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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/01/1993, 1 - TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES MEETING DATE: �iiIN�I�N�����(�IIIINIVIIIVIII City O� San LUIS OBI SPO gage i COU14CIL AGENDA REPORT FROM: William C. Stader, Director of Finan Prepared by: Linda Asprion, Revenue Manager SUBJECT: TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES CAO RECOMMENDATION Introduce an Ordinance to print establishing transportation development impact fees and adopt a resolution establishing fee amounts to be effective July 1, 1993. REPORT-IN-BRIEF Implementing developme-it impact fees has been the subject of in-depth discussion over-the past four years and is consistent with recommendations from various Council adopted policy documents and community groups. The proposed fees have been calculated under the stringent.standards of AB 1600, which set forth requirements related to the calculation, apportionment, administration, and enforcement of impact fees. The recommended transportation development impact fee for a single family residence is $2,152, with fees for non-residential projects varying based on their land use type and square footage. It should be noted that the f;,es developed in the accompanying impact fee study are recommended to be imp'.;mented at the levels identified in this comprehensive study with the exception of fees for retail and motel/hotel developments. Implementation of the fees for retail and hotel/motel are recommended to be 50% of the study costs in recognition of the fiscal benefits these developments bring to the City. OVERVIEW Why should the City adop! transportation impact fees? There are two compelling reasons for adopting transportation impact fees. ■ It is adopted City policy that new development should pay its fair share of the cost of constructing the community facilities that are necessary to serve it,and impact fees are one of the key ;trays of implementing this policy. N If we do not adopt tran:.-portation impact fees, one of two outcomes will result: • We will nor construct the transportation facilities necessary to accommodate our General Plan and all residents will see circulation service levels decline as a result. • We will i:c,nstruct the facilities, but at the expense of other important community services - police, fire, recreation, parks, cultural, and social services - that do not have alternative revenue sources available to them. ,G I�ui1linu���llllllll�p1°i�����U city of san Luis oBispo COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT These factors were important in 1987, when impact fees were first discussed as necessary for the City's long-term health. Given our current fiscal situation, they are even more important today insuring our long-term ability to deliver important services to our community. I DISCUSSION Background The implementation of transportation development impact fees ensures that new development pays for itself, which will prevent existing residents and businesses from subsidizing new developments. The need to address the implementation of development impact fees has been under serious discussion since 1987 when the City's long-term financial health was identified as a major objective during the 1987-89 Financial Plan process. In i response to this objective, a Comprehensive Financial Management Plan (CFMP) was prepared in 1989 which addresses the City's financial needs through the year 2000. Implementing development impact fees was identified in the CFMP as a key source of new revenue to support the City's long-term financial health. Recent economic trends underscore the need to develop resources outside of the General Fund to finance the infrastructure costs of new development. In January 1990, the Council identified the need for citizen participation and involvement in developing programs to ensure the City's long-term financial health. The Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC)was assigned this task and completed their extensive review and evaluation of the City's long-term financial needs. The CAC's report, which was submitted to Council at their February 5, 1991 meeting, recommended that the City establish development impact fees at sufficient levels to ensure that new development pays its fair share of the cost of constructing necessary community facilities. This recommendation was subsequently adopted in the City's 1991-93 Financial Plan (page B-5). In summary, implementing the recommended transportation development impact fee is consistent with 'findings from our previous long-term planning efforts and the 1991-93 Financial Plan policies as well as with the existing Short Range Transit Plan, Council.adopted revenue programs, and the Draft Circulation Element. Assembly Bill 1600 On January 1, 1989, the legislature enacted AB 1600 which addresses the development and implementation of local impact fees. Although AB 1600 does not limit local governments' ability to impose regulatory fees, it does impose substantive procedural requirements related to the calculation, adoption, administration and enforcement of impact fee ordinances. AB 1600 requires that a "reasonable relationship" must exist between the need and the cost for a public facility and the development on which the fee is imposed. This requires documentation for capital improvements attributable to new growth, which must be consistent with applicable general plans and adopted specific plans. �liii!�►�►�►I�illiilll(P1° ���il MY Of San LAAIS OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT David M. Griffith and Associates, Ltd. (DMG) was hired to prepare a comprehensive analysis of specific transportation projects and their costs required to support future development in the City as well as to perform a compliance review of the allocation policies and "reasonable relationship" requirements as stipulated in AB 1600. This study has been completed and accompanies this report. Methodology for the Development Impact Fees The transportation impact fee study prepared by DMG comprehensively details the analysis performed to determine the amount of the fees to be charged, and the direct relationship of the fees to the capital improvement projects, or portions thereof, required to support future development. AB 1600 establishes certain requirements that must be met by any i local agency establishing, increasing, or imposing fees which are imposed as a condition of development project approval. To satisfy these requirements the City must: 1. Identify the purpose of the fee. 2. Identify the use of the fee. I 3. Determine that there is a reasonable relationship between the: i a. Use of the fee and the development type on which it is imposed. b. Need for the facility and the type of development on which the fee is imposed. C. Amount of the fee and the facility cost attributable to the project. Each of these key requirements is specifically addressed in the accompanying impact fee study. The development impact fee must be reviewed annually to account for any changes in the cost of the capital improvement projects or any other consideration affecting the "reasonable relationship" between the fees and the cost of the improvements on which the fees are based. What projects are included in calculating transportation impact fees? The Draft Circulation Element accepted by the Council in April of 1992 as the basis for preparing the General Plan EIR is the primary source for identifying projects to be funded by transportation impact fees. Cost estimates for the following projects were used to calculate impact fees. While the Draft Circulation Element is the primary source for identifying projects, not all projects identified in that document are listed below: projects that should be the direct responsibility of new development to design and construct have not been included in the cost base. This distinction is discussed further in the cost study, and projects which should be the direct responsibility of new development are identified.. �'3 11117►�iiiVilllllllllli►► ������� city of San Lws OBISpo Nii% COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Street Projects The following street improvements proposed in the Draft Circulation Element have been included in calculating transportation impact fees. ■ Widen Bridge and Modify Ramps Highway 101/Los Osos Valley Road ■ Widen West Side Higuera Street/High Street to Marsh Street ■ Widen Higuera Street/Madonna Road to City Limit ■ South Street extension to connect with Bishop Street ■ Widen Monterey Street/Santa Rosa to Grand Avenue ■ Grade Separation Orcutt Road/Southern Pacific Railroad ■ Widen Road and Bridge Prado Road/Highway 101 to Higuera ■ 20 Traffic Signals at Various Locations ■ Widen Bridge Madonna Road/Highway 101* ■ Widen Higuera Street/Madonna Road to High Street* ■ Widen Highway 101 through City ■ Various Congestion Management Projects * These two projects have already been constructed. Since they were designed to serve current and future traffic needs, a portion of their costs have been included in the impact fee program consistent with AB 1600. i Transit Projects The following P transit improvements approved in the 1991 Short Ran a Transit Plan have PP g been included in calculating transportation impact fees. ■ Fleet Expansion of 5 Buses ■ Bus Stop Amenities at Various Locations ■ Downtown Multi-modal Transfer Center I Bikeway Projects The following bicycle facilities proposed in the Bikeway Element of the 1990 San Luis Obispo County Regional Transportation Plan and the Draft Circulation Element have been included in calculating transportation impact fees. ■ New Bikeway in the Southern Pacific Railroad Right of Way ■ Bicycle Improvements and Facilities at Various Locations As noted in the impact fee study, new development creates impacts on some or all public facilities and services provided by the City by increasing the demand for those facilities or services. If the supply of services is not increased to meet that new demand, the quality of service declines for the existing community. When the City provides facilities or services to satisfy the demand created by new development, it is producing a benefit corresponding to the impact. As such, a reasonable benefit relation is present as long as the facilities for which fees are collected and spent are available to serve new development. In this case, the facilities and equipment addressed in this study would provide the necessary benefit by accommodating the transportation needs of new development. �y_� ,��►�►���►��IIIIlill��' l@III City Of San' I S OBI SPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Don't some of these projects benefit current residents and businesses? Yes, but the fees have been calculated with the improvement costs apportioned between existing and future development. Only that portion attributable to new development has been used in calculating the proposed fees. This apportionment is based on transportation planning and traffic modeling by the City's Community Development and Public Works Departments. How are costs allocated between diffenart types of lard uses? As detailed in the accompanying study, the impact fees are based upon average daily trips/miles (ADTM's), with the per trip impact fee rate calculated at $201.00. The number of ADTM's per land use type have been calculated based upon data used by the Community Development Department in projecting traffic impacts of future development.based upon traffic modeling which were used in preparing the Draft Circulation Element. Who pays development impact fees? How will t�Yaffect affordable hounn S• � i The proposed development impact fees will be paid in a lump sum by the applicant when the building permit is issued. Companies and individuals building projects for resale include the fees in calculating the cost of the house/facility and apply their profit margin accordingly. In this sense, these fees may be passed on to the buyers of the new housing or community development and reflected in the purchase price, but only to the degree that it is profitable for the developer to do so. Because of the many factors that determine the price of housing, it is very difficult to determine the effect of these impact fees on affordable housing. For example, there are many cities with high impact fees which have affordable housing, and many cities with low impact fees and little or no affordable housing. However, production of affordable housing, along with all other developments, requires sufficient transportation infrastructure and facilities to support the new development, and that is the ultimate purpose of these proposed fees. Are there any special Policy considerations? I As a part of the City's strategy for economic stability, it is recommended that retail and hotel/motel developments receive a 50% reduction to the fee identified in the impact fee study. By reducing fees for these developments, there may be a shortfall of revenue needed to construct transportation projects on which the fees are based, and AB 1600 does not allow that shortfall to be made up by increasing fees for other types of development. However, the shortfall can be subsidized using other sources of revenue such as sales tax and transient occupancy tax revenues produced by the developments. As such, in recognition of the fiscal benefits that retail and hotel/motel developments bring to the City, it is recommended that the reduced fees be implemented. _JC ��iii�i�I��IV►IlllllflP���1°q�I�IU city of San tuiS OBISpo - i COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Are any caeditg adjustments or a nphons available? The proposed ordinance provides for credits and exemptions under the following circumstances: I i ■ Construction of facilities or improvements by applicant. If the applicant for approval of any development project is required by the City, as a condition of approval, to construct facilities whose cost has been used in the calculation of impact fees which apply to that project, the applicant shall receive a credit for that portion of the total fees otherwise payable that are attributable to those facilities. If the credit exceeds the amount of the transportation impact fees due on the development, a reimbursement agreement with the applicant shall be offered. The reimbursement amount shall not include the portion of the improvement needed to provide services or mitigate the need for the facility or the burdens created by the development. j For example, let's assume an applicant is required to install an $80,000 traffic signal as part of a development (which is an improvement identified in the calculation of the impact fees) and the transportation impact fees payable by the applicant are $100,000, the $80,000 will be credited against the fees, reducing the amount payable to $20,000. Or, same scenario, but the applicant only owes $50,000 in transportation impact fees. In this situation, a reimbursement agreement in the amount of$30,000 will be offered the applicant. However, credits and reimbursements are not allowed for any improvement that is a specific condition of development but was not included in calculating the impact fee. For example, a road extension or widening may cost $300,000 in addition to the $100,000 in impact fees. However, if the improvement is a condition of development, and was not identified as part of the project base in calculating the fees, no credit would be applied. j I ■ Exemptions. The fees imposed under this ordinance shall not apply to the following: j • Other government agencies. The rationale for this exemption is first, cities do not have authority to charge counties, school districts, the State of the Federal Government any fees which are not sanctioned by these agencies; and secondly, the need for expanding governmental facilities is driven by increased demands for service resulting from new development, so it is appropriate that this cost be included in the fee for private sector uses. • That portion, of a structure which existed before the addition of dwelling units or the enlargement of floor area in a non-residential structure. If a structure is destroyed or demolished, and replaced within two years from the date of demolition, the impact fees shall be based on the service requirements of the - new development less the service requirements of the development which it replaced. ���ii�iM►i�wliiiililllu° IIDIU city Of San LUIS OBISPO ONGN COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT How do we compare with other cities? In October 1991, the State Department of Transportation released results of a survey they performed to determine the extent of local traffic impact fee structures and transportation funding sources presently in place by local agencies within District 5. The results of the survey indicated that out of 31 cities and counties surveyed, a total of 17 imposed some form of impact fee. While most of the jurisdictions imposing such fees negotiate the amount of the fee with developers on a case by case basis, many cities throughout the State have established fees using calculations based on either dwelling units, square footage,peak hour trips (PHT), or average daily traffic (ADT). The following chart summarizes impact fees charged by comparable cities for single family residential (SFR) uses: i Single Family City Residential Fee Brentwood $6,922 I Camarillo $4,240 i Half.Moon Bay $1,450 Livermore $2,240 Napa $1,853 Oxnard $3,826 Pismo Beach* $336.