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Home My WebLink About09/20/1994, 2 - 1994 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE FEE SCHEDULE ��II I�IIIII��II�I III MMDi TE- ci"J of San tui S OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT I NUMBER: FROM: William C. Statler, Director of Finance 011r, IRA Prepared by: Linda Asprion, Revenue Manager SUBJECT: 1994 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE FEE SCHEDULE CAO RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution implementing the 1994 Uniform Building Code fee schedule effective December 1, 1994. DISCUSSION The building and safety fee schedule currently in effect is based upon the 1988 Uniform Building Code(UBC). The UBC is updated every three years; in the 1991 Edition, the fee schedules remained the same as the 1988 fee schedules. The UBC is considered the industry standard and the rates represent a nationally recognized standard for fee levels. The 1994 UBC has now been released for adoption with an updated fee schedule. It is the City's policy to adopt all portions of the UBC as it is updated. Additionally, as part of the balancing strategy for the 1993-95 Financial Plan, Council approved adoption of the 1994 UBC fee schedule. Provided in Exhibit A is a legislative draft of the proposed fee schedule. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION A briefing was held on the evening of August 31, 1994 to review the proposed fee schedule answer any questions that they might have. Notices accompanied by the draft fee schedule were sent to the SLO County Builders Exchange, Chamber of Commerce, Property Owners Association, Business Coalition, Builders Industry Association of the Central Coast, Residents for Quality Neighborhoods, and Environmental Quality Task Force (Exhibit B). Only one person attended this briefing and, at this point, the only formal response that we have received is from the SLO County Builders Exchange (Exhibit C) requesting that we defer any changes in the fee schedule for two years. FISCAL IMPACT It is anticipated the proposed rates will increase total building fee revenues by $50,000. This higher revenue level has already been reflected in the 1994-95 revenue projections based on Council adoption of this increase as part of the strategy for balancing the 1993-95 Financial Plan. Therefore, the fiscal impact of deferring implementation of the 1994 UBC fee schedule, as requested by the SLO County Builders Exchange, will not only mean a reduction in this revenue but also an equal reduction in either expenditures or the General Fund balances. 2-I �►uh� I�III� 2 city of San tuts OBispo COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ATTACHMENT Resolution adopting 1994 UBC building and safety fee schedule EXHIBITS A. Legislative draft of the building and safety fee schedule B. Notice to community groups C. Letter from SLO CountyBuilders Exchange requesting deferal of adoption of 1994 UBC fee schedule 2- z- RESOLUTION NO. (1994 Series) RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ADOPTING THE 1994 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE FEE SCHEDULE WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo's Municipal Code authorizes the establishment of various fees for delivery of municipal services; and WHEREAS, it is the City's policy to adopt the Uniform Building Code fee schedule as an industry standard that ensures reasonable cost recovery in providing building services; and WHEREAS, the proposed fees are consistent with the balancing strategy adopted by the City Council for the 1993-95 Financial Plan; and WHEREAS, the Director of Community Development has determined that the adoption of the proposed fees is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Section 15273 of the State CEQA Guidelines as the purpose of these charges is to meet operating expenses; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a noticed public hearing concerning these fee adjustments on September 20, 1994. