HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso - CC - 079-2018RESOLUTTON NO. 079-20't8
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BURLINGAME APPROVING A 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, such a policy has been drafted utilizing the City Council's feedback when considering
the appropriate level of cost recovery for each service; and
WHEREAS, the attached 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 at
least annually, to serve as the foundation for updates to the City's Master Fee Schedule, and to ensure that
the policy remains cunent with govemment financial best practices.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME RESOLVES AND
ORDERS AS FOLLOWS:
htc M f
I, Meaghan HasseFShearer, City Clerk of the City of Burlingame, certify t
Resolution was introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Burlingame City C
46 day of June, 2018, by the following vote:
Councilmembers: NONE
Councilmembers: NONE
the foregoing
ncil held on the
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT
hearer, City Clerk
The User Fee Cost Recovery Policy as shown on the attached Exhibit A is adopted.
(
Councilmembers: BEACH, BROWNRIGG, COLSON, KEIGHRAN, ORTIZ
City of Burlingame
Financial Policy Document
User Fee Cost Recovery
Puroose:
A clear User Fee Cost Recovery Poliry will allow the City of Burlingame to provide an ongolng, 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.
Backsround:
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 ofa values-based and data-draven User Fee Cost Recovery Policy. The most recent Cost
Allocation Plan and cost of Services Study was completed in March, 2016. Comments and direction from
the Master Fee Schedule Updates subsequent to the study were used to prepare this Fiscal Policy.
Policr:
The policy has three main components:
o Provision for ongoing review
. Process of establishing cost recovery levels
o Factors to be Considered
. Target Cost Recovery Levels
o Parks and Recreation Pro8rams
o Development Review Programs
o Public Works Services
o Public Safety Services
o Library
o AdministrativeServices
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. ln order to facilitate a fact-based approach to this review, a
comprehensive analysis of the city's costs and fees should be made every three to five years. ln the
interim, fees will be adjusted by annual cost factors reflected in the appropriate program's operating
budget.
Process ol 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
. 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.
Page 1 of 15
City of Burlingome
Financial Poliqt Document
User Fee Cost Recoverv
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. lmpact on demand (elasticity)
o 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. Dlscounted 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 consldered appropriate for non-residents to further reduce general fund
subsidization of services.
5. Feasibility of Collection
. lt 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 rccovery levels
1. Low cost recovery levels (O% - 3O%l are appropriate if:
. There is no intended relationship between the amount paid and the benefit received
. Collecting fees is not cost-effective
o There is no intent to limit use of the service
. The service is non-recurring
o Collecting fees would discourage compliance with regulatory requirements
o The public at large benefits even if they are not the direct users of the service
2. High cost recovery levels (81% - 10O%) are appropriateif;
o The individual user or participant receives the benefit of the service
. 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
o The use of the service is specifically discouraged
o The service is regulatory in nature
Page 2 of 15
City of Burlingame
Financiol Policy Document
User Fee st Recoverv
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:
o Parks and Recreation Programs
o Development Review Programs - Planning and Building
o Public Works Department - Engineering Utilities, and Maintenance
. Public Safety
. Library
. AdministrativeServices
Pd*s dnd Recreoti
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. lnstead, the cost analysis for the Parks and Recreation Department consists of a comparison
of the overollfull cost and revenue of eoch progrom areo. The individual activities are grouped into the
nine different program areas shown below.
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 siSnificant measure of subsidization. Normally,
market/economic and social/political pressures will dlctate or heavily influence the fee levels for
these discretionary programs.
Low Cost
Recovery
lGW.l
Mid cost
Recovery
137-w.l
High Cost
Recovery
(81-1qP/61
Park
X
X
X
x
X
Park and Playground Maintenance
Tennis Courts
Dog Park
Street Banner Hanglng
Landscape Maintenance
Arborist Services
x
X
Tree Plantings
Protected Tree Removal Permits
Recreation Programs: Senior Services
X
X
Senior Activities
Bingo-N-Bag Lunch
I
II
Page 3 of 15
General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
tt
City of Burlingame
Financial Policy Documenl
User Fee Cost Recovery
Low Re cove ry Ex pe dati on s
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.
ln 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 Citygovernment.