- $3042 San Clemente* $1,200 - $6,100 Tracy* $4,586 - $8,047 Vacaville $5,812 Ventura $5,245 I San Luis Obispo (Proposed) $2,152 I * These cities are divided into zones with each zone having a different rate. The chart shows that the proposed development impact fees for San Luis Obispo are comparable with other cities. How will these fees affect development costs? The following summarizes the impact of the proposed fees on development by using some recently completed projects to show what fees would have been paid. J4,7 �1��»��►�i�illlllilJl IIIIIIIMY Of San Iul S OBI SPO pi�uq 1 COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Fee Calculation Total Fee The Crossroads Credit for 6 SFR units (demolished) $(12,912) Six Multi-family Residential Units 11,460 Retail - 17,528 square feet 59,473* Service - 5,125 square feet 11,993 Total. $ 70,014 * Calculation based on recommended fee at 50% of the study costs in recognition of the fiscal benefits these developments bring to the City. O'Leary Building Office - 7,609 square feet $ 32,833 I Service - 1,300 square feet 3.042 Total $ 35,875 Walters' Bros. Bldg Office - 43,269 square feet $186,706 I Exhibit A provides a comparison of the proposed City impact fees on these projects and some hypothetical projects, with the fees that other cities would charge for these same projects. i When will the increase be implemented? i Pursuant to the Government Code, the Ordinance may go into effect 60 days after its final passage. Within this context, it is recommended that the fees become effective on Thursday, July 1, 1993 to simplify implementation. I I How wrff the fees be used? I AB 1600 requires the City to "earmark" the development impact fees by category of capital improvement. The funds may be invested, with any interest earned added to the fees, and can be expended only for the purpose for which the fee was collected. This has been interpreted to mean thw a specific capital project on which the fee was based can be changed, but the funds must be used for the general stated purpose, i.e. transportation improvements. The Director of Finance must annually report on the fees collected and related expenditures. After five years, if the fee has not been expended or committed, and the City cannot establish a reasonable relationship between the fee remaining and the purpose for which it was charged, the unexpended or uncommitted fees (together with any interest accrued) must be refunded to the current recorded owner of the property. How will fees be adjusted over time? Unless otherwise acted upon .by Council, the amount of the fees will automatically be adjusted on July 1st of each subsequent year by the percentage change in the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U), all-cities average for the prior calendar year. ly_� City of San 'LUI S OBI SPO - COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION As discussed above, the Citizen's Advisory Committee has comprehensively reviewed the City's long-term financial health, including the appropriate use of development impact fees. In concluding their review, .the CAC recommended the implementation of impact fees to i ensure that development pays its fair share of constructing community facilities and as a part of the bigger picture; to help ensure the City's long-term financial health. Their recommendation was approved by the Council and incorporated into the 1991-93 Financial Plan. On October 19, 1992, a meeting was held with the Chamber of Commerce and the Building Industry Association of the Central Coast (BIACO) to introduce the proposed impact fees. After the meeting, the Chamber coordinated correspondence between the BIACO and the City addressing specific questions and requesting additional information (Exhibits B & Q. A concluding meeting with the Chamber and BIACO was held on January 29, 1993, where some concerns were expressed regarding two specific projects - one included and one excluded - in the fee calculation. The discussion of these two projects was as follows: ■ Prado Road. The BIACO expressed their concern that Prado Road interchange and extension. from South Higuera to Broad was not included in the impact fee calculation. This project is identified in the Draft Circulation Element as being built as a condition of development since the benefits of the project are so site specific. Accordingly, this project is not included as part of the base for determining transportation impact fees. ■ SPRR Bike Path. The BIACO expressed particular concern regarding the inclusion of the Southern Pacific Railroad right of way for the new bike path with an estimated cost of $12,000,000 and an impact fee share of 30.6% ($3,672,000). This project is included in the Bikeway Element of the 1990 San Luis Obispo County Regional Transportation Plan and the Draft Circulation Element as a specific program, and as such, it has been included as part of the fee base. The BIACO has requested this I. project be deleted from the impact fee calculation. Deleting this project from the fee calculation would reduce the bicycle improvement fee portion by $1328 (from $17.71 to $4.43 per average daily trip) and the total impact fee from $201 to $188 per average daily trip. For example, this would reduce the proposed single family residence fee from $2,152 to $2,139. CONCURRENCES The Community Development. Public Works, City Attorney, and Administration staffs have reviewed the proposed fees, and they concur with the recommendation. ������m►►���Ililllillp° ����ll city Of San Luis OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT" FISCAL IMPACT Under the City's current residential growth management plan (1% annually), the following revenues are projected to be generated annually from the proposed transportation impact fee: Residential $354,000 Non-Residential* $195,000 * Non-residential fees have been calculated based on the historic relationship between Total $549,000 residential and non-residential development Based on current trends, significantly less revenue will be generated on an annual basis in the near term (next 2 - 3 years). However, this provides a reasonable estimate of the long- term financial resources that will be generated from this fee. i ALTERNATIVES There are seven basic alternatives available to the Council: i ■ Approve fees which are less than recommended. The Council could approve fees that are less than those supported by the impact fee study. However, with the "reasonable relationship" being established within the study.and the costs directly _ apportioned, this alternative would be inconsistent with adopted City policy, and as such, it is not recommended. I ■ Do not implement transportation impact fees. Based upon the City's long-term financial needs and adopted Council policy regarding the responsibility for new development to pay its fair share of constructing necessary public facilities, this alternative is not recommended. Not adopting the fees would cause existing residents and businesses to pay a greater share of future transportation improvements projects, or would result in fewer General Fund resources available to support other City services such as police, fire, recreation, parks, and street maintenance. ■ Approve subsidy for retail and hotel/motel use that is different than the recommended level. The Council could approve a subsidy for retail and hotel/motel fees that is greater or less than the 50% reduction recommendation. The recommended level recognizes the trade-off on a 50/50 basis between the need for new development to pay for itself and the fiscal benefits of these types of development. ■ Approve subsidies for other uses. Although there may be fiscal benefits associated with other types of projects, retail and motel/hotel uses clearly have significant definable fiscal benefits that distinguish them from other types of development. In the interest of straightforwardly communicating the strategic benefits of retail and tourist-oriented developments - consistent with our adopted City Mission Statemen _10 MY Of San WI S OBI SPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT of promoting the City as a "regional trade, recreation, and tourist center" - no expansion of this subsidy is recommended at this time. The City's economic development strategies are currently under review. If, as part of this process, other strategic business types are identified that should also receive a subsidy, the impact fee resolution can be amended at that time, with the recognition that the City will produce less money to pay for future improvements. i ■ Developer financing options. In lieu of direct subsidies, or in conjunction with them, the City could assist developers in financing these fees (as well as other impact fees such as water and sewer) by establishing community facility districts on a case-by-case basis that would offer long-term, tax exempt financing of these fees. ■ Delete selected projects. The Council could delete any project from the improvement listing. It should be noted, however, that these projects are based several key transportation and alternative transportation documents 'which serve as the foundation for planning future transportation projects. Recalculating the fee based on including or excluding specific projects is a very straight-forward and simple process. If the Council has concerns with specific projects, those projects should be discussed and retained or deleted, as adoption of some development impact fee is j preferable for the long-term benefit of the City over not having such a fee. j ■ . Timing. Although the BIACO does not support this fee, they have suggested that the City consider deferring or phasing in the fees. Although it is recommended that the fees be implemented in full on July 1, 1993, adopting the fees with a deferred or phased schedule is recommended over not adopting the fees at all. . SUMMARY Implementing transportation impact fees has been the subject of in-depth discussion over the past several years. The proposed fees will be set at comparable levels with similar communities while generating funds that will assist in meeting the City's financial requirements for funding future transportation facilities. As such, it is recommended that the Council adopt an ordinance implementing the transportation impact fees and adopt a resolution establishing fee levels effective July 1, 1993. ATTACHMENTS IN Ordinance implementing transportation impact fees IN Resolution establishing amounts for transportation impact fees 111i►�►�►�ii'�illillilfpu ��Dp� city Of San Luis OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT EXHIBITS / A. Transportation impact fee comparison with other cities B. November 18, 1992 letter from Chamber of Commerce and Building Industry Association of the Central Coast C. December 14, 1992 letter responding to the Chamber of Commerce and Building j Industry Association of the Central Coast ENCLOSURE (Council Only) i ■ Transportation Impact Fee Study, David M. Griffith, March 15, 1993 (Copy available in City Clerk's Office for public review) I I i I- i I i I i /J¢'�a ORDINANCE NO. (1993 SERIES) , AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO ADDING CHAPTER 4.56 IMPLEMENTING TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEES FOR ALL NEW DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO WHEREAS, the City Council has held a public hearing to consider proposed fees to mitigate the impacts of new development on transportation facilities in the City of San Luis Obispo; and, WHEREAS, the impact fees are to be used to implement the goals and objectives, policies,programs, and standards of the San Luis Obispo General Plan, Short Range Transit Plan, and Bikeway Element of the County Regional Transportation Plan, and are consistent therewith; and, WHEREAS, the Community Development Director has determined that this ordinance is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Article 18, Sections 15061 (a) and 15273 (a) (4) of the California Environmental Quality Act Procedures and Guidelines; and, WHEREAS, the proposed ordinance promotes the public health safety and general welfare; WHEREAS, the �.-lroposed ordinance complies with the provisions of Government Code Section 66000, et seq; NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. A new Chapter 4.56 is hereby added to read as follows: Chapter 4.56 TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEES A. Purpose.. In order it) implement the goals and objectives of the Circulation Element of the City of San Luis Obispo General Plan, the 1991 Short Range Transit Plan, and the Bikeway Element of the 1990 San Luis Obispo County Regional Transportation Plan, and /�-13 to provide adequate transportation facilities to serve new development in the City of San - Luis Obispo and to mitigate the impacts of that new development, certain public facilities and improvements must be, or had to be, constructed or purchased. The City Council has determined that transportation impact fees are needed in order to finance these facilities and improvements and to pay for new development's fair share of the construction or purchase costs of these facilities and improvements. In establishing the fee described in the following sections, the City Council has found the fee to be consistent with the City's General Plan, and pursuarrt to Government Code Section 65913.2,has considered the effects of the fee with respect to the City's housing needs.as established in the Housing Element of the said General Plan Land Use Element. B. Transportation Impact Fees. 1. Transportation impact fees are hereby established as a condition of any new development for which any of the following approvals or permits is required: (a) Approvals of land divisions pursuant to Title 16 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code,including approval of lot line adjustments,certificates of compliance,parcel maps, tract maps and condominium conversions; (b) Land use approvals pursuant to Title 17 of the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code, including,rezo;dngs or the approval of development plans, site plans, minor use permits, variances, but excepting approval of San Luis Obispo General Plan/Land Use Ordinance amendments: (c) For the issuance of any occupancy permit or final building inspection, and (d) All other approvals of real property development,which approvals are subject to the jurisdiction of the City of San Luis Obispo and which approvals are subject to the exercise of the discretion of the City Council, Planning Commission, or Community Development Director. For purposes of this chapter, new development includes any change of use or occupancy which increases the traffic service requirements of a development. 2. The said transportation impact'fees are established in order to pay for needed facilities and improveme-its reasonably related.to new development within the City. From time to time, the City Council shall, by resolution, set forth the specific amount of the impact fees, the specific public improvements to be financed and their estimated cost, describe the reasonable relationship between the fees and the various types of new developments, and set forth the time of payment of the fees. Said resolution shall provide for a method of adjusting the amount of the impact fees on an annual basis to account for changes in the cost of construction or other considerations affecting the reasonable relationship between the fees and the cost of facilities and improvements on which the fees are based. (a) For any development other than residential, the resolution shall provide for payment of fees at the time of building permit issuance. (b) For residential development, the resolution shall provide for the payment of fees at the time of building permit issuance, except where the provisions of Section 66007 of the California Government Code require the collection of fees to be delayed until the time of final inspection or issuance of a certificate of occupancy. 