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that: SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo hereby establishes building fees as provided in Exhibit A attached hereto to be effective December 1, 1994. SECTION 2. Any project owned or actively managed by the San Luis Obispo Housing Authority shall be exempt from all building fees. SECTION 3. Consistent with adopted cost recovery policies as set forth in the Financial Plan, all building fees shall be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. Accordingly, any flat fees in Exhibit A shall be adjusted annually on July 1st of each year by changes in the Consumer Price Index [all U.S. cities average] for the most recent period that this information is available prior to July 1st; and a comprehensive analysis of building fees will be made at least every five years. SECTION 4. To ensure cost recovery for services not specifically referenced in Exhibit A for supplemental or additional services as may be required, charges shall be based upon actual labor, materials, equipment, and indirect costs. In determining labor costs, hourly billing rates shall be established by the Director of Finance, which appropriately reflect salary, benefit, and overhead costs. In determining equipment usage costs, the equipment rental schedule developed by the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) or similar authoritative source for.equipment costs shall be used. For services provided by the City 1-3 through private contract not specifically referenced in this document, the contract price plus 10% for City contract administration shall be used in establishing the service charge. SECTION 5. If any charge set forth in this resolution or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other charge or application thereof, and to this end the charges established in this Resolution are declared to be severable. SECTION 6. Refunds of any portion of fees for withdrawn or partially completed projects shall be determined by the Director of Community Development or designee based on code requirements and/or their appraisal of the cost of staff work performed. SECTION 7. An alternate fee for Plan Review services is provided as follows: A. When building permit applications are submitted for residential projects where the same plans are being used for more than one unit, 100 percent of the plan check fee shall be required for the first identical unit, but shall be 50 percent for all other identical units. B. The alternate plan review fee shall be only applicable to all permit applications submitted at the same time with the first identical unit. SECTION 8. Effective December 1, 1994, Exhibit A of Resolution 7030 (1991 Series) is hereby rescinded and replaced by Exhibit A of this Resolution. Upon motion of seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of , 1994. Mayor, Peg Pinard ATTEST: Diane Gladwell, City Clerk Jorense Ci Attorney Exhlbft. L BUILDING AND SAFETY FEE SCHEDULE All construction permit fees are subject to a minimum of.S39 0 MQ Whenever work is started without first obtaining a permit, an investigation fee equal to the amount of the permit fee required, may be collected Plan Review Fees When submittal documents are required Section 302 of the Uniform Administrative Code (UAC), a plan review fee shall be paid at the time of submitting the submittal documents for plan review. Said plan review fee for buildings or structures shall be 65 percent of the total of all building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical permit fees, including applicable energy consumption compliance, accessibility compliance, and fire safety surcharges. The plan review fees are separate fees from the permit fees specified in UAC Section 304 and are in addition to the permit fees. When submittal documents are incomplete or changed so as to require additional plan review or when the project involves deferred submittal items, an additional plan review fee may be charged at an hourly rate of WrWRIN with a minimum charge of one f E Permit Fees - General Application For newly constructed buildings and additions, a single all inclusive combination permit will be issued. The fees therefor shall be determined by increasing the building permit fee by 40% for the cost of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspection of the building. A. BUILDING PERMIT FEES Total Valuation Fee 1. $1 to $500.00 2. $501.00 to $2,000.00 $ 80. 2 for the first $500.00 plus &:: $1-482 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 3. $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 $4&.9061-00i for the first $2000.00 plus $9-SGI Q for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 4. $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 $265.203 # ! for the first $25,000.00 plus $6$304 for+each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 5. $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 $433 $t} 'for the first $50,000.00 plus $4 2...for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 6. $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 W2-24' for the first $1007000.00 plus $343�3,'!p for each additional $1,000.00 ...or,,.. fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 7. $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 $3 �9;;;' tl( for the first $500,000.00 plus $3 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00 .......................... 