Comprehensive User Fee Study
Summary
The city's first full user fee update since 2018 raises fees for permits, inspections and services to better match the real cost of providing them. Building permits move to full cost recovery, planning fees rise 8% on average, and fire fees go up 32% on average with 207 new fees added. SCE asked for an exemption but the council moved ahead.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Mar 25, 2026.
Impact analysis
Higher fees for permits and city services — for a single-family home, plan check fees rise from roughly $4,500 to about $5,500-5,600; general fund subsidies shrink.
City taxpayers broadly, since fewer general fund dollars subsidize services used privately by developers and businesses.
Developers, utility companies and residents seeking permits pay more; SCE says its franchise fees already cover its costs.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council
The city's first full user fee update since 2018 raises fees for permits, inspections and services to better match the real cost of providing them. Building permits move to full cost recovery, planning fees rise 8% on average, and fire fees go up 32% on average with 207 new fees added. SCE asked for an exemption but the council moved ahead.
City Council
The city's full review of what it charges for permits and services was pushed to March 24 after SoCal Gas raised concerns about fees on franchised utilities — this could change what residents and businesses pay for city services.
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