3. The City Council shall, at least once every five years, review the basis for transportation impact fees to determine whether said fee is still reasonably related to the impacts of development, and whether the facilities and improvements for which the fees are charged are still needed. C. Exemptions. The fees imposed under this ordinance shall not apply to the following: 1. Other government agencies. 2. That portion of a structure which existed before the addition of dwelling units or the enlargement of floor area in a non-residential structure. If a structure is destroyed or demolished, and replaced within two years from the date of demolition, the impact fees shall be based on the service requirements of the new development less the service requirements of the development which it replaced. D. Applicant Construction of Facilities or Improvements. If the applicant for approval of any development project is required by the City, as a condition of approval, to construct facilities whose cost has been used in the calculation of impact fees which apply to that project, the applicant sh011 receive a credit for that portion of the total fees otherwise payable that are attributable to those facilities. If the credit exceeds the amount of the transportation impact fee due on the development, a reimbursement agreement with the applicant shall be offered. The reimbursement amount shall not include the portion of the i improvement needed to provide services or mitigate the need for the facility or the burdens created by the development. E. Limited Use Of Fees. The revenues raised by payment of the transportation impact fees shall be placed in a separate account along with any interest earnings on that account, and shall be used solely to: 1. Pay for the design and construction, including construction management, of transportation improvements described in resolutions adopted pursuant to Section B, or to reimburse the City for funds advanced from other sources to pay for said design and construction. 2. Reimburse developers who have been required or permitted to install portions of said facilities or improvements pursuant to Section D, hereof. F. Fee Adjustments. 1. Each development is independent and no reductions to impact fees will be transferrable to another development nor will an excess be refunded. 2. Any person whose new development is subject to impact fees may appeal to the City Council for a reduction or adjustment of those fees, or a waiver of those fees,based on the absence of any reasonable relationship between the impacts of that new development �. and either the amount of the fees or the type of facilities or improvements funded by the - fees. The appeal shall be made in writing and filed with the City Clerk, together with any required appeal fee,within ten (10) days following notification that the fee is to be imposed. The appeal shall state in detail the factual basis for the claim of waiver, reduction or adjustment. The City Council shall consider the appeal at an appeal hearing to be held within sixty (60) days after the filing of the appeal. The hearing may be continued from time to time. The decision of the City Council on the appeal shall be final. If a reduction, adjustment or waiver is granted, any change in the permitted type or intensity of land use within the approved development project shall invalidate the reduction,adjustment or waiver of the fee. G. Unexpended Transportation Impact Fee Revenues. 1. Notwithstanding Section B.3., whenever any impact fee, or portion of an impact fee, remains unexpended or uncommitted five (5) or more years after payment of the fee, the City Council shall make findings once each fiscal year with respect to the unexpended amount. The City Council shall identify the purpose for which the fee is to be l 1 used, and demonstrate a reasonable relationship between the fee and the purpose for which r , it was charged. The findings required by this section need be made only for monies in the possession of the City, and need not be made with respect to any letters of credit, bonds or other items given to secure payment of the fee at a future date. 2. The City shall refund to the then-current. owneror owners of the new development project or projects, on a prorated basis the unexpended or uncommitted portion of the impact fees for which need cannot be demonstrated pursuant to this section. The City may refund the unexpended or uncommitted revenue by direct payment, by providing a temporary suspension of impact fees or by any other means consistent with the intent of this section. The determination of the means by which those fees are to be refunded is a legislative act. 3. If the City Council determines that the administrative costs of refunding unexpended or uncommitted impact fees pursuant to this section exceed the amount to be refunded, the City Council, after a public hearing, notice of which has been published pursuant to Section 6061 of the California Government Code and posted in three prominent places within the area of the new development project, may determine that the said fees shall be allocated for some other purpose for which impact fees are collected and which serves the new development project on which the fees were originally imposed. SECTION 2. A summary of this ordinance, together with the names of Councilmembers voting for and against, shall be published once in full, at least five (5) days prior to its final passage, in the Telegram-Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in the City. Pursuant to Government Code 66017, the ordinance shall go into effect at the expiration of sixty (60) days after its final passage. 1 �i7 r INTRODUCED AND PASSED TO PRINT by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo at its meeting held on the day of , 1992, on motion of . and seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Mayor Peg Pinard ATTEST: City Clerk, Diane Gladwell APPROVED: torn j �-t8 RESOLUTION NO. (1993 SERIES) i RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO SETTING FORTH THE AMOUNT OF TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEES, PROVIDING FOR THE COLLECTION AND ADJUSTMENT OF SAID IMPACT FEES, IDENTIFYING THE TRANSPORTATION SERVICES TO BE FUNDED BY THE FEES, AND ESTABLISHING A REASONABLE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FEES AND VARIOUS TYPES OF NEW DEVELOPMENT WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has prepared studies to determine the need for transportation facilities and improvements to serve new development; and, WHEREAS, a study entitled City of San Luis Obispo Transportation Impact Fee Study, dated March 15, 1993, by David M. Griffith & Associates, Ltd. (hereinafter called "Impact Fee Study"),which is incorporated herein by reference, has analyzed the relationship between future development and the cost of needed transportation facilities and improvements; and, WHEREAS, that study was made available for public inspection and review ten (10) days prior to a public hearing held on this matter on April 6, 1993; and public notice was provided fourteen (14) days prior to the public hearing; and WHEREAS., this Resolution shall become effective sixty (60) days from final passage of Ordinance No. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo finds and resolves that: 1. Findings. A. The purpose of the transportation impact fees is to provide adequate street improvements, transit improvements and bicycle facilities to satisfy the needs of new development and to mitigate the impacts of new development on the City's transportation facilities. B. The transporntion fees collected pursuant to this resolution shall be used only to pay for street, transit, and bikeway facilities and improvements and shall not be in lieu of any other fee or tax. 1 J�-19 1 C. There is a reasonable relationship between the types of development on which the fees are imposed and (1) the use of the fees and (2) the need for the facilities and improvements. D. There is a reasonable relationship between the amount of the fee and the cost of the facilities and improvements attributable to the developments on which the fees are imposed. The estimated costs of facilities and improvements, including financing costs, to be paid for by transportation fees is shown in the Impact Fee Study. Those costs have been allocated to new development on the basis of dwelling unit type (residential) or type of development and size of development (non-residential), which are reasonably related to traffic generation by the development project. 2. Cost Estimates. At any time that the actual or estimated costs of facilities identified in the Impact Fee Study significantly changes, the Finance Director shall review the transportation fees and daermine whether the change significantly affects the amount of the fees. If the fees are significantly affected, the Finance Director shall, within thirty (30) days, recommend to the City Council a revised fee to be incorporated into this resolution. 3. Amount of Transportation Fees. The amount of the transportation impact fees for the 1992-93 fiscal year is set forth in Table 1 attached hereto. Unless otherwise acted upon by - ' the City Council, the amount of the fees will automatically be adjusted on July 1 of each subsequent year by the percentage change in the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U), all-cities average for the prior calendar year. 4. Time of Payment. A. Transportation impact fees for any development project or portion thereof shall be payable prior to issuance of the building permit. B. For any development project or portion thereof, impact fees shall be assessed at the time of application and remain valid for as long as the application is proceeding through valid processing as per the Uniform Administrative Code. 5. Separate Accounts, The Finance. Director shall deposit fees collected under this resolution in a separate transportation impact fee fund as required by Government Code Section 66006. Within sixty (60) days of the close of each fiscal year, the Finance Director shall make available to the public an accounting of the fund, and the City Council shall review that information at its next regular public meeting. Upon motion of seconded by , and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of , 1993. Mayor Peg Pinard ATTEST: City Clerk, Diane Gladwell APPROVED: tloy TABLE 1 TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEES Land Use Category Impact Fee per Unit of Development Single Family Residential $ 2,152/DU Multi-Family Residential $ 1,910/DU Retail* $ 3,393/KSF* Office $ 4,315/KSF Service Station $22,261/KSF Service Commercial $ 2,340/KSF Industrial $ 1,246/KSF Hospital $ 3,865/KSF - Motel/Hotel* $ 999/Room* - Other $ 201/Trip * Fees for retail and Kotel/motel are set at 50% of the study costs in recognition of the fiscal benefits these developments bring to the City. DU = Dwelling Unit KSF = 1,000 Square Fect O O M M M N UJ (o O O 1 N W 0 A D M R A O V O 0 O v_ v_ C co o co r V_ Go `A// �' Q J r Of — N M UJ U1 43 N Oy 49 h c9 COU9 Cl) K O N O1 M 0 N 67 M a 6 O cc IO 1� v Im M. C" O O LD. 10 2 A W CD N pf co co M. O O N V' ��\ O CO M .^ V 4O M W O V O co N OnC4 Oci M to M' O c.Oq� �Np O Vi; LLl 69 0 'A p e9 Hf bpi.; cW40 (A tl�9: LN O Of r CD aA r O O O N -jM CD M U1 A W N O O O O V CD M M N U) A 00 V 0 Go Q cD O O M N U1 U) .1 N CD 16 U K VM 49 N 49 M 49 W 0 W co GO Q C9 V co O N O , (D O O O 1P N S N I N co cD m P% 000 m.. S' a LO.- n .- O'.- cO CO). .- (0 pppp • M ^ V F tp A V V' W M 49 NW fA 19 W _ N N 49 I U CID O V. N N M (9 N K V cD M • 0N OOO On M 0 1 co co NM V N U1 A O Cl) Z M W A coo U1 V CO OD CO Go M co OZH U) N OO , CD V CD V U1 49 Z 49 H 49 19 N H H 49 0 V H Q W I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 N C9 1 O M U 2 V A CD O O M M fp I I O O 4. W c0 (D M A (D c0 cD M O O 10 N Q J U1 V r V DI V C9 O O Co U MM_ m o _ a 49 N M /9 W O O V 49 c ...............................N.M ...._!9 ..... ...._ .0_ N .. . 0... ..,......�.._ _. _.... C. .......... . ... .. O M M co M m 0 OJ pO N co QNB mm a N W co.00 CD A M M O M O O J U m OJ ^ N �--M In M 00 CD w ` m W f U. w 499 49 ON W w N44 CY N U N W W Q 1 1 1 1' II O pI' p� w 49 pf O a d m N 44 C c9 t9 fA N U .. co K _ CQ A U) 0 O0 O U1 N 0 0 O m CL CJI A V N A M p O O N 1X1 N ZQ CD Ol V C'11 n N O cD u) (D U) a0 at Z (D O N M 0 0 A M O U) V M m m X di ^ W U) cli (a 03 49 W 0 M co (e LL O O 49 H 49 N m ._................................................_.._...............,..._..... ........_...... .. ... ._ . . _.. ..... .__.... O O (D CA O 1D o co a LO O O D M C Q d 00 Ci elk A0N M 000 co m O m pi tp 4 U F. Q cCi r v cc O N O .r N �: Z 49 V N IA I w N 'm M 49 cO L U 49 49 49 0 49 49 V N C9 V C7 a UJU CO 0 ID N V O p A O O O O m O M N A M V A O O O V m U) Q V Df N h O h Co V N N m Z 01 O 0 N cC CO N I. C% 06 O/ N m QM ¢ K 0 V0 N N 40 M19 co N M W 4) m W cc ' N N 49 49 M m C J m 8 oV M A m o m V S o m Me 20 m.c'�I Co coco -T a o_ O V '� eW co U. co -.. y.49..f9 69 .K W N W':: �I OI C�0 C m S O O M M 0 CO U1 O O O O m N J N V O CD Q W M 40 o 0 N V C L m J O V N W m U1 V UJ o N N O O Q t0 1MD Z;) CCOO N VN N M 1D co 000 N L m C Q N c9 !9 N 6% N N h 49 O L m cc U O = w v O A N O O O O A N V O O N 3 C � 8 _ N .- IOD CD N N I� W (o O O U9 C m N CGCG _0 Ln CD C w CL C6 C r m m c o Z cv9A» 04 CY to I 49w rA "9w 49 W. 0) w X..a: C o m o 0 m m co c c. a ... .. .. ..0 ........... . 0-. .... 0._ .. .. � . _. '- m N 0- o 5 N (D o 0 CD FL E Occ Cc$ a c CL = gy m O W r, O T w m T U 00 04'n D1 0 r c rn ° ,D , m m o c? �0 Com N U O O O cd m E m LL 2 a , Lo, "+r l 0 i o � m E � m U v d H I m `o O I m `o O ' ` ' y o c m I P 3 mQ 'm > m J rmJ > m � _� C m Oo 70 C o m o r �j N w Q w H O o A > O 0 x C N c N CD 7 d Exhhibit San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce 1039 Chorro Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401-3278 (805) 781.2777 9 FAX (805) 543-1255 David E. Garth, Executive Director November 18, 1992 Mr. Bill Statler Finance Director City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street Box 8100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 Dear Bill: On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, I want to thank Ken Hampian and yourself for taking time to share your plans for the proposed Transportation Impact Fees with us. Following your presentation of October 19, we met again to review your materials. Noted below are the questions we have pertaining to the conclusions in the material. 1) Regarding the Street Improvements noted in Appendix A, Exhibit 2, we have several questions. -- Has the current level of service (LOS) been determined for the various projects? We might suggest indicating those levels, if they've been determined. -- How were the specific improvements chosen to be included in this study? 2) Regarding the Future Development/Weighted Trip Generation charts in Appendix B (B-11 B-2) , Exhibit 3b, we have one question. -- How was the Projected New Development (4] determined for each Land Use Type? ACCREDITED dY ERO WC ER C---OEP 01 CO.uC-CE GE � a Bill Statler/Transportation Impact Fees November 18, 1992 Page 2 3) Other general questions include: -- The language of AB1600 requires that their be a direct relationship between the projected cost of the improvement and its use. Can this be justified in all the projects noted? -- What version of the General Plan was used in preparing this report? (Is it the same version for which the EIR is being prepared?) -- What version of the Airport Area Specific Plan was used? (Was it the Conceptual Plan approved by the City Council?) -- Can you provide us with the projected fees (sewer, water, parks, water meter, traffic, retrofit, housing) for a new 50, 000 sq. ft. commercial building in San Luis Obispo. -- Can you explain the rationale behind exempting government from sharing in these costs? We look forward to meeting with you and Ken in the near future to continue the discussions for these proposed fees. The answers to the above questions will help us better understand how you determined the fee structure. I will be happy to distribute your answers to our Chamber group, as well as arrange a future meeting. Thank you for your help with this. Sin erely, Lan ans Di ector, Governmental Affairs cc Ken Hampian Exhibit 1!11111 Ilu city of sAn tuis oBispo 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403.8100 December 14, 1992 Mr. Lance Evans Director, Governmental Affairs San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce 1039 Chorro Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Dear Lance, Thank you for your letter of November 18, 1992. We are pleased that the Chamber of Commerce and the Building Industry Association are actively participating in reviewing the proposed Transportation Impact Fees. For ease in continuity we have repeated your questions in the same order as presented in your letter with our response directly following. 