maintenance.
Field Usage and Tennis Courts – Cost should be kept low for local non‐profit organizations
providing sports leagues open to residents and students in Burlingame Schools that
encourage healthy lifestyles and lifelong fitness. Opportunities exist to collect a reasonable
fee for use to defray citywide expenses for tennis facilities and fields.
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High Recovery Expectations
Present when user fees charged are sufficient to support direct program costs plus up to 100% of
department administration and city overhead associated with the activity. Individual benefit foremost
and minimal community benefit exists. Activities promote the full utilization of parks and recreation
facilities.
Programs ‐ Activities in this area benefit the individual user. Programs, classes, and sports
leagues are often offered to keep pace with current recreational trends and provide the
opportunity to learn new skills, improve health, and develop social competency. The services
are made available to maximize the use of the facilities, increase the variety of offerings to
the community as a whole, and spread department administration and city‐wide overhead
costs to many activities. In some instances offering these activities helps defray expenses of
services with no viable means of collecting revenue e.g. parks, playgrounds, etc.
Facility Usage – Facility use is set at a higher rate for the private use of the public facility for
meetings, parties, and programs charging fees for services and celebrations.
Contracted Venues ‐(for profit)‐ Long term arrangements where a facility is rented or
contracted out to reduce general funding expense in order to provide specialized services to
residents.
Development Review Services
Planning (planned development permits, tentative tract and parcel maps, re‐zonings, general
plan amendments, variances, use permits)
Building and safety (building permits, structural plan checks, inspections)
General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and Facilities Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
Pre‐Applications
Preliminary Plan Check (New Construction*) X
Preliminary Plan Check (Remodel*) X
Zoning Verification/ Property Profile Letter
X
Applications
Ambiguity/Determination Hearing before Planning
Commission (applies to Planning, Fire, and Building
requests)
X
Amendment/Extension of Permits X
Antenna Exception Fee X
Appeal to Planning Commission of administratively approved
permits/appeal to City Council of Planning Commission decisions
X
Conditional Use Permit
X
Design Review, Single‐Unit Residential X
Design Review, Multi‐Unit Residential X
Design Review, Commercial X
Design Review, Amendment X
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General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and Facilities Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
Design Review – Handling Fee X
Information Submittal to Planning Commission X
Pre‐Application Development Agreement X
Fence Variance
X
Minor Modification
X
Hillside Area Construction Permit X
Accessory Dwelling Unit X
Reasonable Accommodation X
General Plan Amendment / Re‐zoning X
Special Permit X
Variance X
Wireless Communications Administrative Use Permit X
Plan Recheck Fee
More than two revisions to plans X
Major redesign of project plans X
Cannabis Operator Review X
Environmental
Categorical Exemption
X
Negative Declaration X
Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and/or with
a Responsible Agency
X
Impact Report X
Posting Fee, Negative Declaration and EIR X
Parks
Review
Arborist Review (when required) X
Engineering
Review
Single Family X
Multi‐Family X
Commercial / Industrial X
Env. Review X
Traffic & Parking Studies X
Noticing
All Other X
Design Review, X
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General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and Facilities Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
Minor Modifications or Hillside Area Construction
Permits
X
General Plan Amendment X
Environmental Impact Report X
City Council Appeal X
Wireless Communications X
Sign
50 square feet or less X
Over 50 SF and less than 200 square feet X
Over 200 square feet X
Sign Variance X
Temporary Sign Permits X
Other Fees
Temporary Use Permit
X
SB330 Processing X
SB9 Processing X
Building Fees
General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