. Senior Classes/Events - The primary purpose of senior classes and events is to encoura8e
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 - ln 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.
o 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. ln 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.
Me d iu m R ecove ry Expe ctatio n
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.
o 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.
o 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.
High Recovery Expedations
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. lndividual benefit foremost
and minimal community benefit exists. Activities promote the full utilization of parks and recreation
facllities.
. Programs - Activities in this area benefit the individual user. Programs, classes, and sports
Page 4 of 15
City of Burlingame
Financial Policy Documenl
User Fee Recoverv
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. ln some instances offerinB these activities helps defray expenses of services with
no viable means of collectlng 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)- Longterm arrangements where a facility is rented or
contracted out to reduce general funding expense in orderto provide specialized services to
residents.
Page 5 of 15
Ci$t of Burlingame
Financiol Policy Document
User Fee Cost Recovery
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31-80%)
High Cost
Recovery
(81-1()(P/6)
General Categorization of Programs, services, Activity, and
Facilities
Low Cost
Recovery
lGW.l
Pre-Applications
x
x
X
Preliminary Plan Check (New Construction*)
Preliminary Plan Check (Remodel*)
zoning Verification/ Property Profile Lette r
Applications
X
Amblguity/Determination Hearing before Planning
Commission (applies to Planning, Fire, and Building
requests)
XAmendme nt/Extension of Permits
xAntenna Exception Fee
X
Appeal to Planning Commission of administratively approved
permits/appeal to City Council of Planning Commission
decisions
x
Legal Review-Substantive work by City Attorney for
development projects requiring discretionary review before
the Planning Commission underTitle 25
xConditional Use Permit
xCondominium Permit (4-10 Units or Fewer)
XCondominium Permit (11 Units-25 Units)
XCondominium Permit (25 Units-50 Units)
XCondominium Permit (51 Units-100 Units)
XCondominium Permit (101Units and Greater)
XDesign Review, Addition
XDesign Review, Amendment
XDesign Review - Handling Fee
xMinor Amendment to Approved Proiect
As-Built Variation from Approved Project
XDesign Review, New Construction
xFence Exce ption
xMinor Modification
Hillside Area Construction Permit
XSecondary Dwelling Un it
XReasonable Accommodation
IIII I
II
II
II
II
I II
I
I
Page 6 of 15
Develooment Review Seruices
. Planning (planned development permits, tentative tract and parcel maps, re-zonings, general plan
amendments, variances, use permits)
. Building and safety (building permits, structural plan checks, inspections)
x
X
City of Burlingame
Finoncial Policy Document
User Fee Cost Recoverv
Buildino Fees
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31-8096)
High Cost
Recovery
(81-1000/6)
Low Cost
Recovery
l$w.l
General Categorization of Prcgrams, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
Building Permit Fees Not Based on Total Valuation
X
X
All inspections outside normal business hours (minimum
charge is for 2 hours)
All reinspection fees (minimum t hour)
Enerqy U pqrade Colifornio
X
X
Basic Package
Advanced Package
Plan Review Fees
X
X
X
x
X
Plumbing Permit Fees
x
X
X
Fixtures and Vents (each fixture)
Sewer and lnterceptors (each)
Water Piping and Water Heaters
Gos Piping Systems
XFor each gas piping system of one to five outlets
For each additional outlet over five x
xlrrigation Systems and Backflow Prevention Devices
Swimming Pools
xPublic or Private Pool
Public or Private Spa x
For each appliance or fixture which no fee is listed X
Mechanical Permit Fees
X
x
Furnaces
Boilers, Compressors, Absorption Systems
Air Handlers
Ventilotio n ond Exho ust
X
X
Each ventilation fan attached to a single duct
Each hood including ducts
II
IIIIIIIII
IIIIII
II
II
IIIIII
IIIIIT
I
Page 7 of 15
Review request for alternate materials and methods
Review of unreasonable hardship request
Plan revisions for planning department
Plan revisions subsequent to permit issuance
Arborist Review Fee
X
r---r-----
City of Burlingome
Financial Policy Doc ument
t Recoverv
Miscellaneous appliance or piece of equipment not
specifically listed above
X
Electrical Permit Fees
system Fee Schedule
x
X
Public Swimming Pools and Spas
Private Pools and Spas
Temporary Service Pole X
x
x
x
Receptacle, Switch and Light Outlets
Residential Appliances
Power Apparatus
Photo Voltoic Systems
xReside ntial Systems
Commercial Systems
xSigns, Outline Lighting and Marquees
Se/]r'ices
x
X
60volts or less and not ove r 200 amperes in rating
Smvolts or less, over 2m amperes to 1m
amperes
over 500volts or over 1m amperes
Miscellaneous
X
For apparatus, conduits, and conductors for which
a permit is required but for which no fee is set
forth
6eneral Fees
XBuild ing Moving
II
II
II
II
II
Low Re cove ry Expe dot io ns
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:
o Planning - The fee for Zoning Maps is set well below full cost recovery as the map assists the
public without excessive use of staff time.