1. Regarding the Street Improvements noted in Appendix A, Exhibit 2, we have several questions. A. Has the current level of service (LOS) been determined for the various projects? We might suggest indicating those levels, if they've been determined. B. How were the specific improvements chosen to be included in this study? Response. The specific street improvements listed in Appendix A are included in the Hearing Draft of the General Plan Circulation Element. In May, 1992, the City Council accepted the draft element for purposes of starting the preparation of an EIR. The City has developed a computer traffic model that estimates existing Level of Service (LOS) for City arterial streets and state highways. "LOS" is a measure of traffic flow. Free flowing traffic is rated as LOS "A" or "B" while high levels of congestion is rated as LOS "E" or "F'. Most City streets are currently at LOS "C" or better. The Circulation Element sets a standard of LOS "D" for arterial streets and highways outside the downtown, and LOS "E" for downtown streets. The street improvements in Appendix A are needed to serve future growth and to maintain adequate traffic flow (eg. traffic flow that meets the LOS standards included in the Circulation Element). While the intent of Appendix A in the Transportation Impact Fee Study is to simply identify the projects and the percentage of the project cost associated with new development for the basis of the proposed fee calculation, we will either provide general LOS information as a footnote or reference the Circulation Element as a source for specific street LOS standards. 2. Regarding the Future Development/Weighted Trip Generation charts in Appendix B (B-1, B-2), Exhibit 3b, we have one question. A. How was the Projected New Development [4] determined for each Land Use Type? Response. The Hearing Draft of the General Plan Land Use Element (February, 1992) was used to project future development. Projections were based on the development of vacant land within the City (called "infill"), further development of under used land or the replacement of old buildings with bigger buildings (called "intensification") and the annexation and development of land at the periphery of the City (called "expansion"). These land use projections were used to develop a computer model which provides forecasts of future traffic conditions. The improvement costs were then allocated to different types of development using a weighted trip generation index based on average trip lengths adjusted for "pass-by" trips. Appendix B of the Transportation Impact Fee Study provides this calculation by land use type. 3. Other general questions: A. The language of AB1600 requires that there be a direct relationship between the projected cost of the improvement and its use. Can this be justified in all the projects noted? Response. Yes. AB1600 requires there to be a "reasonable relationship" between the amount of the fees and the portion of the cost of the facilities needed to serve future development. The primary purpose of the Transportation Impact Fee Study is to document this "reasonable relationship" and the updated Circulation Element serves as a source document. B. What version of the General Plan was used in preparing this report? (Is it the same version for which the EIR is being prepared?) Response. The Hearing Drafts of both the General Plan Land Use Element (February, 1992) and the Circulation Element (May, 1992) were used to prepare this report. The EIR currently being prepared uses these two documents to define the "project"for which it is being prepared. (Note: Public Hearings to consider adoption of the Land Use and Circulation Elements are slated for Winter quarter, 1993.) C. What version of the Airport Area Specific Plan was used? (Was it the Conceptual Plan approved by the City Council?) Response. The conceptual plan for the Airport Area Specific Plan was reflected in the February, 1992 General Plan Land Use Element which has been accepted by the Council for the purpose of preparing the EIR. D. Can you provide us with the projected fees (sewer, water, parks, water meter, traffic, retrofit, housing) for a new 50,000 sq. ft. commercial building in San Luis Obispo. Response. Currently, the City does not have, nor is there any work in progress to develop impact fees for parks or housing. The retrofitting requirement is not a fee paid to the City and as such it is not shown as an impact fee. However, the City is exploring the possibility of providing credit toward water impact fees based upon the cost of retrofitting. It is anticipated that this proposal to modify the calculation of water and sewer impact fees based on retrofitting costs will go before Council at the same time as Transportation Impact Fees. Water and sewer impact fees are based upon meter size and type of tenants, which of course depends on the anticipated use of the commercial facility. For this example we have projected a 1 1/2" meter and retail only tenants. Water S 10,510 Sewer S 8,870 Water Meter $ 370 Transportation S Total Estimated Impact Fees $ -52,8;6 These fees are exclusive of development review fees for planning, engineering, and building permits. These fees vary significantly based on the types of discretionary approvals necessary. For illustrative purposes only, the following is an outline of the development review fees required based on the following assumptions: No lot creation is required Built on three acres; 100 foot frontage Construction costs = $2,875,000 Public Improvement Costs = $112,500 Planning Fees Planned Development Permit $ 1,547.00 Environmental Review 516.00 Use Permit 670.00 Architectural Review 650.00 Total Planning $ 3,383.00 Building & Safety Fees Grading Permit Fees $ 66.00 Plan Check Fees 6,818.00 Building Permit Fees 10,490.00 Total Building & Safety Fees $17,374.00 Engineering Fees Improvement Plan Check $ 1,893.50 Construction Inspection 3,328.50 Total Engineering Fees $ 5,222.00 Total Development Review Fees $25,979.00 E. Can you explain the rationale behind exempting government from sharing in these costs? Response. First, cities do not have authority to charge counties, school districts, the State, or the Federal Government any fees which are not sanctioned by these agencies. Secondly, the need for expanding governmental facilities is driven by increased demands for service resulting from new development, so it is appropriate that this cost be included in the fee for private sector uses. We hope that these responses assist in determining how the fee structure was determined. We appreciate your handling the distribution of this response both to the Chamber and the Business Industry Association. We anticipate taking the proposed Transportation Impact Fees to the Council in early 1993. Your cooperation in distributing this information and arranging a future meeting is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, William C. Statler Director of Finance CC: Ken Hampian, Assistant City Administrative Officer Terry Sanville, Principal Planner J' Mr NG AGENDA / DAl t ITEM # / May 29, 1993 COPIBTO: ❑•Dotes Acton ❑ FYI Honorable Mayor Peg Pinard Z Carat 1;i'CDDDI& Council members Penny Rappa, Bill Roalman, ffCAO C'fRN.D11 Dave Romero and Allen K. Settle 12TACRO ElFML- HW City Hall dATTOMN'EY ❑ FWD>R. ciswo.T=❑ POLICE CR 990 Palm Street ❑ Mcnrr.MU14 C] P.ECDIR San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 ❑�c ❑❑ UnLDIR. ficeDear Mayor and Council members: The Business Coalition would like to state its opposition to the Transportation Impact Fees. The Coalition members have diligently researched the proposed fees over the past several weeks and have several concerns over the impact the fees would have on the economy, business climate, and competitiveness of San Luis Obispo. The Business Coalition opposes the fees for the following reasons: 1. The fees are a disincentive to expanding and remaining in San Luis Obispo. with increased competition County wide, San Luis Obispo would lose valuable sales tax revenue, jobs, and property taxes if the fees were implemented because new business will develop in those communities without such fees. This would be destructive to the current level of services provided by the City. 2. The total impact of the fees have not been delineated in the staff report. Economists understand that a drop in sales occurs with each price increase, and; a similar reduction in the number of projects would occur. No research appears to have incorporated this decreased activity into the scope of the fees impacts. 3. The background information on the infrastructure projects included in the staff report is insufficient. The need for, cost analysis of, and relation to new development of the recommended improvements has not been clearly detailed in the staff report. Public input on the proposed projects has been missing along with a comprehensive cost analysis. RECEIVED tlD lodsmo ST n- 1ICNnoo A, JUN 1 1993 T Nnr Clrr doll /� SAN LUIS QslsfPo,CA 7 �7��� 4. The Economic Task Force has not had the opportunity to complete an analysis of the fees and make a recommendation to the City Council. The Transportation Impact Fees and all other fees, both current and future, should have the input of the Task Force before a City Council action is taken. The lack of an adopted General Plan, and supporting components including the Land Use and Circulation Elements, is a crucial document that serves as a foundation for the development of any infrastructure program. The total analysis on the Transportation Impact fees has not been compl ed, therefore; the Business Coalition is asking the City Cou to not approve the fees at this time. r//j " �f o ard, B ss C ition, ransportation Impact Task Force Chair To own Bus' s Coalition, Ch r J h Cribb As on of Realtors, President � w is Moresco Building Innd'ustry Association of the Central Coast, President eek Cleeves Bu 'ne s Im rovement Association, President Charlie ruit Chamber of Commerce, President Ma�x Mannifacturers Association Terry Reay Montere eet Motel Association Ca orence San Luis Property Owners Association, President BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF THE CENTRAL COAST P.V. box 61$0 • $onlo Modo,Cu 93456 (805)978-7196 FAX(805)349-0693 May 25, 1993 Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council c/o Diane Gladwell, City Clerk City of San Luis Obispo P.O. Box 8100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 Re: 'FRANSPORTATION DEVEMPMENT IMPACT FEES Dear Mayor Pinard and Council Members: After lengthy review and discussion with city staff, the Building Industry Association of the Central Coast is not able to support the implementation of the proposed Transportation Development Impact Fee at this time. We make this determination for the following reasons: 1) The fee is based on Circulation, Housing and Land Use Elements that have not, as yet, been adopted by the City Council. We believe that any valid fee program must be supported by and based on valid documents. 2) Some of the projects, most notably the bike path along the railroad right of way, do not fall within the AB1600 guidelines. Specifically, "Developer Fees" cannot be used to increase future levels of service beyond those that currently exist. 3) This fee puts "infill" projects at a distinct disadvantage to "specific plan" area projects. "Infill" land is typically much more expensive than land in outlying areas. In order to be competitive developers will be forced to seek cheaper land. This is contrary to the city's long standing policy of promoting "infill" projects and projects that generally support existing.local business enterprises. �r Transportation Development _,pact Pees May 25, 1993 Page 2 4) Our industry, our local economy and indeed the city cannot afford to cripple new development beyond its current, considerable, financial problems. Increasing development costs at this time will undoubtedly curtail construction and thus ensure that the city will not get much needed increases in property, sales and related business tax revenues normally associated with new development. It will also ensure that the local economy will not get an added boost and the local building industry will not recover from one of the most severe recessions ill our history. Having said all the above, however, we do recognize that as developers it is ill our interest to have decently financed cities to work in. We want cities to be well capitalized with good roads, parks, libraries and other infrastructure. Towards this end we believe that most developers would be willing to help out through fee progra,lis provided there is still profit in their projects and the fees resulted in a beautiful, clean city. The problem right now, however, is there is no profit and, accordingly, no margin for more fees. We, as an industry, are working hard just to hang on. Additional fees, as needed as they may be, will reduce, if not stop, development and therefore hurt both the (level opment/constructioil industry as well as our city. It is in this light and in the spirit of cooperation to find solutions to help all of tis that we make the following recommendations. first, the city should do an economic analysis on what impact any particular fee program would have on our economy. This study should reflect that each city must compete for development with other cities in its surrounding area. This type of empirical data will take the emotion out of the issue and put everyone on a sound playing field with useful information. Second, the city should look at some tradeoffs that may help both the city and the developer such as: 1) Significantly reduce the entitlement process time, perhaps by curtailing ARC involvement, Time is money and that is money the city could have. 2) Put more certainty in the entitlement process, thus reducing the developers risk. The less the risk the lower the rate of return the developer needs to have. This savings is money developers would be happy to share with the city in the forst of fees. 3) Be conservative in adding costs to a project through additional requirements. Make sore that the extra items required are truly necessary. Lach added dollar of cost today, is at the expense of something else. 4) Charge any development related impact fee at close of escrow or, in a lease/rent situation, upon occupancy. This cuts down the developers tip front cost and his interest carrying cost. Again, developers would be happy to pass this savings on to the cities. The city must realize that they are partners in the real estate development and .a Transportation Development pact Fees May 25, 1993 Page 3 - -- construction process. Cities benefit from and indeed need new development. Accordingly, San Luis Obispo must now be part of the solution. If the city wants more money out of new development they must help developers find ways to get it without burdening either party. Sincerely, BU INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF THE CENTRAL COAST De Moresco President I LZ�2 GCl� - -1nri1 n lnoz !har lie Fruit, YI eS'1dent Sa i Luis vbispr; Charnber of Commerce C/O Commerce Bank P.O. BOX 1069 San Luis Obispo, Ca 93406 Dear Cha.riie, Yesterday you alerted us to a proposal the city has to create a "transportation surcharge" to be paid by businesses who expand by building or adding onto their e�dsting facilities. The figure you threw out for this new "tax" was $3.00 per square foot and you asked how we would react to such a tax and how we felt about the ability to grow our business in San Luis Obispo. The first comment I would have is San Luis Obispo wouldn't have such a transportation or pollution problem if employees who worked in the city could also afford to live there. But if the mission of the city is to get all businesses to move out and locate where their employees live, I think they are on the right track. I don't know if you are aware, but a group of local manufacturers and distributors have recently joined together out of the need to address such Issues. We feel compelled to join together because as individuals we feel our voice and our impact on the community is unheard. Since