Building Permit Fees Based on Valuation X
Building Permit Fees Not Based on Total Valuation
All inspections outside normal business hours (minimum
charge is for 2 hours) X
All reinspection fees (minimum 1 hour) X
Plan Review Fees
Basic Plan Check Fee X
Energy Plan Check Fee X
Disabled Access Plan Check Fee X
Review of Request for Alternate Methods & Materials X
Review of unreasonable hardship request X
Planning Department Plan Check X
Plan revisions subsequent to permit issuance X
Engineering Division Review X
Arborist Review Fee X
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General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
Plumbing Permit Fees
Plumbing Permit Issuance X
New Residential Buildings X
New Commercial Buildings X
Fixtures and Vents (each fixture) X
Sewer and Interceptors (each) X
Water Piping and Water Heaters X
Gas Piping Systems X
Irrigation Systems and Backflow Prevention Devices X
Swimming Pools / Spa X
For each appliance or fixture which no fee is listed X
Plan Review X
Mechanical Permit Fees
Permit Issuance X
New Residential Buildings X
New Commercial Buildings X
Furnaces X
Boilers, Compressions, Absorption Systems X
Air Conditioners X
Air Handlers X
Ventilation & Exhaust X
Miscellaneous appliance X
Plan Review X
Electrical Permit Fees
Permit Issuance X
New Residential Buildings X
New Commercial Buildings X
Swimming Pools X
Temporary Power X
Receptacle, Switch, and Lighting Outlets X
Residential Appliances X
Non‐Residential Appliances X
Power Apparatus X
Photo Voltaic Systems ‐ Residential X
Photo Voltaic Systems ‐ Commercial X
Busways X
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General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
Signs, Outline Lighting, and Marquees X
Services X
Miscellaneous ‐ Apparatus, Conduits, and Conductors X
Plan Review X
General Fees
Building Moving X
Accessory Dwelling Unit Amnesty Permit ‐ Building Official
Inspection Deposit
X
Low Recovery Expectations
Low to zero recovery is expected for services in this category to maintain open and accessible
government processes for the public, encourage environmental sustainability and encourage
compliance with regulatory requirements. Example of Low Recovery items:
Planning – The fee for City Council Appeal Noticing is set well below full cost recovery so as to
not be cost prohibitive.
Medium Recovery Expectations
Recovery in the range of 30% to 70% of the costs incurred in the delivery of the service reflects the
private benefit that is received while not discouraging compliance with the regulation requirements.
Planning‐ The fees for applicants who wish to appeal a Staff Decision or for a Burlingame
resident or neighbor who wishes to appeal a decision of the Planning Commission is
purposefully lower than full cost recovery to allow for accessibility to government processes.
Planning – Accessory Dwelling Unit fees are largely set at mid cost recovery levels due to the
desire to encourage the development of these units.
High Recovery Expectations
Cost recovery for most development review services should generally be high. In most instances, the
City's cost recovery goal should be 100%.
Planning‐ Most Development Pre‐Application and Application fees, including plan recheck,
rezoning, variance and special use fees are set at full/high cost recovery levels, as the cost of
these services should be borne mainly by the applicant.
Planning ‐ Most noticing costs associated with Development Applications should be borne by
the applicant; these fees are established at a high range of cost recovery.
Building ‐ Building Valuation Inspection and Plan review fees are set at high cost recovery
levels as benefits accrue to the applicant only.
Building – The fees established for inspections outside of normal business hour and all re‐
inspections are costly, and only the applicant receives the benefit of such services; these fees are
intended to fully recover the City’s costs.
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Public Works Department – Engineering
Engineering (public improvement plan checks, inspections, subdivision requirements,
encroachments)
General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
Encroachment Permits
Minor (no excavation involved) X
Sewer Lateral Test X
Sewer Lateral Replacement
(with Sidewalk Fee) X
Sewer Lateral Re‐Test X
Storm Service Connection (with sidewalk fees) X
Water Service Connection (with Sidewalk fee) X