8. $1,000,001.00 and Up $3,;22.& y:: : Y for the first $1,000,000.00 plus f $24-O > for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof 9. Energy Consumption Compliance Surcharge: A surcharge of 10% shall be added to the permit fees for projects required to comply with State of California Energy Conservation Standards. 10. Accessibility Compliance Surcharge: A surcharge of 6.5% shall be added to the permit fees for projects required to comply with State of California Accessibility Standards. 11. Fire Safety Surcharge: A surcharge of 12.5% shall be added to the permit fees for projects that require review by the Fire Department. 12. Other Inspections and Fees: a. Inspections outside of normal business hours $ per hour (minimum charge - two hours) b. Reinspection fees assessed under provision of UAC Section 305 (Minimum charge - one hour) $33-.W55 o per hour �� C. Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated ............... (minimum charge - one-half hour) per hour d. Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to approved plans (minimum charge - ene hAfsu� ) per hour B. ELECTRICAL PERMIT FEES 1. System Fee Schedule: a. Private Swimming Pools For new private, residential, in-ground, swimming pools for single family and multi-family occupancies including a complete system of necessary branch circuit wiring, bonding, grounding, underwater lighting, water pumping and other similar electrical equipment directly related to the operation of a swimming pool, each $3� For other types of swimming pools, therapeutic whirlpools, spas, and alterations to existing swimming pools, use the Unit Fee Schedule. b. Carnivals and Circuses Carnivals, circuses, or other traveling shows or exhibitions utilizing transportable-type rides, booths, displays and attractions. For electric generators and electrically driven rides, each $43-882 < For mechanically driven rides and walk-through attractions.or displays having electric lighting, each $ 44" For a system of area and booth lighting, each $ " l For permanently installed, rides, booths, displays, and attractions, use the Unit Fee Schedule. C. Temporary Power Service For a temporary service power pole or pedestal including all pole or pedestal-mounted receptacle outlets and appurtenances, each $4- For a temporary distribution system and temporary lighting and receptacle outlets for construction sites, decorative light, Christmas tree sales lots, firework stands, etc., each $q9 2. Unit Fee Schedule (In addition to Permit Issuance Fees above) 2� 7 a. Receptacle, Switch and Lighting Outlets For receptacle, switch, lighting or other outlets at which current issued or controlled, except services, feeders and meters. First 20, each $ -W."t# Additional outlets, each $ Ss ' Note: For multi-outlet assemblies, each 5 feet ORM or fraction thereof may be considered as one outlet b. Lighting Fixtures For lighting fixtures, sockets or other lamp-holding devices. First 20, each $ -.8BE � Additional fixtures, each $ A-5 .51 For pole or platform-mounted lighting fixtures, each For theatrical-type lighting fixtures or assemblies, each $ _Wla C. Residential Appliances For fixed residential appliances or receptacle outlets for same, including wall-mounted electric ovens; counter-mounted cooking tops; electric ranges, self-contained room, console, or through-wall air conditioners; space heaters; food waste grinders; dishwasher; washing machines; water heaters; clothes dryers; or other motor-operated appliances not exceeding one horsepower (HP) (7 } in rating, each $3439 Note: For other types of air conditioners and other motor-driven appliances having larger electrical ratings, see Power Apparatus. CL Nonresidential Appliances For residential appliances and self-contained factory-wired nonresidential appliances not exceeding one horsepower (HP), kilowatt (KW), or kilovolt-ampere (KVA), in rating including medical and dental devices; food beverage, and ice cream cabinets; illuminated show cases; drinking fountains; vending machines; laundry machines; or other similar types of equipment, each s4" �.5x Note: For other types of air conditioners and other motor-driven appliances having larger electrical ratings, see Power Apparatus. e. Power Apparatus For motors, generators, transformers, rectifiers, synchronous converters, capacitors, industrial heating, air conditioners and heat pumps, cooking or baking equipment and other apparatus, as follows: Rating in horsepower (HP), kilowatts (KW), kilovolt-amperes (KVA), or kilovolt-amperes-reactive (KVAR): Up to and including 1, each $34 " Over 1 and not over 10, each $;.99) Over 10 and not over 