the mission of that committee is to be very positive and to work to educate the general public about the value of business, and hopefully as a result influence governmental decisions makers to understand and appreciate that value, I must remove myself from that committee when responding to your request for input. Ill try to be brief. If I were asked to pay $36,000 in taxes for the privilege of adding 12,000 square feet onto my current facility (which in fact we are doing), I would plan to move my business to Paso Robles or Santa Maria where business is currently much more•"toierated" and therefore my costs of 3580 Sueldo • San Luis Obispo, California 93401 • (805) 543-6142 expansion would be less. Our business is also projected to grow significantly in the nett five years and it is clear to us that the current expansion will not support our growth. Our research t.) date makes it fairly clear that we cannot expand further in San Luis Obispo; there is not available property and building costs are becoming prohibitive (and this is without the proposed new tax!). Our next step therefore, depending upon the type of business we focus on, will require us to build a plant outside the area. Because of our existing staff, it would be our hope to locate this plant in Paso Robles. However, it might make more sense economically to locate the plant in the San Joaquin Valley. Projecting a number of years down the road, it is likely.that the majority of our growth will take place utilizing this other plant, and at some point I'm sure it is going to look economically inviting to consolidate and work out of one larger facility. If that should take place, San Luis Sourdough would relocate as it is clear we cannot expand in San Luis Obispo. And what if at some point we are acquired by a larger company? Again, I would assume we would be relocated outside the area. Why? Because any company purchasing us would do it for our potential and she can't realize our potential without growing our company, and we can't grow our company any further in San Luis Obispo. I guess it is very frustrating to be a business person and feel like the government does not understand your need to grow.. it seems that if government needs more resources they just add more taxes and fees and surcharges. If business needs to grow, it must sell more product, and those of us who manufacture things for sale must have larger facilities, more equipment, more raw materials and more people to do that. So, why do we want to grow? Well, first of all our costs keep going up, many related to government fees and taxes, and we must grow in order to pay those. But primarily and most importantly, we must grow to take care of our employees. When you become an employer,you assume a tremendous responsibility for the well being of the people that you hire to work in your business. Those people must have the opportunity to better themselves or they will leave to find those opportunities. Business will not survive and proper unless we can provide our employees with better salaries,benefits and working conditions and the only way we can do that is to sell more product and realize profit that we can give back to our employees. 3580 Sueldo San Luis Obispo, California 93401 (805) 543.6142 The second thing that is very frustrating is to try and be the kind of business that gives back to the community and feel like it is not appreciated. Aside from all the taxes that we pay to ail levels of government, we pay out over $1,500,000 in salaries that fuel the local economy. In order to grow our company,we have had to go outside the local area to market our products and as a result we, like many other local businesses, are now bringing a significant amount of sales revenue into San Luis Obispo from outside areas. During our ten years in business, including our current addition, we have supported local contractors with more than $1,700,000 in business. And the list goes on. In addition to our direct financial impact, as a company we contribute heavily to the community. I have one person who works almost full time responding to requests for support from the community. We discount or donate product to hundreds of causes annually; this past year we provided $60,000 worth of product to organizations who feed the homeless. Does that save the government money? I would certainly think so. We serve on all kinds of community boards and committees as part of our commitment to 'give back" to the communities in which we live and work. And San Luis Sourdough is just one of the many companies that provide such support. All of this involvement costs a great deal of money. We do it because we care, •tee love this area and it is painful to be viewed as "business-the evil force that will grow and ruin the community". Business ventures of late have given us the opportunity to investigate the receptiveness of other areas to growing businesses and it appears that the permit process, available property and costs of construction, are significantly lower in the San Joaquin Valley. In addition there is a readily available labor pool and access to transportation resources to carry our products both north and south. While assisting some friends to establish a bakery similar to ours in Spokane, Washington, we were amazed at the savings they will enjoy operating their business there as opposed to operating in California. However,the contrast having most impact on us as local business people, was the support and encouragement received from the city, they want business, they appreciate what business brings to their community.Enclosed 3580 Sueldo San Luis Obispo, California 93401 • (805). 543-6142 rUj,W75Z also is a letter I just received from the State of Kansas that I thought you might also want to see. So, what makes me feel business is not welcome or supported in San Luis Obispo? First the planning and permit process. We began planning our current addition two years ago so that we would not be held up by the process. How may businesses can project what they need two years in advance? Secondly, when we were dealing with the drought we were effectively told by the city that we would have to stop grovyYing, and in fact reduce our production in order to comply to their water allocation. If we had not been able to drill a well on our property we would have been out of business since our ability to pay for our new facility was based upon growing. Finally, with our current addition, ,we were asked to retrofit approximately 35 toilets in order to get our permit to build. We knew this was a requirement and were prepared to pay the $3500 we assumed this would cost. Where did that figure come from? Well, when you listen to the advertisement put out by the city it says something like, when you retrofit your plumbing with a low flow toilet and shower head,you can bring your receipts into the city and they will give you $100. We assumed that we would pay the city, and the city would reimburse 35 residents who completed the retrofitting. Wrong! As a business who wants to develop and grow, you must hire a contractor who then has to find 35 toilets needing retrofitting. He can't give you an accurate bid for doing the job because it depends upon how many places he must go to do the job and what he finds when he gets there. Sometimes the flooring must be replaced, sometimes the new toilet doesn't exactly cover the hole or mesh with the current plumbing,and then of course if the "customer" is not satisfied with the job, he must return and make it right. So, instead of costing us $3500 and a simple payment made to the city, there is lots of time and research involved, all costing money, plus the final payment to the contractor for $6800. Charlie, I tried to be brief, and I'm sorry I could not keep that commitment. Dave and I really do love it here, and we really do try to run a business that the community can be proud of. We are also committed to growing that business so that we can take care of our employees and also give back to society, and selfishly, we want enough back so when we are ready to retire we can enjoy the fruits of our labor. And you can only do that if you grow. One final comment I will make about running a business. Unlike many jobs, 3580 Sueldo • San Luis Obispo, California 93401 • (805). 543-6142 LZrL C'!�J - 1 including government, a business owner never goes home ,A7ithout having his business on his mind, especially the obligations he carries. Most of us have the majority of our assets committed as collateral to fund the growth of our companies. If we fail, we lose it all. I don't think most government people have a concept of that. There are many revr.rds to having pour own business, but there are many, many risks as well. It would sure be nice if one of the rewards was to be appreciated by your local community and to be encouraged to grow your company. If we could only convince them that we have the answer filo the fiscal problems government is having: encourage us to expand so we can keep fueling the economy by bringing in money which is spent in the form of salaries and purchases of goods and services. Don't tax us for growing and force us to move. Thanks for listening and good luck! Charlie Nest 3580 Sueldo • San Luis Obispo, California 93401 (805). 543-6142 1 HOTEL RENOVATION MODEL This model has been created by Sterling Hotels Corporation as a representation of the expenses incurred by a hotel developer in a typical remodel/refurbishment of a lodging facility in San Luis Obispo. In assessing costs to this model, certain assumptions have been made: • Room Count: 50 Location: Downtown SIA District • Building Permit Issuance: Post July 1, 1993 • Number of Employees: 8-10 • Cosmetic Refurbishment Only/No Changed Use • $1 Million Refurbishment Budget Fees to the City of San Luis Obispo include all permits, and mandated building fees at the assumed construction start date, Additional ancillary costs related to City requirements are included as notes to this model. • PIanning Commission/ARC Fees $ 650.00 • Building Permit Fees 4,500.00 • Transportation Impact Fees 49 950.00 Total Mandated City Fees $55,100.00 Percentage of Total Budget in Fees 5.5% Other possible costs of the project include water and sewer retrofit fees should the current level of water service into the prosect be insufficient to meet City standards. Cost of water/sewer retrofit is estimated at an additional $10,000. City Fire Department requirements mandate installation of a sprinkler system to meet fire codes. Cost of the sprinkler system is $54,800. Estimates to meet seismic retrofit standards upon resolution of City ordinance requirements pursuant to our Structural Report are estimated at$90,000 to $150,000. Summary: • Mandated City Fees $55,100.00 • Possible Water/Sewer Retrofit 10,000.00 • Possible Seismic Retrofit 150,000.00 • Sprinkler System Upgrade 54,800.00 TOTAL CITY REQUIRED COSTS $269,900.00 Percentage of Total Budget 26.99% DOh'NTW CENTER PROPOSED TRAFFIC IMPACT FEE JUNE 1, 1993 SF FEE IMPACT FEE BUILDING A - THEATER LEVEL 28,487 $3.39 = $96,570.93 BUILDING BIC - GROUND LEtiTL RETAIL 10,156 $3.39 = $341428.84 BUILDING D - GROUND LEVEL RETAIL 19,446 $3.39 Q $65,921.94 BUILDING B - GROUND LEVEL RETAIL 41800 $3.39 c $16,272.00 BUILDING F,G - 2 STORY RETAIL 20,583 $3.39 = $69,776.37 - TOTAL BUILDING AREA 83,472 $3.39 = $282,970.08 (ONE TINE FEE) BENEFITS OF TEE DOiiNTOidI CENTRE: The Project will oontribute on a continuing annual basis: a. Retail Sales of $ 25.30 zillion/year. This equates to sales tax revenues for the City of $250,000-$300,000 per year, b. Property tax (presently vacant) of approximately $ 200,000 per year. c. Employee inoome generated Will be approximately $ 4 zillion per year. d. Intangible monetary benefit is increase sales of adjacent businesses. 104/27/93 .11:51 'MOS 541 4023 WOOLPERT & ASSOC. Z001 l Craig R. Smith AftCHIT8CT .......................................................................... 890 Monterey Street,Suite p, San Luis Obispo,CA. 93401 Post Office Box 831, San Luis Obispo,CA.93406 (805)544-3380 April 16, 1993 THE PALM STREET ENTERPRISE' clo Mr.Mark Woolpert 1626 Palm Street San Luis Obispo,CA. 93401 RE: Proposed Transportation Development Impact Fees Dear Mark, Per your request I have reviewed the consultants study for the proposed fees, that may impact our project, and have calculated the following breakdown as a result of the examples used: Building A: $ 26,348.00 Building B : $ 17,354.00 Total : S 43,702.00 Applied against this total would be the credit for the existing buildings that are either going to be removed or demolished. This total applied credit amount is unclear and requires some interpretation to calculate. I have tried to come up with a minimum vs. maximum of just what the possible credit may actually be. The total range is as follows Npinimum : $ 4,304.00 Maximum: S 17,280.00 Therefore, the total fee could be between$ 39,398.00 and$ 26,422.00. Also unclear,as of the writing of this letter,is the true date of implementation:The report recommends July 1, 1993. However,just like the unit cost for die unpact fees, die implementation date has yet to be approved by the city council. I am certain we can have a building permit with building A if this July 1 date is imposed. I am not sure about building B,however, I will make ever effort to go forward as fast as possible. In closing,I would recommend we attend the public hearings and participate in the efforts being organized to mitigate,lessen or eliminate this very unnecessary cost Call me,should you wish to discuss this further, or go over the specifics of the study. Sincerely, f - - Ciwg4 R. S ith Architect cc: Steve and Jim Sinton 1 ` I April 21, 1993 Charlie Fruit Chairman, Economic Task Force 545 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Dear Charlie: After reviewing the proposed Transportation Impact Fees, I thought it might be helpful to have some indication of what current building related fees are. As you know, we were the architects for the recently completed new Carl's Jr. and adjacent office building in the University Square Shopping Center. Having experienced the current burden placed on development by the City, I will try and outline the impact felt by this project. The project included the demolition of an existing building and the construction of two new buildings. The construction cost was approximately $600,000.00. There were two areas that imposed additional costs required by the City. The first was the various fees and the second was the off-site improvements and studies required by the.City to be completed by the owner. The fees included the following: Architectural Review, Lot Line Adjustment..............$ 1 ,067.00 Plan Check Fees..........................................................$ 2,063.00. Building Permits.....:..................................................$ 4,400.00 Water & Waste Water Fees........................................$ 26,843.00 School Fees.................................................................$ 1 ,540.00 Cal Trans Permits......................................................$ 2,275.00 Lot Split Fees..............................................................$ 750.00 Sub Total.....................................................................$ 38,938.00 Off-site Improvements Required included: Replacement of City water main................................$ 40,000.00 300 feet of new right turn lane, bike lane, and culvert; Hwy 1..............................$ 53,250.00 Sidewalk replacement................................................$ 1 ,400.00 Two new street lights.....................................6...........$ 9,000.00 Fire hydrant.................... ......................................$ 1 ,600.00 BusShelter.......:.........................................................$ 6,000.00 Cash deposit for future undergrounding....................$ 500.00 8 additional box trees.... .........................................$ 2,000.00 Post completion Traffic Study... .............. ....... .$ 10,000.00 Sub Total.....................................................................$ 123,750.00 . G70 MQ11Pl'n 571Y4'r ,trim bus phis/in.Uikfhrubi 9..3401 Total City related costs, to date:.............................................$ 162,688.00 Possible Improvements City holding Bond for 5 years: Signalization of intersection Hwy 1, New left turn lane - Hwy 1..................................