Fire System Connection (with Sidewalk fee) X
Standalone Street Excavation/Trench Work X
Utility Potholing or Installation/Decommission of Monitoring
Well X
Sewer Cleanout Installation X
Sidwalk Underdrain X
Sidewalk/Driveway up to 200 S.F. (includes Curb Drain) X
Sidewalk Closure/ Pedestrian Protection X
Traffic Control X
Block Party (includes up to 6 barricades) X
Commercial Areas and Construction Purposes X
Moving Only Purposes (Residential Area) X
Large Development Projects X
Special Encroachment Permits
Subsurface Shoring Systems:
• Per 10'‐20' deep tieback X
• Per >20' deep tieback X
• For permanent space used X
Permanent structures, such as retaining walls, fences X
Non‐permanent installations, such as tables, chairs, planters X
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General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
General Fees
Demolition Permit (in addition to any Building Department‐
issued Demolition or Construction Permit): X
Includes sewer, water and
sidewalk replacement X
Add fire line X
Add curb drain X
Add sidewalk closure X
Add PG&E X
Address Change X
Single Trip ‐ Transportation Fee (Fixed rate set Per Caltrans) X
Leaf Blower Testing Certification Fee X
Creek Enclosures X
Abandonment of Public Utility Easement X
Hauling Permit X
Parklet Permits X
Deposits or Bonds for Encroachment Permit Work
Openings in Public Right‐of‐Way X
Not in Sidewalk or Street X
Not in Street
Street Roadway Opening (AC Pavement Restoration) X
Water Main Modification X
Sewer Main & Storm Drain Modification
Street Lighting X
Subdivision Maps
Lot Line Adjustment X
Lot Combination X
Subdivision Map X
City Benchmark Maintenance
Condominium Map X
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Construction Permits
** The fees represent the labor cost to inspect and security deposit
Type 1 Project: Single family dwellings with 1st or 2nd floor
additions on a 10,000 sf lot or smaller X
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General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
Type 2 Project: Multi‐family dwellings of commercial
additions (excluding tenant improvements) that are on a
10,000 sf lot or smaller
X
Type 3 Project: Any project 10,000 sf up to an acre lot X
Type 4 Project: Any project greater than one acre in size X
Wireless Communication Facilities
Review of Wireless Permit Applications X
Wireless Permit Application Appeal Fee X
Planning Application Reviews
Single Family Dwelling X
Multi‐Family X
Commercial/Industrial X
Environmental Review X
Traffic and Parking Studies X
Building Permit Review
Review and Inspection on Buildign Permits X
Grading Permit
1 – 100 cubic yards X
101 – 1,000 cubic yards X
1,001 – 10,000 cubic yards X
Over 10,000 cubic yards X
Environmental Compliance
Stormwater Inspection for Industrial / Commercial Facilities X
Low Recovery Expectations
Low to zero recovery is expected only for services that provide a community‐wide benefit.
However, the nature of most of the Public Works services provided for a fee are intended to
enhance a private property or land use specific to a particular development application. Low
cost recovery expectations are generally limited to those services required to maintain the
livability of the community. Examples of Low Recovery items:
Single Trip Transportation Fee – this fee is set by Caltrans
Medium Recovery Expectations
Recovery in the range of 30% to 70% of the costs incurred in the delivery of the service.
Typically both the community and individuals benefit from these services. There are no
engineering services that are applicable.
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High Recovery Expectations
Recovery in the range of 70% to 100% when user fees charged are sufficient to fully recover
costs of providing the service. Individual benefit is foremost and minimal community benefit
exists. Most services provided by the Public Works Department fall in this area.
For Encroachment Permits where the public right of way is used or impacted on a
temporary or permanent basis for the benefit of the permittee, full cost recovery is
appropriate.
Development Permit applications, including construction and demolition permits,
subdivision maps, environmental review, traffic and parking studies and grading permits,
are for services that benefit only the applicant (with few exceptions), and command
higher cost recovery levels.