o Planning - Fees associated with Accessory Dwelling Unit Amnesty Permits are kept at low cost
recovery levels to encourage the maintenance of legal accessory dwelling units.
. Building- The elimination or reduction of building permits for residential solar array installations
is consistent with California Government Code Section 55850.5, which calls on local agencies to
encourage the installation of solar energysystems by removing obstacles to, and minimizing
costs of, permitting for such systems.
. Building - Unit fees established as for additional fixtures, outlets, appliances, etc. are set at low cost
recovery so as not to burden the cost of improvements to existing buildings.
Page 8 of 15
Unit Fee Schedule
X
x
City of Burlingame
Financiol Policy Doc umenl
User Fee Cost Recoverv
Medium Recovery Expedotions
Recovery in the range of 31% to 80% 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 - while the preparation of zoning Verification/Property Profile provides a benefit to
the public by confirming applicable zoning restrictions and indicates any existing zoning
inconsistencies or outstanding code violations for a particular property, this service requires a
significant amountof stafftime. A cost recovery level of 50% is appropriate-
. Planning - The fees for applicants who wish to appeal a Staff Decision or for a Burlingame
resldent 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.
Similarly, Ambiguity/Determination Hearings before the Planning Commission are set to recover
some of the significant staff time entailed without discouraging rational appeals.
o Planning - Application fees for smaller condominium projects (< 50 units) are set at mid-cost
recovery levels to encourage the development of such housing projects.
. Planning - Design Review fees are largely set at mid cost recovery levels in recognition of the
significant public benefit derived from a consistent review of project plans. Minor modifications and
amendments are permitted at less than full cost recovery levels as well.
o Planning - Administrative permits for fences are set at mid-level to encourage compliance.
o Planning - The fee for a categorical Exemption (Environmental) ls set at less than full cost recovery
to reduce hardship on small development projects.
o Planning - Fees for Reasonable Accommodation applications are kept at mid cost recovery levels to
encourage compliance with ADA regulations and general accessibility standards.
High Recovery Expeddtions
Cost recovery for most development review services should generally be high. ln 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.
o Building - Building 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.
Page 9 of 15
City of Burlingame
Finonciol Policy Document
User Fee Cost Recoverv
Public Works Deoartment - Enoineerino
Engineering (public improvement plan checks, inspections, subdivision requirements,
encroachments)
Low Cost
Recovery
(G3096)
Mid Cost
Recovery
(31-&)96)
High cost
Recovery
(81-1m96)
General Categorization of Programs, services, Activity,
and Facilities
Encroachment Permits
X
X
x
x
X
X
Minor (no excavation involved)
Sewer Lateral Test
Sewer Lateral Replacement
waterService Connection (with SidewalkAdd No.