$ 50,000.00 This amounted to a 27% increase in the cost of the project, which far exceeds any contingency. There is also still the. opportunity for the City to spend another $50,000.00 on signalization if they decide it is necessary in the next five years. It was very unusual that a project such as this one was built. If not for the family owned property being free and clear of any mortages, and the desire to provide a long term investment in the community, it would have never been completed. The other area of added costs, which are not in.-luded in the above, are the additional architectural, engineering, traffic study, planning consultant, and legal fees that amounted to well over $100,000.00 extra required to obtain all of the approvals. To consider adding traffic impact fees to the fees already in place is' just one more barrier to business trying to survive in this community. Building has already virtually stopped and adding additional fees will almost certainly make it non-existent. If yWPults, r information, please give me a call. Si San Luis Obispo Property Owners Association P.O.Box 12924 San Luis Obispo,CA 93406 23 April 1993 Honorable Council Members Hand Delivered City of San Luis Obispo Post Office Box 810 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 Honorable Council Members, As you know, the San Luis Obispo Property Owners Association is a member of the Business Coalition that was formed to educate and encourage local government to respond to the economic crisis before us. We helped coordinate the Economic Stabilization Workshop as the initial public forum to present our individual and collective viewpoints to the City Council and newly appointed members of the Economic Task Force. We left the workshop with a renewed optimism that our local government officials were willing to listen, but more importantly, that a level of insight was reached regarding the dynamics of the economic situation in San Luis Obispo. It is therefore with great disappointment that we now review the staff report and the Draft Ordinance Implementing Transportation Impact Fees For All New Development Within The City of San Luis Obispo. We believe, that in consideration of the extended economic downturn, the implementation of additional fees on development, at this time, would be the kiss of death for job growth and stability in this City. This type of development fee would be a "progressive/regressive" fee. A builder or developer must have an incentive (eg., profit, business expansion, or etc.) in order to undertake a development. As the city fees mount, this incentive dwindles until the project is no longer feasible. It appears that the City maintains the theory that if there is a projected shortfall, that it is time to raise development fees to balance the budget. The problem with this thinking is that there may be no future projects to collect fees from because the economics are no longer there to support a development. In fact, the budgets for the "wish list" of traffic projects may never be reached because there are not enough potential developments to fund these public-benefit projects. Land values in the service commercial sector have already declined 30%± during the current downturn. An additional fee of $2.34 per square foot would likely have San Luis Obispo Property Owners Association P.O.Box 12924 San Luis Obispo,CA 93406 23 April 1993 Transportation Impact Fees Page 2 of 2 a further eroding affect on land values. Other categories of land would be adversely affected, depending upon the development fee. A better approach would be to require traffic improvements, made necessary as a direct result of a particular project, the responsibility of that project. This establishes the required legal nexus and, has proven effective over time. We strongly advise that you rethink the impacts of these proposed fees. This does not at all appear to be the time to implement additional fees. A look at other cities throughout California reveals that there is a definite shift to providing business with incentives, as opposed to imposing disincentives like the proposed transportation impact fees. We are including a recent article from California Business Magazine that rates cities based upon specific criteria. Needless to say, our interest in sharing this with you is to emphasize that the City of San Luis Obispo, although a special place to us all, must be, at a minimum, proactive in it's attempts to retain business and yes, even encourage new business. Please consider your actions carefully. At this juncture, it may be more appropriate to defer any immediate decision regarding the proposed ordinance to allow for more critical analysis and public input. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Respectfully submitted, ForSence OBISPO PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATIONCM. 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F ��y7'{jIyIsi a ra �1cxa� q ttl,•�° ry„L'St. /r1 !r,n „` x.kccyXpy' � Y-''t�t 8 'ijyc 4+Y:(� 4 j r: a !' �l�r +r✓ °' `rl a x :Ck v.t" ?' A• 't . ,r,♦ t�oa ry!h� i f. L a� F t�'�l}',: w / �$� 7Z .J�s O.� It f ;.f Y•s.. t! i' t _.. ����,Y'r��4. a. t -,a •�� R 3 � n TO DO BUSINESS .IN CALIFORNIA ° To pa ,a p a,: n - S r e,ma k alio ut or e co �� la ��f � t.. � calif ovpia '.s business. c irn,afe'5 brit Bio�oii e clues a j; l�=. -1 r� 0 IlL s. 1.10spita Has l:)ecOme.;: loot l sz}e` . le s� .`csoi800 ( ae ;0 � ii clsaea �ecl In the -eee5sf.��� By De` h -orah ,Hallberg [alili\naia 6n+inrsv.23 ` eicr Ucberroth, chairman of \ot eyercone agrees, however. That the state Council on 'ilbrnia's economic noes are dile to = Competitn•enesS, last year —nl business weather blown in bN goer described California-s public ern.ment. Stephen Levy and Robert policies, talcs, regulation. -Vnold, economists with the Center for and ,corkers- compensation Continuing Study for the California _ costs as a "job-killing Economy, challenged Ueberrolh at the 'FX machine." More recently. L.A. summit. They blamed the national �. state leaders debated their recession, defense cuts, and the real concerns and remedies at the estate slump—not mass business migra- s.. February.California Eco- tion—for the state's ills, and predicted nomic Summit in Los that California will outpace the nation in Angeles,which spawned several bills now economic growth once the recovery before the Legislature to ease regulations picks up speed. and reform iworkers' compensation. "No one has been able to produce a Governor Pete \%ilson, meanwhile, inau- list of companies that have left gutated his Team California program to California for business climate reasons ,work on business retention. that would account for as much as 5 �THE HUNTINGTON BEACH SAN JOSE County:Orange Count):Santa Clara Population 185.000 Population:803,000 lift 112111111111 Largest Employers: McDonnell Douglas: Largest Employers:Lockheed Missiles; Hewlett- City of Huntington Beach: Golden West College Packard; IBM Business License Tax:A:$997; B:5267; C: S93 Business Lkense Tal A: $7.926; B: $1.356; C: Office Lease Rates: SO.85-1.75 Median House $186 Office Lease Rates $1.25-2.00 Median Price: 5271.000 Crime: 1 Education: 54.657 House Price:$225,000 Crime:3 Education: 15 BEST Transportation Y.wy,Pacfc Coast Highway.405: 54.846 Transportation: hFAy. 1.280, 101. 680. Air:Orange County Airport: Rail: Southern 880. 17: Air:San Jose International: Rail., Pacific; Port:Lang Beach, Los Angeles.Special Southern Pacific Port Oakland Por San Francisco BIG Incenti.es: City officials meet with businesses Por special Inow&=The city has an Enterprise personally to explain city regulations and per. Zone covering 1.5 square miles,and an Industrial nits, and the city provides free seminars and Incentive Zone wf,ere companies are eligible for a Cn"n-one counseling through the Huntington waiver from construction taxes.There's also a Beach Small Business Administration. Development Enhancement Fund pnwdmg;owisto Contact Barbara A. Kaiser,Director of Ecbnom;c tysinesses that create new jobs or generate large DevelopmenL 714.536.5582. revenues. Contact Pauline Millard, Associate CITIES Director of Economic Development.408.291.5265. SMART COMMUNITIES DON 'T SIT hAC:h ; FRESNO SACRAMENTO ousiness:epor_ on ?:n.� County.Fresno CouW.Sacramento Ca:Ho r r.i n'S Population:382.400 Population:385.100 Largest Employer=Zacky Farms; Vendo Co.; Largest Employers: State of California: 'eactir.geitles Champion Parts Rebuilders - Mc:CWlanAir Force Base; U.C.Davis i are working to Bnestness UeemeTac/i$132,28: B:$17,592: Business license Tarc A. $5.000. B: $3.996. C: .C'-lia8'Office Lease Rates 50.75165 Meduni 575-30D(depending on yrs of certification) Office r:uitd a Sa:nnY House'Prieec 585,OOO.Crime: 14'Edueatlou: Lease Rates: 51.45-2.30 Merran House Price: business :i;tt: :C. $3.97.4 Trar4ortafione Hwy.,S.H.5; Air.Fresno 5122,000 Crime: 12-Education: $4,192 -Air Terminal; Rail.Santa fes; Southern Pacific Transportation. Hwy:1-5. I.80: Air. Sacramento Spada!facmtire=Fresno has an Enterprise Zone Airport: Rail:Union Pacific. Southern Pacific. as well as training programs that allow comps Santa Fe: Port:Sacramento Port. Special nies to receive tax credits and cash frau hiring Inanthes:An Enterprise Zone, a Foreign Trade additional employees. Contact.•Jahn Quiring, Zone, and a Recycling Market Development President.Fresno Economic Development, 209- Zone.The city also offers financial aid options for 2n2564. businesses relocating in_Sacramento, and will put large businesses on the -fast track- permit processing system. Contact: Tim Johnson, Economic Development Manager,916.264.722. percent of recent job losses,_iaid That isn't the case, of course. -I,...- new businesses, as well as keep existing Arnold. "You simply can't find data to business climate isn't the same all over businesses happy, if they want to main- subslantiate:in exodus." the state.anymore than San Diego and lain a healthy tax base and strong cont- It s also hard to find California com- Mendocino have the same annual munity. With the competition keener paries that have nished to mote here rainfall. Rather than a single business than ever before, it's hard to find a city or expand here. either. But no mailer climate.California can boast dozens of without a businesscommunity develop- whose side in the debate lou take, one -micro" business climates, eager for a stent program. Point should not be overlooked: piece of the relocation pie, hoping to \lids this in mind, we set out to dis- California's great economic ditersiry— tap the natural movement of compa- cover what California's cities are doing a diversity evident in its more than •I50 hies within a dynamic economy. to attract and retain business. The cities and towns. Most communities work hard to pro- result was -55 Best Places," a special To hear people talk about the state's mote their image as a good place to do California Business report on the state's business climate,vou'd think California business. They know that, lith tae dol- leading business environments. was one vast, uniform marketplace. tars as scarce as they are in California, To compile the report,we selected 55 stretched from Oregon to Mexico like a smart communities don't sit back and cities in the state with populations piece of parched leather,with the same v3wn when new businesses show up at greater than 90,000. The list ranged costs and benefits felt by even-business the door. They jump to attention. City fi'ont Los Angeles, with 3.5 million resi- within its borders. leaders know they must actively court dents. to Richmond, with 92,600. Our SAN DIEGO GLENDALE ANAHEIM County:San Diego Courtly.Los Angeles County.Orange Population:1.149.600 Population:184,400 Population 279,400 Largest Employers Sharp Healthcare: General largest Employers:K.D.S.Markets; Walt Disney Largest Employers: Disneyland: Rockwell Dynamics Corp.: Scripps Institute of Medicine Imagineering; Singer Librascope International Corp.;American Drug Stores and Science Business License Tas None Office Lease Rates: Business License Tax:A: $4,774: B: 5974: C: Business License Tax:A 52,358; B: S533; C: S2.10-2.50 Median House Price:5283.000 $1.244 Office1ease Rates S2.43(avg.) Median 5208 Office Lease Rates 51.56-1.94 Median Cem,c 2 Education $3.879 Transportation:Hwy. House Price: $199.000 Crime: 4 Education: House Price: $179,000 Crime: 7 Education: 15. 1 210, S.H. 2, 134; A6:Burbank/Glendale/ 53.890 Transpartrtioi:Hwy.1.5, 1 S.R.57,22; 54.547 Transportation Hwy. I.5. I$. 415: Air. Pasadena Airport; Port: Los Angeles Port Air John Wayne Special I icearn—In partnership San Diego International; Rail:Atcheson, Special Incentives The Business Assistance with the city's utilities departments.Community Topeka. & Santa Fe: Port:Part of San Diego. O55eer will act as an advocate of new businesses Development was able to entice four major • Special Incentives San Diego has an Enterprise at Glendale City Hall, and assist with the city's employers to stay in Anaheim in 1992 by offer. Zone. Contact Cydia Moreno. Enterprise Zone permitting process. Contact Mike Wiederkehr, - ing rent subsidies. utilities and property tax Administrator.619.2365005. 3usiness Associate Officer,818548.3155. rebates,low-interest loans,and job training pro- grams. Contact: Elisa Stipkovich, Community Development Executive Director, 714-533- 8750. 1 AND Y1"VN WHE\ \EW BUSI\E- SSES SHOW UP AT THE DOOR... RIVERSIDE LONG BEACH STOCKTON County.Riverside County.Los Angeles County.San Joaquin Poputaliac 238,100 Poputst;wc 442,100 Population:221.600 Largest Employers Rohr Industries; Fleetwood Largest Employers; McDonnell Douglas; Long Largest Employers-. St. Joseph's Healthcare; Enterprises; Thq Press Enterprise Beach Unified School District: City of Long American Savings Hank Del Monte Business Liana Tess A$3,23% B:$1.343: C: Beach Business License Tax:A:$12.500; B.$9.000; C: 51134-Office lease Rdss 53.45-175 Mean Business License Tan A: $2.632: B: $624; C: $2.000 Office Lam Rake SL55-185 Median 11I Horse Price: E137,000 Crime 8 Edacafion: 5377 Office Lease Rates $1.50-2.15 Median House Price: $107,000 Crime:13 Education: 53,857,Trampostatiore Fhoc US..91.60.1.215. House Price $192.000 Crime. 9 Education: 54,630 Tra spoAation Hwy:1-5.S.R.99,M,I. 1-10;'Alr Ontario Intemationah. Rail?Union 54.082 Transportation:Hwy.S.R.710.405,91. 580: Air. Stockton Metro Airport; Rail:Union Pantific, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific. Special '605; Air Long Beach Airport,LAX:-Port:Long Pacific, Missouri Pacific. SouthePacific. Incentives The Redevelopment Agency has pro- Beach Port. Special Inmrtire= Long Beach has Special Incentives Stockton has an Enterprise 8'aYIS to give financial. planning.and aonstruo- an Enterprise Zone. Contact: Jerry Miller, Zone. Contact San Joaquin Partnership; 209. tion assistance in seven redevelopment areas. Business Development Center Manager, 310• 956.3380. Riverside also has an Enterprise Zone. 570.3822. Contact: Robert C. Wales, Assistant City Manager-Developnient,909.782.555& i 25 t idea was not so mu,It to c\chtde anallcr cities as ah It,ctis un Ih„se 111:11 SANTA ANA BAKERSFIELD ax»pelc must tiaoroush li,r businesses. 1}'e derided the list coca ncu tate- County:Orange — - County:Kern Population:304.900 Population:168.300 Buries: the 15 largest cities and-10 ItcSl largest Employers: Cherry-Textron; ITT Canon: Largest Employers: Mercy Hospital: Shell largest cities. Clearly'. bis; cities have Microseme Corp. Exploration&Production: Chevron USA:' bid city' problems and big-Gilt costs. Business License Tax: k $6,732; B: $2,167; C: Business License Tac A: 53,650: B: 51.650: C: which are t�' ic111v ma'e,ehallen in,, 51,169 Office tease Rates 11.65 Median House 5650 Office Lease Rates: $1.30-1.60 Median p Price: $226,000 Crime: 5 Education: 53,846 House Price: 590,000 Crime: 6 Education: than mid-sized cities. To luinp the aco Traltsportationc Hwy:1-5; Air.John Wayne; Port 53,605 Transportation:Hwf,1-5,S.H.99.58 Air together we felt would have given the Long Beach. Special kicentirrs Santa Ana has an Meadows Feld Airport Rail:Santa Fe. Southern latter group a decided edge. Enterprise Zone as well as SBA loans, lowimer- Pacific. Special Incentives Bakersfield has an To compile our (11711 listing. tee est financing, a rebate program for exterior Incentive Area, which provides businesses with : . improvements, site selection services, foreign state income tax credits. Team Bakersfield, a ranked cities l%ithin each group by five trade zone,'a local Private Industry Council that group of economic development officials, was . cntcill in"tires-business license t4C: provides job training placement and assistance, specifically created by the city to attract and office space lease rates, median home and mortgage assistance. Contact: Sandi work with relocating businesses. Contact Jake price..crime rate.