50, each $43- 0 Over 50 and not over 100, each $3d�84n Over 100, each $4&98" Note: 1. For equipment or appliances having more than one motor, transformer, heater, etc., the sum of the combined ratings may be used. 2. These fees include all switches, circuit breakers, contractors, thermostats, relays and other directly related control equipment. f. Busways For trolley and plub-in-type busways, each 100 feet or fraction thereof $" Note: An additional fee will be required for lighting fixtures, motors and other appliances that are connected to trolley and plub-in-type busways. No fee is required for portable tools. g. Signs, Outline Lighting and Marquees For signs, outline lighting systems or marquees supplied from one branch circuit, each $1& For additional branch circuits within the same sign, outline lighting system or marquee, each $3 h. Services For services of 600 volts or less and not over 200 amperes in rating, each For services of 600 volts or less and over 200 amperes to 1000 amperes in rating, each $39:$8 For services over 600 volts or over 1000 amperes in rating, each $4" > i. Miscellaneous apparatus, Conduits and Conductors For electrical apparatus, conduits and conductors for which a permit is required but for which no fee is herein set forth $ A Note: This fee is not applicable when a fee is paid for one or more services, outlet, fixtures, appliances, power apparatus, busways, signs or other equipment. 3. Other Inspections and Fees: a. Inspection outside of normal business hours (minimum charge - two hours) $33-A0•55 fl' per hour b. Reinspection fees assessed under provisions of UAC Section 305 (minimum charge - one hour) $&4�. 5$0 per hour C. Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated (minimum charge - one-half hour) $33-404$ per hour d. Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to approved plans (minimum charge - ene half he an $ hour C. MECHANICAL PERMIT FEES Meebanieal Pemtk Fees shall be as in Table 3 G e the UnifeFm AdwAftistfmive Gede. 1. Unit Fee Schedule: a. For the installation or relocation of each forced-air or gravity-type furnace or burner, including ducts and vents attached to such appliance, up to and including 100,000 Btu/h RWM sq-.� b. For the installation or relocation of each forced-air or gravity-type furnace or burner, including ducts and vents attached to such appliance over 100,000 Btu/h C. For the installation or relocation of each floor furnace, including ventsq-.� d. For the installation or relocation of each suspended heater, recessed wall heater or floor-mounted unit heater e. For the installation, relocation or replacement of each appliance vent installed and not included in an appliance permit f. For the repair of, alteration of, or addition to each heating appliance, refrigeration unit, cooling unit, absorption unit or each heating, cooling, absorption, or evaporative cooling system, including installation of controls regulated by this code $9.6� 9. For the installation or relocation of each boiler or compressor to and including three horsepower 6,1.k... ".5 W.": or each absorption system to and including 100,000 Btu/h $94� h. For the installation or relocation of each boiler or compressor over three horsepower to and including 15 horsepower (S7>l or each ..... ... .. . .. . absorption system over 100,000 Btu/h .: '` : x to and including 500,000 Btu/h i. For the installation or relocation of each boiler or compressor over 15 5 horsepower to and including 30 horsepower E} € ; or each absorption system over 500,000 Btu/h 15 to and including 1,000,000 Btu/h Mx $23-45.335 j. For the installation or relocation of each boiler or compressor over 30 horsepower I ; to and including 50 horsepowert►lC } or for each absorption system over 1,000,000 Btu/h ( A ; to and including 1,750,000 Btu/h MUM ! k. For the installation or relocation of each boiler or compressor over 50 horsepower I :. or each absorption system over 1,750,000 Btu/h 3e WAS;:. 1. For each air-handling unit to and including 10,000 cubic feet per minute ( 75; including ducts attached thereto $( Note: This fee shall not apply to an air-handling unit which is a portion of a factory-assembly appliance, cooling unit, evaporative cooler or absorption unit for which a permit is required elsewhere in this code. M. For each air-handling unit over 10,000 cubic feet per minu t n. For each evaporative cooler other than portable type $6 o. For each ventilation fan connected to a single duct $4 ` P_ For each ventilation system which is not a portion of any heating or air- conditioning system authorized by a permit $6459y q. For the installation of each hood which is served by mechanical exhaust, including the ducts for such hood $6�5 r. For the installation or relocation of each domestic-type incinerator $ FI S. For the installation or relocation of each commercial or industrial-type incinerator t. For each appliance or piece of equipment regulated by this code but not classed in other appliance categories, or for which no other fee is listed in this code 2. Other Inspections and Fees: a. Inspection outside of normal business hours (minimum charge - two hours) $5;49" per hour b. Reinspection fees assessed under provisions of UAC Section 305 (minimum charge - one hour) M40- q per hour C. Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated (minimum charge - one-half hour) per hour d. Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to approved plans (minimum charge - efle half heud'M.90 $&3-.@& per hour D. PLUMBING PERMIT FEES PhEmbiag Peffnif Fees sheAl be as in Table 3 D ef the Unifean AdministFafive Gede. 1. Unit Fee Schedule: a. For each plumbing fixture or trap or set of fixtures on one trap (including water, drainage piping, and blackflow protection therefor) b. For each building sewer and each trailer park sewer C. Rainwater systems - per drain inside building) d. For each cesspool (where permitted) e. For each private sewage disposal system $4640" f. For each water heater and/or vent sq4)o 9. For each industrial waste pretreatment interceptor including its trap and vent, excepting kitchen-type grease interceptors functioning as fixture traps h. For installation, alteration, or repair of water piping and/or water-treating equipment, each $34" i. For repair or alteration of drainage or vent piping, each fixture j. For each lawn sprinkler system on any one meter, including blackflow ............... protection devices therefor $9591 S..-- k. For atmospheric-type vacuum breakers not included in Item a: 1 to 5 $ 9t} over 5, each $"GM 1. For each backflow protective device other than atmospheric-type vacuum breakers: 2 inches ..#Wand smaller $7.�I ( over 2 inches (50.8 mm) M. For each gas piping system of one to four outlets $44" n. For each gas piping system of five or more outlets, per outlet $ .1{:i 2. Other Inspections and Fees: a. Inspection outside of normal business hours (minimum charge - two hours) per hour b. Reinspection fees assessed under provisions of UAC Section 305 (minimum charge - one hour) $5;40M. per hour c. Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated (minimum charge - one-half hour) SS;kGM per hour d. Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to approved plans (minimum charge - e� H $ 3-.4095 # per hour E. FEES FOR PERMIT TO MOVE A BUILDING 1. For issuance of each permit to move a building $Sr3-8A 2. Inspection of a building within the City (minimum charge - one hour) $&;4G"" per hour 3. Inspection of a building outside the City (minimum charge - two hours) W445a4? per hour F. DEMOLITION PERMIT FEES 1. Permit Issuance When pedestrian protection is required $I9� ` #tD 2-/3 When no pedestrian protection is required W4455 G. GRADING PLAN REVIEW FEES 1. 50 cubic yards 3 or less No Fee 2. 51 to 100 cubic yards 3. 101 to 1,000 cubic yards : $ 45i?1 4. 1,001 to 10,000 cubic yardsS 5. 10,001 to 100,000 cubic yards . 5?#o< 5 >` - $34�A4 :( for the first 10,000 cubic yards 7x plus $ Z V for each additional 10,000 cubic yards trj or fraction thereof. 6. 100,001 to 200,000 cubic yards : 5 i>tt : 5'.'::: I h - $I3-44 _ for the first 100,000 cubic yards #, f�, 5„. s9., plus $ 59, 3 t} for each additional V .10,000 cubic yards 3} or fraction thereof. 7. 200,001 cubic yards 5 ' 1 €1 or more - $968.25 S i ' for the first 200,000 cubic yards ! f ; plus $4 for each additional 10,000 cubic yards Q. 7x5#SHS< t . or fraction thereof. 8. Other Fees: Additional plan review required by changes, additions or revisions to approved plans (minimum charge - eae half $33 A055 per hour H. GRADING PERMIT FEES (1) Grading pennit fees shag be as in Table 3 H ef the UrAfeffn AdwAflistFmiye Gede. 1. 50 cubic yards 3” or less 2. 51 to 100 cubic yards ... $ 3. 101 to 1,000 cubic yards $29.4-53 f for the first 100 cubic yards5' plus $d-1-A35 {' for each additional 100 cubic yards or fraction thereof 4. 1,001 to 10,000 cubic yards for the first 1,000 cubic yards71i�+1Ffw; 3}, plus $9449...M. for each additional 1,000 cubic yards OM§M or fraction thereof 5. 10,001 to 100,000 cubic Yards . . <to 7 qpi ; $'n 83:: for the .::x.............::::......:. .A:: ::Ax::.. " .. first 10,000 cubic yards 4 a '>t ii , plus $42. for each additional 10,000 cubic yards ( {} ' O or fraction thereof 6. 