Public Safety ‐ Police Services (Police Reports, False Alarms, Parking Permits, Abatements,
Emergency Response, Background Investigations)
General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
Vehicle Release X
Police Reports Copies X
Fingerprint Rolling Fee X
Videotapes/CD’s/DVD’s X
Clearance Letter X
Repossessed Vehicle X
Preferential Parking Permits (Residential Permit Parking Program)
Issuance (up to 2 permits for same address) X
Annual renewal (up to 2 permits for same address) X
Charge for replacement of lost permit X
Burlingame Ave. Downtown Area Parking Permit X
Driving Under Influence (DUI) Fees X
Security Service (Outside Detail ‐ minimum charge of four
hours) X
Alarm Permits X
False Alarm Charge
1 to 2 false alarms X
3 to 5 false alarms X
6 or more false alarms X
Any false alarm for which no alarm permit has been issued X
Live Entertainment Permit X
Single Event Permit X
Peddlers and Solicitors X
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General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery
(0‐30%)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31‐80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81‐100%)
Curb Painting X
Tanning Salon
Application X
Sale or Transfer X
Renewal X
Massage Operator
Application X
Sale or Transfer X
Renewal X
Model/Escort Service
Application X
Sale or Transfer X
Renewal X
Private Patrol Company
Application X
Renewal X
Taxi Driver
Application X
Renewal X
Taxicab Annual Inspection X
Valet Parking X
Concealed Weapon X
Fortune Teller X
Unruly Gathering X
Tobacco Retailer Permit
Annual Retailer Permit X
New Tobacco Retailer Application X
Special Events & Street Closing Permit
Application X
Sidewalk Closure X
Road Closure X
Verification of non‐resident “proof‐of‐correction” citations X
Low Recovery Expectations
Low to zero recovery is expected for services in this category as the community generally
benefits from the regulation of the activity. The regulation of these activities is intended to
enhance or maintain the livability of the community. However, in some instances the
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City of Burlingame
Financial Policy Document
User Fee Cost Recovery
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maximum fee that can be charged is regulated at the County or State level and therefore the
City fee is not determined by City costs (i.e., repossessed vehicle, copies of documents).
Fingerprint Rolling Fee – Because this activity is required for many of the City‐issued
permits, the cost of this activity should remain low to the recipient to ensure the proper
permits are obtained.
Alarm Permits/False Alarms ‐ primarily residential. Because alarm permits/registration
provides updated contact information so that public safety personnel can communicate
directly with the property owner, lower cost recovery is appropriate. Property owners
with current alarm permits can experience 2 false alarms with no assessment of
additional fees.
Clearance Letters and Proof‐of Correction citations are issued at low or no cost to the
recipient. These routine services are considered available to all members of the
community.
Permits for Taxi Driver services are offered at low cost recovery levels to encourage
compliance.
Curb Painting ‐ permits for this low‐risk activity should be offered at low cost recovery levels
because the service enhances public safety efforts and convenience for the community at
large.
Medium Recovery Expectation
Recovery in the range of 30% to 70% of the costs of providing the service. Both community
and individuals benefit from these services.
Alarm Permits/False Alarms ‐ Although prompt alarm response provides a disincentive to
crime activity, excessive false alarms negatively impact the ability of timely police
response to legitimate alarms.
Preferential Parking Permits are provided to allow vehicles to be parked without
restriction in the permit area of the vehicle’s registered address. The public benefits from
having parking available in certain neighborhoods, but because residents are impacted by
the lack of parking close to their homes, full cost recovery of these permits is not
appropriate.
The use of Security Service Detail services actually complements the City’s existing Public
Safety efforts by providing extra coverage of non‐recurring private events. Full cost
recovery would be prohibitive, discouraging use of these available resources, and
stressing regular shift coverage.
High Recovery Expectations
Recovery in the range of 70% to 100% when user fees charged are sufficient to recover costs
of the service provided. Individual benefit is foremost and minimal community benefit
exists. Items such as DUI Emergency Response, Vehicle Releases, and Unruly Gathering are
punitive in nature and the costs should not be funded by the community. Other services for
which 100% of the cost for services is recovered include:
Applications/Sale or Transfer/ Renewal of Permits for Tanning Salon, Massage Operators,
Model/Escort Services ‐ the fee charged for these required permits are set at high levels
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City of Burlingame
Financial Policy Document
User Fee Cost Recovery
Page 17 of 17
of cost recovery as they allow adult‐oriented services to be offered by the business at a
profit for the benefit of customers. No community benefit is afforded.
Live Entertainment Permits are issued solely for the benefit of the business providing the
entertainment, and should not be subsidized by the general public.
Concealed Weapon Permits require intense background checks. Because such permits
are issued solely for the benefit of the applicant, a 100% cost recovery is appropriate.
Library (Library Cards, Overdue Fines, etc.) ‐ fees are primarily established by the
Peninsula Library Service. Certain medias/supplies for purchase (flash drives,
headphones, etc.) may be made available as a service to patrons at the City’s cost
Administrative Services – City Clerk and Elections, Finance (Copying Charges,
Postage, etc.) ‐ fees are primarily set by regulations and are generally high cost recovery or
pass‐thru charges.
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