-and cult of edt:ca GoWieb,Economic Development Specialist 714 Wager, Economic Development Director, 805 647-6987. 326-3765. tion—then averaged these together. The result: Huntington Brach in Orange County einer-rd as best bit., city for business. while Lancaster in I_r,s " LOS ANGELES Atr,cdes County - as _ = c i�it County:Los Angeles l'allL -d best slid-sized Population:3.579,600 �"r`•`?c -% .Largest Employers: Occidental Petroleum; city. Both have lute bttsi- �.•r -:_:�, � mess tas'rs—althou�b. _ AtlantieRichfield: Unocal Corp. Business L,eense Tac Il•563,425: B:S7.955: C: intrrestiitgh enough: ^ _ ��'. . -@ :' 56,353 '(see footnote P-52) Officel.easeRates not the lotcest. i-ryvo` -:�: ���,w�� r`•''r _ `s- 52-52.30 MedunHouse Pricc5201,000 Crime - - - - ' -• cities—4th-r;t n k c d - '- .' 11 Education: $4,789 Transportation: Hwy:I. . Glclidale-ili the I„p la ';, - 110,710,405: Ar,LAX Rail Soul, Pacife, -a.. and 2nd-linked Sunnv- " �•-� Union Pacific; Port:Los Angeles. Special Incentirs A Small Business Fund provides gap talc in the nlirlr•tlt. financing, Common Bond provides tax-exempt cities—have nn business financing for mr:anercial and indusrial.projects; - s tags :u there are five.Enterprise Zones, a Revitalization 111.) \Ln'c.,t'er. _ '_ c ,�s Huntington Beach has ■ Zone t6 rebuild areas destroyed by the riot.train- ing programs,and a Business Assis ince Cerner. the lowest creno rate ill ContContactReynold Blight Community Development its group.and l.:ut<aulvr Department.213.4852956. is ranked loth in crime in its cateaUry. 131)111 The Pierside Pavilion at top-ranked Huntington Beach: tow taxes and low crime. hate lm%v office lease rates and spend healthy amounts ,m edtication: Only Huntin"unl Beach OAKLAND SAN FRANCISCO ralk short in one measure—hills ill costs. Its median price taly of'S2il.onu Cotmly:Alameda Courrty:.San.Frandsco Populatioro 377,900 Population 728,700 made it second-highest in its group. Largest Employer=Safeway Stores Inc,. Kaiser Largest.Employers:Chevron Corp.; BankAmerica In ;encral, this p:nlrrn—lot.• busi- Permanente: American President Cos. Corp.; Pacific Telesis [less tags, tut: crime talcs. Intl tial BusinesaI Ta=A:560,000; B:512,000; C. Business LiegseTax:A:$150.000: B: 530.000; estate prices, and high rsprnrlitufrs $3,600 Office Lease Rates $1.60-2.35 Median C: $3,000 Office Lease Rates: $1.65-2.00 House Price: $191,000 Crime: 15 Education: Median Nouse Price: $265,000 Crime: 10 on education—dietaltd yyhielt cities $4,563 Transportation: Hwy.M. 1.580;1­980,F Education: 54,362 Transportation: Hwy: U.S. ranked at the top of their calt-gories. 880.S.R. 24: Air.Oakland International: Rail., 101. 1-80, 1.280: Air:SFO: Rail: Santa Fe. Cotitclxch'• cities"'t:ith the oppt,=i;t. Southern Pacific. Union Pacific.Santa Fe: Pore Southern Pacific: Port:San Francisco. Special ,.,tiern'=hili bit iitra fries. hi-,h Oakland. Special hrarrtiKsSmall-business inar Inan6vis:San Francisco has anEnterprise Zone. V .1- - - bator,HUD loan program:financial,technical,and. The city also works with companies on a case-by rtimr r:uos. hi,h eal vmalt- ,rice>. .lrsrl; she-location assistance for Coliseum Commerce case basis to help them locate development less <pendin•, fill.rrluc:set i, ,rrrl Center,Commercial Rehabilitation.Loan Program: sites and speed up the permit process.. near'ilh• hxgtt,tll. Aiti•ail hi- ,itir-.. \u, and Revolving Loan Fund: Contact: Leonard ' Contact: Ron Blatman, Dlrecior of Business hrunrisru r:n,ted la r. v.hili Brr�. it - Green, Public Information Officer, Office of Development.415,554-6478. Economic Development and Employment,510• - :::,. Itnh in lhr ntirhilr t ilii.. L, .` ••:i, 238.3626. LANCASTER SANTA CLARITA county.Los Angeles County:Los Angeles THE Population:104.700 Poputadotc 121,600 Largest Empioyers Edwards Air Force Base; Air Largest Employers: Six Flags Magic Mountain; Force Plant 42;U.S.Borax&Chemical Co. Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial; Hospital H.R. 40 BEST Business License Tax:A: 5113; 8: $92: C: S51 Textron Office Lease Rater. $0.75-1.00 Median House Bnriness License Tax: None. Office Lease Ralerc Rice S118.000 Crime: 10 Education: $4,077 $1.75-1.80 Median House Price: $203,000 Transportation: Hwy.,S.R. 14, 138. 58; Air. Crime 3 Education: S4,282 Transportatiore H.y Palmdale Regional Airport; Rait Southern Pacific 1,5,S.H. 14:Air. Burbank, LAX; Rail:Southem Transportation; Port:Los Angeles Port. special Pack; Pari•Port Hueneme. Special Incerttirs MIDNSIZE hrcertines For the fiscal year of July 1, 1993,to Santa Cla&,a is now assessing its competitive- Jure 30,1994,there will be a perjob incentive for ness with other business Communities and is new busmmessesbringing atleast 25employees to developing incentives. Contact: Michael Lancaster and Palmdale.Companies.corporate or Haviland. Marketing and Economic Development regional headquarters, and back offices will Manager,805259.2489. receive 52.000 for each new job. Contact Vem Lawson, Executive Director of the Economic CITIFS Development Corporation,1,B0088B•7483. SUNNYVALE14 ; County:Santa Clara - Population:120.500 _ Largest Employers: Lockheed: Westinghouse --Y-- r..:r: Sectric.ESL Inc. - Business License Tax:A._$200; 8: $30: C: $20 •1v_i-di,- -� _. Office Lease Rates $1.10-1.85 Median House - Priece: 5278,000 Crime. 4 Edubation: $4,789 ' - Trusporteimc Hwy. U.S. 101. 1.880,.1-280:Air. San Jose International, SFO; Port: Port of Redwood City. Special InceMhee The city aciiveiy courts businesses with its plan called -The Sunnyvale Advantage.'which includesextremely low taxes, a job training program, and a speedy _ permit process. Contact Geri Cross;Economic V ZV'34illl Development Manager,408.7307607. of On the edge of Silicon Valley. 15th-ranked Fremont offers fast-track permit processing. IRVINE SANTA CLARA FULLERTON County.Orange Count:Sant Clara Courtly:Orange Populatiom 114,300 Population:94,900 Population:117.400 Largest Employers Parker Hannifin; Allergan: Largest Employers:IBM/Rolm Systems Division; Largest Employers Hughes Aircraft: Cal State Restaurant Enterprises Intel Corp.;Hewlett-Packard University-Fullerton;Saint Jude Hospital Business Ueaese Tac A:$1_358;B:$263;C$68 Busmrss license Tax:A $500; B: $380:Q $90 Rrress LinxYat Tax:Ak $3,035; B:$1.035:C: Office Lease Rates:$175-1.90 Median House Office Lease Rates: $1.70-2.05 Median House $430 Office Lease Rates $1.30-3-45 Median Price:$281,000 Crime:7. Education: $4,066 Rice:$232.000 Gime: 17 Education: $4,305 House Prince: $209,000 Crime:25 Education: Transporiatiore Hwy. 1.405:Air. John Wayne Trausporla6om Hwy:U.S. 101, 1-280, 1-880:Air. $4,703 Transporhtiom Hwy.F91 t-5, S.H. 57, Airport. Special hroartires None. Contact Jacquie San Jose International:-Rail.*Southern Pacific. 22;Air.John Wayne Airport,LAX:RarE Santa Fe, Ellis,Executive Vice President.Irvine Chamber of Special hicendws:The city has fast-track permit. - Union Pacific, Southern Pacific; Port:Los Commerce,714.5649112 tiring,and assigns a coordinator to assist on cer- Angeles-Long Beach Harbors. Special hromtires: lain projects throughout the permit process. There are redevelopment incentives mostly for Contact Ron Garratt. Assistant City Manager. property owners,but larger businesses can usu. 408984.3102. ally negotiate a deal. Contact Gary Chalupsky, Director of Redevelopment. Economic Develop. meet.714738-6877. /z'-* VALLEJO NORWALK _ _ ' " ESCONDIDO County:Solana 1_;Coardy Cos Angeles > . ti ,, r County:San Diego n-- Populatiwc 114,800 , � . � Po pulatio1:LZ900 Largest Employers: Kaiser Permanente; Marine 1% : Largest Employers: Nordstrom; Schuff Steel World Africa USA;Crestwood Hospitals N Ward;Sears Outlet ti,. r r da Company,Escondido Times-Advocate Business License Tas A: $3,162; 8: $1,140, C. ; Bosiii a License Tac_-A. $6 808 B $1408 C Business License Taoc'A: $5,055; B: $1,595; C: $424 Office Lease Rates: $1.00-1.40" Median '`$197 Office Leese Rates. $0.90-2.50-'Median $245 Office lease Rates: $1.20-1.50-Median Heusi Price: $152,000 Crime: 34 Education g;H owe Pifeee'.'$159,000 Crimaa2 Edueatton House Price:$168,000 Crime: 33 Education: $3,975 Transpoifatiue H".:-M,F780,S.R.29,': $4,0?5Trrmyo�abaeH c405;;91 605;,5�Ar 53,964;Tnanspnttatin¢ Hwy. S.H.78, 1-15:Air. 37;Air-Oakland International,SFO:Port Oakland,: -Lon BeaYgh,Joy R Nay Vie,_LAX,Port-:Sen"k?fedro-. Palomar AirportSpedal IncenWez Escondido Richmond,Sacramento, San Francisco. $peclal cr Long B660Zt Special lnomtivrcThere are no starter x has an Enterprise Zone, ari Office of Permit Incentives Recently enacted incentives include eiry P..daid incentives but deals can be negotlatedL�. Assistance.that gives guidance and speeds up r . contributions towards public infrastructure costs. =rthiO_.Cfly,HalLr_Coataet Dlek Sass'.DecuWe=,:I permit processing, and a-downtown Facade city contributions to district benefits cost, pubno ; Director.Chamber of Comni,-=,310-864-7785.?fl�-�3 Improvement Program that offers rebates for private jointvertture partnerships,and sale of land :�? "�� a a ' ,,. xry architectural assistance, signs, and facade- at below market value. Contact Craig Whittam, improvement construction. Contact: Rolf Director, Ewnomie Development Division, 707- Gunnarson, Economic Development Director, 644444. _ y`S)f l•4? ,S 1 �,. 1 619-741-4&44..: •• U,-:EC MONTE' County.Los Angeles Populatiar.109,800s ^ Largest Emp*ers:,Marshail.lndustries Welis Fargo:Crown-City Platingz:%.�-y;�;-_.-.� BusSiess Lionise Tmc J ', f J $2,125„offiogleaie Ratr� '5-' /15 Medtaen . Horse Pr nee 5159;000.Crimr-15-Educatioa:_ $4,127;-TratispocGtiorc tiivy i60,1.210,SA.10,*-: Leica Inc.and McEain Aird Monte .P62 I os Angeles- Spe®I Instruments Join forces Inoerd res None:,Contact,Ellen Dixon, Execurth e _ \tcBain Imwments of Chatstconh. Director,O,Monte Ctiaiirber of Commerce,818 Califomia has been named exclusive r_•._-':r. regional dealer in southern California by Leica inc. - t. - L-eica,a worldwide manufacturer of instruments for vision.measure- -:e:''<'''• `-; - ment and analysis of microstructures r cites McBain's 28-year record of - - _.....-...__, tip..--.-.......�..._�_. -.. _. _ ... service excellence to the microscopy, microtomy and scientific instruments _ industn•.- The extensive Leica product range and new products on the horizon z r `;' COSTA MESA significantly =z r fteimn insTnuMIrs expand McBain's County.Orange capabilities. Populatiorc.98,500 9601 Variel Avenue %tcBain is now the leading provider IarSest Employers Coast Community College: Chatsworth,CA 91311-4914 - District Fairview Developrnent Center State of products and services to the (8181998-2702 Fatm Insurance-. :• r;;- Fax 18181 778-0363 scientific-biomedical and industrial - tis Llr Tits A:-5200;B:$_200;C:$200 communities of southern California _._.Offwe Lease,Rafec$0.95=235- Medica Horse Pricer$232,000 Crimes,3.7.Fdocation: 54.549 _TraiispalaBae Hwy 1405:SR 55,73;:air John Lefty Ina Wayne Airport;Port Long Beach Harbor%Port of 117Deerratea0. - LOS Angelesr Special Ineentives: None. DenLef418mois 60013 �(a - 1=241l-0121 Contact Ed Faawcett, Executive Director of the Fax(708140-M" Chamber,714-574-8780. 28 April 1993 , HAYWARD= - ' '-::P _;' Richard Petrick&Associates, is an experienced employee bene- Cq r.Alameda fit planning firm, dedicated to Pop�taetoncua,2oo t ? $ Providing education and training La�gesf Einplopers.,Mervyns Corp., Kaser •; to its clients to keep them current Permanente;Cal State Univers s=' and in compliance with the KYw: _Business license,Tare Ac.$133;:B 52698; C= $1;197 Offiicetease`katies_Ss:35= 5o Medau~ changing employee benefit lens. :..�.: Call now to attend one of our House Price:_$179,000.'Crim .28'Eduea6on; free educational seminars. _$3,915;Trartsportatioix Hwy,F$80;�I-580;-S.H::il .:•.�;:••h•z:f ..9.1.2.S. 2S.H.-238;Air Oakland Airport�7 miles Rad: Santa Fe/Southem PacrfiC; Union Pacific Pout.•- ' " ' '+ s Richard Petrick ca•Associates stiv tn ex rienm Oakland Porti!15 mites.=Spedal,[aceutires:?F'r , , , ,• , • ,, , ,:� •_..- - +.-„.:-..F,—.___• -.r;t:Win:- €€ 24}QhfomiaStree Hayward has a loan program Itk small us,ness`, , , t Suite 711 ... ues that create new jobs.iq Ute”eityand oHerss San Ftancism,G1 94111 iricentives'ori:a,caseliycase basis to businesses':,- .,:re looking t r.�..<:, ,w� Tel 415.249.4600 Fac 415.249.4609 '_that_are;fookirig_to:relocate;tb;thetcitys� Rede4elopmentrAiea Contact SyMa�(7iremthal;;;l .. Director of Community&.Economic DeveloprnertL 514298 5345 i` sir ' For more information on products or services contained in this issue, see CHULA VISTA `Copula San Diego Popplafwn14 ati0 _ icati n 1,800 instant Largest Employeric Rohr Inc.;American Fashion Inc.;Price Club on gage 54 Ilusmess License Tea A: $2,912; 8: $540; C: $117 Office Lease Rates: $1.10-1.50 Median Rouse Price: $173,000 Crime:32 Education: $3,661 Transportation Hwy:I-5, 805;Air, San Diego County International Airport Rad:Santa Fe and Southern Pacific: Port•National City, San w Diego. Special Ineertires None. Contact Cheryl ■ ■ ■ ■ _: . Dye,Economic Development Manager,619691- 5047. _ 4.r e_ n Why Aren't You Here? BURBANfCs 4s he best corn- successful business. town area. 700,000 s¢ Mrd ' panics have Retailers have con- of the residents in Comae LosMgeles - XL located their tinually reported this area are between Poprla6acgg,gp0 syze�c K zz, headquarters in record sales at their the ages of 25-44. Y ' ''" Glendale for aver Glendale stores, due Providing a larger _-Largest Eiri;i*ens Warne Bros:/BurbanK=n y g g _Studio;Waft�ney.Co;'3tiJoeephsM int;f good reason. Withlargely to the ideal profit margin for the nearly 5 million location. Over 2 mil- retailer, Glendale '&isfneal3cepso.Taa'A�51711_8: $342;.Cc?3 square feet of prime -lion potential cus- has no business $135 OffoetraseRafez $120275:GSedian ' office development tomers, with Com- license tax, city }Ilouie Prlec,$225 OOU Crfuie 8'Edptxtlox v:•- �, : =a-•.z� and 1 million skilled biped incomes income or gross $3;8547tamportatioieaHwy workers within a 15 exceeding S32 mil- receipts, tax. With Burba�rik-Glint" Pnadern-`a�A P__ mile radius, Angeles ;5ped`al lnomtltee The ei hast Glendale lion annually, reside advantages such as —' � - +w -�� �. =p ? -offers what you within a 10 mile these, why aren't PCs":- _Econornie InceMNe 20Ke-p ogramY f made,up ot.redevelopment agency.inoeritives�� need to operate a radius of the down- you here. and My lnoerttrues,include tax rebates,krv(ntef� est::.loans.._anal permit{<fast-traekirig For additional information, contact the C&rfachRobeertTague;'Corimiiinity:oevelco<rieni=' Glendale Redevelopment LThdo,�818a53.9774 j­ • `� =;�?.' } Pment Agency �enC Y =a (818)548-2005 _ -'.Tum to page 50 ibTTnrtire s` (_JiG.rnia Rn.iu.-*c 29 SANTA ROSA RICHMOND Research lin--55 Best Place:w:ts compiled br -- >IZ Grua t leadingresr:urh and database County.Sonoma County:Contra Costa p' ' Population:120,200 Population 92,600 a,ntpany affili:rcd yith GJifamin Business mag- Largest Employers: Hewlett-Packard; Optical Largest Employers: Chevron USA; Chevron azine. To qualify, cities had to have at least Coating Labs;Sola Optical- Research&Technology;Safeway Stores Inc. 5111.000 in popuLuion. based on official esti- Busyness License Tax:A: $17,016;B:$3,416;C: Business Lapse Tax:A: $12,460; 8: $2.240; C: mates from the California Department of $1,638 Office Lease Rates $1.00-1.40 Median $420 Office Lease Rates: $1.55-1.65 Median Finance.Demographic Research Unit. Price: $182,000 Crime: 16 Education: House Price: $141,000 Crime. 