100,001 cubic yards or more - $3�1-6A for the fust 100,000 cubic yards ('llrp4 plus $ 3-45 for each additional 10,000 cubic yardsor fraction thereof Note: The fee for a grading permit authorizing additional work to that under a valid permit shall be the difference between the fee paid for the original permit and the fee shown for the entire project. 7. Other Inspection Fees: a. Inspections outside of normal business hours (minimum charge - two hours) $6a4GW per hour b. Reinspection fees assessed under provisions of UAC Section 305 (minimum charge - one hour) $6144" per hour C. Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated (minimum charge - one-half hour) $&3r.W$ < per hour I. MICROFILM FEE Fee assessed with permit to defray the cost of microfilming construction documents filed with permit, per page/sheet (does not apply to page/sheet size less than 11"x 17") $�-1$ EAMU 5 ��►►�►� ��ii��llllllll�i�"' Iili cityo san hues oaspo NMI Ei 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 - San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 August 17, 1994 Dear , The purpose of this letter is to encourage your attendance at an upcoming briefing to discuss two topics which we plan to present for Council consideration at their September 20, 1994 meeting: ■ Adoption of 1994 Uniform Building Code fees ■ Amendment of park in-lieu fees This meeting is scheduled for: Date: Wednesday, August 31, 1994 Time: 7:30 pm Place: City Hall - Hearing Room 990 Palm Street Attached for your review are the following materials: ■ Building fees. It is the City's policy to set building fees based on the Uniform Building Code. The attached legislative draft of the Building and Safety fee schedule compares current and proposed fees. ■ Park in-lieu fees. Our current fees are based on limits set in 1984. Based upon Council direction, an independent economic consultant, Economics Research Associates (ERA), has evaluated current residential land values in the City to provide the basis for updated park in-lieu fees. A copy of ERA's report is provided for your review along with a summary of current and proposed rates. We encourage you and/or representatives from your organization to attend this briefing which will include a question and answer period along with an opportunity for comments. Additionally, we will be happy to meet further with your organization at your convenience. If you have any questions concerning this meeting, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at 781-7130. Sincerely, William C. Statler, Director of Finance The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to including the disabled in all of its services,programs and activities. :2—lb v Telecommunications Device for the Deaf(805)781-7410. Exhibit.., sLo CouNTr BUILDERSSAN WIS OBISPO OFFICE• 3563-G Sueldo • P.O. Box 1222• San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 EXCHAH G E (805)543.7330 • FAX (805)543-7016 ATASCAOERO OFFICE• 5407 EI Camino Real •Atascadem. CA 93422 (805)466.0610 9 FAX(805)466.5029 August 29, 1994 Mr. William C. Statler Director of Finance City of San Luis Obispo P.C. Ec.: 8100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 Dear Mr. Statler: Thank you for sending us the information on the 1994 Uniform Building Code fees and the amendment of park in-lieu fees for the City of San Luis Obispo. After carefully analyzing these proposals, the San Luis Obispo County Builders Exchange (SLOCBE) would respectfully request that these increases be delayed for at least another two years, as a way of showing the city's commitment to assisting the very weak recovery we presently are experiencing in the construction industry here. At this time it is ar less expensive to purchase an existing home than to build a new one. The real estate market remains very slow. A number of factors have contributed to this stagnation: unemployment, out-of-state flight, rising interest rates, increased materials and labor costs. There is little ,if anything) the City of San Luis Obispo can do about these. In light of this situation, it would be a tremendous help to everyone if the city would postpone any fee increases for now. We are not experiencing rapid growth to justify hiring additional staff to process permits. Potential park land is not being gobbled up overnight. On these facts alone it seems hard to justify increasing fees; taken with the cumulative impact of the economic factors mentioned above, we believe an increase in fees would be most unwise at this time. We would be receptive to discussing alternatives that would help keep building costs down while ensuring quality construction and compliance with all existing government regulations. Only by working together will we reach our mutual goals of a healthy economy and a healthful environment. Sincerely, LESLIE RAMSEY Executive Director 2- i1