Flre System Connection (with Sidewalk Add No. 5)
Sidewalk/Driveway up to 20OS.F. (includes Curb
Sidewalk Closure/ Pedestrian Protection
Traffic Control
Block Partv (includes up to 5 barricades)
Parking Permit (tempoftlry encroachment permit)
X
Commercial Areas and Construction Purposes
Moving only Purposes (Residential Area)
Special Encroachment Permits
Su bsu rfo ce Sh o rin g System s:
x
x
X
. Per 10'-20 deep tieback
. Per >20' deep tieback
. For permanent space used
X
Permanent structures, such as retaining walls,
fences
Non-permanent installations, such as tables, chairs,
planters X
General Fees
Demolition Permit (in oddition to ony Building
Deportment-issued Demolition or Construction
Permit):
X
X
x
x
x
lncludes sewer, water and sidewalk
Add fire line
Add curb drain
Add sidewalk closure
Add PG&E
Address Change X
IIII
IIIIII
II
Page 10 of 15
X
x
x
X
City of Burlingame
Financiol Policy Doc ument
User Fee Cost Recoverv
X
X
X
Single Trip - Transportation Fee (Fixed rate set Per
Caltrans)
Leaf Blower Testing Certification Fee
Creek Enclosures
Abandonment of Public Utility Easement
Hauling Permit
Deposits or Bonds for Encroachment Permit Work
X
x
X
Openings in Public Right-of-Way (not in sidewalk or
street)
Openings in Public Right-of-Way in sidewalk (not in
street)
Street Roadway Opening (AC Pavement
Water Main Modification
Sewer Main & Storm Drain Modification
Subdivision Maps
X
X
X
Lot Line Adjustment
Lot Combination
Subdivision Map
Condominium Map
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Construction Permits
**Thefees representthelabor costto inspectand security deposit
x
X
x
X
Type l Project: Single family dwellings with 1st or
2nd floor additions on a 1O000 sf lot or smaller
Type 2 Project: Multi-family dwellings of
commercial additions (excluding tenant
improvements) that are on a 1O0Osf lot or smaller
Type 3 Project: Any project 1Q000 sf up to an acre
lot
Type 4 Project: Any project Breater than one acre in
size
Planning Application Reviews
x
x
x
X
X
Single Family Dwelling (Addition)
Single Family Dwelling (New)
Multi-Family
Commercial/l ndustrial
Environmental Review
Traffic and Parking Studies
Grading Permit
X
X
X
x
1- 100 cubic yards
101- 1,000 cubic yards
1,001 - 10,000 cubic yards
Ove r 10,000 cu b i c ya rd s
I
X
X
X
X
X
xt-r
Page 11 of 15
City of Burlingame
Financial Policy Documenl
User Fee Recoverv
Low Re cove ry Expedati on s
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:
. Encroachment Permits - issued to allow for parking privileges in an area typically controlled
by metered parking in residential areas for a temporary period (moving purposes), this
permit is set at a low cost recovery level.
. Fees associated with Fire system connection or Fire Line access are generally set at low cost
recovery levels as these services provide a general public safety benefit.
o Truck Route Permits Fees-maximum fee set by State Law.
o PlanninB Application Reviews for Single Family Dwelling (additions or new constructions)
are set at a low cost recovery level to encourage compliance without adding undue costs to
the project.
. Fees for Stormwater Pollution Prevention Construction Permits are set at low cost recovery
to ensure compliance for small single family home additions (projects of low impact to
Stormwater system).
. Single Trip Transportation Fee -this fee is set by caltrans.
Medium Recovery Expectations
Recovery in the range of 31% to 80% of the costs incurred in the delivery of the service. Typically
both the community and individuals benefit from these services.
. Encroachment permit fees to provide barricades for small block parties are established at
medium cost recovery to ensure compliance with regulations intended to improve safety
for the participants of the community event.
. Fees for Creek Enclosures are set at mid-cost recovery to help ensure compliance to
regulations that protect land and property in the vicinity of the project area.
. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Construction Permits for medium to large projects are set
at mid-cost recovery levels to ensure compliance with Stormwater regulations that benefit
the entire community.
o Planning Application reviews for multi-family or commercial/industrial projects are
provided at a fee that will recover some of the Cit/s costs without discouraging
development.
