The fees were last adjusted in 2015 by Ordinance No. 159-15, which decreased all fees by seven percent below their previous values.

The amendments in this ordinance increase all fees charged by the Department of Building Inspection by 15 percent.

The amendment is expected to address the approximately 32 percent increase in City costs since 2015 due to inflation. The fee schedule has also been provided with specific amended fee amounts for various permit types and valuations.

The 15 percent fee increase is justified by the Board of Supervisors as necessary, given the significant rise in City costs that have not been countered with fee adjustments since 2015.

The ordinance followed the proper approval process which included a public hearing by the Building Inspection Commission on June 21, 2023, and compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq.).

Small Business Enterprises are given particular considerations, such as waived fees for awning replacement permit reviews during the month of May if the business has 100 or fewer employees. The Planning Department and the Department of Building Inspection shall establish processes for certifying Small Business Enterprises for these purposes.