Page 12 of 15
High Re cove ry Expe c,ot io n s
Recovery in the range of 81% to 100% when user fees charged are sufficient to fully recover costs
of providing the service. lndividual 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 exceptlons), and command higher
cost recovery levels.
City of Burlingame
Financial Policy Document
User Fee t Recovem
High Cost
Recovery
(81-1qP/6)
Low Cost
Recovery
lv3tr/"1
Mid Cost
Recovery
(3L-8/J,./ol
General Categorization of Programs, Services, Activity, and
Facilities
XVehicle Release
Police Re ports Copies x
Finse rprint Rolling Fee X
XVideotapes/CD's/DVD's
xClearance Letter
XRe possessed Vehicle
Preferential Parking Permits (Residential Permit Parking Program)
X
x
X
lssuance (up to 2 permits for same address)
Annual renewal (up to 2 permits for same address)
Charge for replacement of lost permit
XDriving Under lnfluence (DUl) Fees
X
Security Service (Outside Detail - minimum charge of four
hou rs)
XAlarm Pe rmits
False Alarm Charge
X
X
X
1to 2 false alarms
3 to 5 false alarms
6 or more false alarms
Any false alarm for which no alarm permit has been
issued
X
XLive Entertainme nt Permit
xPedd lers and Solicitors
XCurb Painting
Tanning Salon
X
X
Application
Sale or Transfer
Renewal X
Massage Operator
X
X
Application
Sale or Transfer
Renewal
Model/Escort 5ervice
x
x
x
Application
Sale or Transfer
Renewal
IIII
II
IIII
II
I
I
IIIIII
IIIIII
Page 13 of 15
Public Safew - Police Seruices
(Police Reports, False Alarms, Parking Permits, Abatements, Emergency Response, Background
lnvestigations)
x
rtl
I
City of Burlingome
Fi na n c io I Po licy Doc u me n t
ser t
Private Patrol Company
xApplication
Renewal X
Taxi Driver
XApplication
Renewal X
Taxicab Annual lnspection X
Valet Parking X
Concealed Weapon X
Fortu ne Teller X
Unruly Gathe ring X
Special EvenG & Street Closing Permit
x
X
X
Ap plicatio n
Sidewalk Closure
Road Closure
XVerif ication of non-resident "proof-of-correction" citations
IIIIII
II IIII
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 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 (repossessed vehicle, fingerprint rolling fee).
. 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 additlonal 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 Private Patrol Company and Taxi Driver services are offered at low cost recovery
levels to encourage compliance.
. Street and Sidewalk Closures allow for safer community/neighborhood events, and should
therefore be provided at low cost recovery levels.
. 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 Expedotion
Recovery in the range of 31% to 80% 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
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City of Burlingame
Financial Policy Doc ument
Us er Fee Cost Recoverv
crime activity, excessive false alarms negatively impact the ability of timely police response
to legitimate alarms.
Preferential Parking Permlts 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 parklng 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.
Peddlers and Solicitors, Fortune Teller - permits are issued for these low-impact, low
incident activities to provide a layer of security to the community who may wish to utilize
such services. Fees are set at moderate cost recovery levels to increase probability of
compliance.
Valet Parking permits are offered below full cost recovery levels as the service provides a
level of convenience to the community by providing parking at less crowded locations
Taxicab Annual lnspections are required and offered a medium cost recovery as there is a
benefit of having secure taxi/ transportation services available in the community.
High Recovery Expe ctotions
Recovery in the range of 81% to 100% when user fees charged are sufficient to recover costs of
the service provided. lndividual benefit is foremost and minimal community benefit exists. ltems
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 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.
Librorv
(Library Cards, overdue Fines, etc.) - fees are primarily established by the Peninsula Library
Service. Certain medias/supplies for purchase (flash drives, headphones, etc.) are made
available as a service to patrons at the City's cost. Fees for Passport services are set by the US
State Department.
Administrdtive Services - Citv Clerk ond Elections. Finance
(Copying Charges, Postage, etc. ) -fees a re primarily set by regulations and are generally high cost
recovery or pass-thru charges.
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