39 Education: - $3,937 Transportation: Hwy. 101,S.H. 12 Air. $3,885 Transportation Hwy.m,1-580,101;Air. Largest Employers are generalh' non�o%- Sonoma County Airport has commuter flights to Oakland International Rail: Southern Pacific. SFO; Rail:Northwestern Pacific; Port Petaluma Santa Fe; Port: Richmond. special incentives: ernment employers. and eNclude cin' and River. Special lncerttives:The city offers no set Richmond has an Enterprise Zone, as well as county'administration,and school stems. incentives, but.large businesses interested in location assistance, fast-track permitting, and relocating can usually negotiate a deal. funds for infrastructure improvements through the Business License Tax information yoas pro-.. Contact: Alan Helfen, Chamber Economic redevelopment process in nine areas. The local sided be each cin. and calculated for three Development Director,707-5451414. Private Industry Council offers skills training pro- hypothetical businesses: (A) a mature hi-h- grams as well as an employable work force refer- technology manufacturing company\\ith S50 ral system. Contact: Barbara Otiefe, Office million in-mss annual receipts and a pa%Toll of Manager,Chamber of Commerce,5104343512. S90'ntillion:(B)a retail operudon with S10 mil- lion in dross receipt and it pa\Tull of S3 mil- lion:and (C)a small accountin-office uith Sl million in -runs receipts.5450.000 in Pa\Tull. and 10 rmplo%c•ez(right professionals and two DALY CITY SAN BERNARDINO support gedl). Tlix rates luted here are not Courtly:San Mateo County.San Bernardino mann to h- rcpresrnt:tticc of all indrsrT. but Population:96.700 Population:175.800 - tu apply only to rheic hypothetical Company- Largest Employers: Seton Medical Center; Cow Largest Employers:Norton Air Force Base;Stater pn,filrs.de\ised solely for the purport c•of pro- Palace:Mary's Bros.Markets;San Bernadine Medical Center % Business license Tax:A: $25,401;8: $5,401;C: Business License Tax A. $12,500;B: $7,548;C: idin-a nu•:ms of compar son.Rcadcrsane rw 6750 Office Lease Rates: $1.45-1.60 Median $2,537 Office(Ease Rates:$1.25-1.65 Median done•d that actual taxes mar\.uv according nr House Price: $241.000 Crime: 6 Education: House Price: $99,000 Crime: 38 Education: cnnlp:mr size.revenue st'rcnne.indusin'npc. $4,977 Transportation Hwy:F280,S.R.35,Hwy $4,073 Transportatiote Hwy.1.10, 1.15, 1.215;Air. etc. Readers are m;,ed set call ail%LIN depart- 82; Air: San Francisco International; Rail: Ontario International; Rail:Santa Fe, Union nivntsorcconomic dc-\rlop,ncnt departments Southern Pacific; Port: San Francisco Port. Pacific.Special Incentives:The city Will develop cus- fur complete tax inGn,n:pion. Special Incenttivez The city sponsors six free work- tom incentives for larger businesses. Recently, - shops a year on business strategies and fnan- Inland Beverage do.considered leaving the area Los Angeles business tax li,�orrc+shown cial advice from consultants and representatives for a larger facility-San Bernardino purchased the of government agencies. The Small Business existing building and provided a iow4nterest loan hen apple onlc to businesses that opt•n:nr cont- Center offers free counseling and technical so Inland could buy a new building in the city. plc-tely y\ithin city honmdarics. assistance to small businesses.Contact Daniel Contact.Susan Morales,Assistant to the Agency Office space Lyase Rates were pruyidctl b`. Schorr, Economic Development Coordinator, Administrator for the City of San Bernardino 415.991.6034. Economic Development• P Agency,9033845302. cin'economic development departments. chambers of commerce.and local read vsrnr brokers. Prices per square rout :ire for Class A office space-calculatcd un :t monthly basis- (cities with no,Clsss A office space supplied iNGLEWOOD BERKELEY figures for -B+-office space). -Actual prices - in the marketplace may yarv-. County:Los Angeles County:Alameda Pepula ilm,112,500 Population:104,200 Median House Prices wrre provided by Largest Employers: TRW Systems; Northrop. Largest Employers:Alta Bates, Herrick Hospital, Dataquick Inc. a nal estate research (lent Corp.:Rockwell International. Miles/Cutter Biological;Kaiser Permanente Brsitness LicenseTax:A$55,000;B:$10,802;C::.= Business License Ta_x:A: $60,000(value added); based in La Jolla. Figures here :Ore median $1,630 Office_Uase Rates$LOO-1.25 Median- : B- $12,000; C: $3,600 ice Lease Rates: prices as of flu•fourth quarter use er of 1992. HoPriee:$169,000 Crime:36 Educationr $1.50-2.00 Median House Price: $209,000 $3,809 Transportation:Hwy.,1.405;Air Los Crime: 40 Education: $5,859 Transportation: Crime rmking is based on FBI (i-arcs for Angeles Airport;Rail:Santa Fe;Port Port of Los Hwy.ISO,1.580,S.R.13, 123,24;Air.Oakland 1991 for number of crimes per 1,000 pop- Angeles. special incentives The city will assist International, SFO; Port: Oakland. special td:rtion. businesses likely to generate high sales-tax rem Incentives: Low-interest loans are available to enues for the city(for example,a car dealership) businesses that relocate in South Berkeley.The Education information\sa proiided b%the by using the power of eminent domain to acquire. city shares a Recycling Market Zone with C:difornia Dep:nvmcnt of Education,sch<u,l land parcels for them. Contairb Jesse Lewis, Oakland,offering various Incentives to business- Business Services Division, for 1991.92 f,sf':d Redevelopment Director,310412.5290. es that use recycled materials. Contact Will Lambert, Business Development Coordinator, year, hist-d on cost per merage daily:ncn- 510•G44.6309. dance:in a fc•\c cases.the average for st•%vnd K ho.d.srstrnx within one cit%was owd. ' 1 z ) .:.-OCEANSIDE - WEST COVINA SIM11 VALLEY `:Coiiiry San Diego `` County:los Angeles County:Ventura Popufatimc 138,500'_ 'c; `:' =;'`L'_ Population:97,300 Population:101,800 Lftest Employers:Tri-City Medical Center Astec;;: Largest Employers Queen of the Valley Hospital; Largest Employers: Farmers Insurance Group; America:Deutsch Co ' San Gabriel Daily Tribune; Broadway DepartSimi Valley Hospital and Health Care; First &est L3oense Tate A $25,075;B:$5,075;C:_-'-,* merit Store Interstate Bancard $575',QLfiee_Lea"Rates: $0.75-1.35 Median rt. Business License Tax:A: $5,430; B: $1,133; C: Business Lkertse Tax A.$19,152;8: $4,152;C:. House Price:.$157,000 Ctime:.18 Educations; $279. Office Lease Rates: $1.10-2.15 Median .:$777. Office Lease Rates: $1.35-1.70 Median $3,670,.Transportatinie_Hwy 15, S.H: 76; .q 7 "-T House Price: $187,000 Crime: 26 Education: ::`.House Price: $193,000 Crime: 2 Education:. John Wayne-Airport Rail:Santa re;Port San?; $3,749 Transportation: Hwy FSO, S.H. 39 Air $3,899 Transportatwn Hwy. S.H. 118 Air. LAX; Cadact Elizabeth Graff, Development Services : Ontario Airport, LAX; PortLong Beach. Specht ;' Rail., Southern Pacific; Port.-Port Huerieme. Coordin6199664702 incentives:The Redevelopment Agency offers low Special Incentives The city prciv des a negotiated ator, interest Loans to help with building improvements. percentage of taxes for assistance for certain _~ Contact: Kristin Howland, Director of Public needs, assembles project teams to assist app 11- Z-1 Relations&Membership,818.3385496. cants, a_program designed to reduce paperwork, sewer and water hookup deferred payment plans, _ = and a small Business Assistance Office. Contact Nancy Bender, Executive Director of the Chamber,805526.3900. TORRANCE PASADENA ORANGE County:los Angeles County:Los Angeles County:Orange Population:133,900 Poputation 133,500 Population:114,500 Largest Employers: AiResearch; Toyota Motor Largest Employers:Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Larges!Employers: St. Joseph Hospital; UCI Sales;Hughes Aircraft - California Institute of.Tech.; Huntington Medical Center,Van's Inc. Business Lfcerae Tax A: $17,738;B:$3,138;C: Memorial iiospit_at_`..:' - - .��; :::':; Business License Tax A: $29,940; B: $6,055;C: $538 Office Lease Rates$1.40.1.50 Median : :Bnniniaiii cense Tax A. $8,69rr, B:-$1,5.63;,0::,: $540 Office Lease Rates $0.95-1.75 Median House Price. $273,000 Crime. 13 Education: ,$1,211 OIfi6 Lease Rates$1.00-2.50 Medrari' Nouse Price: $238,000 Crime: 20 Education: $3,728 Transport& c Hwy. 1­110 Air.Torrance House Prfeet.$320,000 Crime: 27J Education:.. $4,020 Trsraporla on:Hwy,S.R.55,57,22 Air. Municipal Airport. LAX: Rat Sana Fe,Souther 54,314 Transporlatiac Hwy.U.S.134,210,S.H. John Wayne; Port:Long Beach Harbor/Port of Pacific.Special Incentives None. Contact Albert 110; Air:LAX; Port: Los Angeles. Special Los Angeles. Special Incentiver. Special deals Ng,Assistant City Manager,310518.5880. Incentjves Pasadena has an Enterprise Zone..' can be worked out.depending on the size of the Cmdact: Ken Jackson, Enerprise Zone Manager,' business. Contact:V Victoria Cleary. Assistant 818.7.98.675L Project Manager for Economic Development Department,714.771.2315. WIM FREE' PRIZES.* f you have a business, we have the place. . . " ' " ' ° ' ' For assistance with , ' t • Site selection • Financing f f.= • Permits • Demographics es' { Call us! 4 City of Vallejo Eo rnomic Development Delp2r mint C ALC A L I 555 Santa Cl=St. _•' 'r Vallejo,CA 91590 (707)648-4444 on pa 54 California Bu+inn+° 53 Continued ficin Gage 26 — cities,companies have long complained FREMONT RANCHO.CUCAMONGA about high taxes and onerous bureau11- County:Alameda Courrt>:San Bernardino cratic rules that contribute to their Population:177.500 Populating110,500. _ cities' generally "inhospitable" business Largest Employers: NUMMI car plant; Fremont Largest Employers: General_Dynamics: Ameron crush-climates.Indeed,boils cities have Unified Schools;Everex Steel&Wlre/PipeC Fnto• iiy Inc. ing business taxes.In San Francisco,our Business License Tax: A: 56,030; B: 52,530; C: Business License Tax:k $5_ 9,205; 8: $1,613:C:, h. othe[icai manufacturer would pa. 51,330 Office Lease Rates S1.20-1.30 Median $413 Office Lias elutes: $1.45-1. 5 Median., House Price: $238,000 Crime: 5 Education: HouseVPriee:,$140,000'_Cnme: li_Education:: $130,000 a%ear, $18,000 more than in $4,060 Transportation:Hwy:1-880,680 Air.SFO: $3,759 Traesportattoe: Hwy 1-10, 1-15; Afr: Fresno and more than double the rate Port:San Francisco. Special Incentives The city Ontario intemaUo fill.RaU:,Sarna Fe; Part Los' in Los Angeles. Berkeley s tax rates are has a development agreement that eliminates Angeles';.Long Beach:r5pecial incentives: . many fees in the Ardenwood area, coordinates Incentves,are now beingplann comparable to big city rales; indeed. ed. Cordae! KeM project teams for the larger developmenprojecrs. Crowley;Chamber,Economic Redevelopment" they topped all but those of four cities. and has fast track permit processing. Staff,909.987-1012: To be sure. like am' ranking, the a-i- Contact Part James,Administrative Analyst,510- teria for our 55-city list are arguably 4944462. arbitrate.There are many intangibles of a given community that cannot be mea- sured,but that may be extremely impor- tant to a particular company residing there. ambience, quality of life. natural _ DO W N EY and cultural County:Los Angeles resources. and manv Poputation:92.600 other factors can Largest Employers: Rockwell International: L.A. affect customers, «- _ _ County;Stonewood Shopping Center Mail Business License Tare A: 58.968: B: 52.558: C: workers, vendors, 5161 Office Lease Rates: 50.80-1.50 Median and management, t House Price: 5207.000 Crime: 9 Education: . $3.578 Transportation: Hwy. I-5. 1-710, 1.605; and be critical to ver- ' _ t'-' '�- ['� Air: Long Beach Airport, LAX: Rail: Southern tain types of business. `� :^� •` r � Pacific Transportation;Port:Long Beach and L.A. But we're going for - Harbor.Special Incentives Deals can be negotiat- _ ed for larger businesses. Recently, the city batting average here. .And in that context, agreed to give Penske Toyota 5400.000 toward the aranhe[ers we improvements and 5100,000 a year for five p years in return for a commitment from the deal- chose are critical to -_ -= ership to remain in the city for five years. the health of local y6 s � Contact Art Rangel, Director of Community and businesses. another - Economic Developmern,310.904-7285. set of important fac- tors not directly mea- A colorful farmers' market at Oceanside: Some things can't be quantified. sured in our rankings is a community's package of special _ incentives.Mari are described brieflv in POMONA FONTANA the listings. County.Los Angeles Couniy:San Bernardino We should mention that 13 cities on Population:135,500 Population 97,500 our list have Enterprise Zones within Largest Employers: Hughes Aircraft; Pomona Largest.Employem-Kaiser Hospital & Medical.i, their boundaries. These zones, desi;- valley Hospital; California State Polytechnic Group; California Steel Industries; Southern; na[ed by the State of California, offer University PacificRarlroads� Business License Tax: A: $515; B: 52,660: C: Bivaress L6;se Ta:e A.$15,052 B:$2,67'2!;`C-,;. ;ax breaksto businesses Operating11- p J 51.204 Office Lease Rates: $1.10-1.65 Median ;$1.035`ldiis Lease Rates.$0.75.1.20 Madiau`'i: there, including hiring tax credits, House Price: S132,000 Crime: 29 Education: House,PrIce: $124,000 Crimes 31 Education::.' sales-tax and use-tax credits for 53.815 Transportation: Hwy.,60, 10: Air Ontario $3,789.Transportation:Hwy:,1-15,.i-10 Air machinery and equipment purchased International, John Wayne, LAX: Rail:Southern Ontario intemaGcnal: Raiff:Santa As, Southern Pacific. Union Pacific. Santa Fe: Port: Los Pacific, Union Paeifie Spedal.kmffHres The city for use in the zone, net operating loss Angeles. Special Incentives: None specified. offers financial Incentives on a case-by-casecarrvovers, and business expense Contact: H. S. 'Biff' Byrum. Chief Executive basis.,Contecb Byron Steinbaugh, Economic deductions. Most also offer local Officer. Pomona Economic Development Corp.. Development Divisicn,909351}7605. - Enterprise Zone incentives which mai. 71422-1256. include low-interest loans, permit first- tracking,job training, and site sclec- tion assistance. 50 April 1"3 .. MODESTO GARDEN GROVE THOUSAND OAKS County Stanislaus`.. _ _ Count':Orange Courrb:Ventura " Population 174,200 Population 148,100 — ' Population 106,600.- Largest Employers Tri.Valiey Giowers; E &J Largest Employers: Garden Grove Medical Largest Empkuyers GTE California; Amgen Inc.; Gallo WineryGallo Glass Co. Center;Pilkington industries;ALPS Mfg. State Farm Insurance. Business License Tax:A: $100; B:'$5,200; C:. Business License Tar: A: $2,991; B: $2,229; C: Business License Tax A: $4,670; B: $1,470; C: $2,200 Office Lease Rams: $1.25-1.65 Medan $1,152 Office Lease Rates: $1.00-1.30 Median $350 Office Lease Rates: $0.90-2.00 Median House Price:$115,000 Crime:21 Education: House Price: $182,000 Crime: 24 Education: House Price: $348,000 Crime: 1 Education: $3,937..Trmspmrtatiom Hwy S.R. 99, 108.-and $3,904 Traraportatiorn Hwr..1-5.1-405.1-605;Air. $3,913 Transportatin:oHwy: U.S.101 Air. 132,.ES Alr.-Modesto Ctty6uMy Airport;Rail: John Wayne Airport; Rail. Atcheson, Topeka & Oxnard Airport; Port:Port Hueneme,special Santa Fe,Southem Pacific, Union Pacific;-Port Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, Union Pacific; Port Incenth The sty offers commercial rehabilita StorJdnn special 4uceldfret The ci0 grants a omni Long Beach Harbor. Special incentives Job train tion grants to help businesses comply with the We me tax exemption for labor intensive businesses: . ing programs and relocation assistance and can American Disabilities Act,and sponsors a mentor Those that employ 15 or more persons per we help large businesses relocate quickly by putting program where business people can get in con,- get ornget re mbursed 100 percent for water connection, them on the'fast track permit system,and acting tact with others in their line of work. lwildmg and plant fees;those that employ seven as a liaison for the business with other govern Contact Stacy Park,City Manager's Office,805- or more are reimbursed 50 percent for the same mental agencies. Contact: Matthew Fertal, 4968601 fees Contact: Harlon Westenberg, Economic Director of Community Development, 714.741 Development Manager,209577-5473. 5120. MORENO VALLEY VENTURA CONCORD Courtly.Riverside Courtly:Ventura County.Contra Costa Population 131,900- Population 94,300 Population 113,000 Largest Employers: Mervyn's Department Store; Largest Employers: Community Memorial Largest Employers: Bank of America, Chevron Rohr Industries:Moreno Valley Med Center Hospital: Vons Grocery Co.; Buenaventura USA;Wells Fargo Bank Business License Tax:A. 524,440; B: $1.830;C -Medical Clinic Business LJeense Tac A $2,015; B: 55,226;C 5214 Office Lease Rates: $1.15-1.55 Median Business License Tax:A: $9,395; B: $895; C: $954 Office Lease Rates: $1.37 Median House House Price.- $125,000 Crime: 30 Education: $385 Office Lease Rates: $1.20-1.65 Median Pries $178,000 Gime:-19 Education $3,793 53.834 Transportation:Hwy, 1-215, S.R. 60;Air. House Price: $189,000 Crime: 14 Education: Transportation:Hwy. IE80. S. R.242, 24,4 Air. Ontario Intemational; Rail: Santa Fe, Union $3,432 Transportation: Hwy.U.S. 101, S.H.33, Oakland International,SFO;Port Benicia. special Pacific, special incentives: Businesses that car 118, 126: Air. Oxnard Airport; Rail:Southern lncentives:,The Department of Economic and ate 25 jobs in two years can receive a 5 percent Pacific,Port Port of Hueneme. special Incentives Community Development provides site selection discount on certain city fees; businesses that There is a Small Business Assistance Program, assistance.The Concord Redevelopment Agency create 50 or more jobs in two years can receive which offers free counseling from business pro- provides public assistance to certain businesses a 15 percent discount. Contact: Linda Guillis, fessionals. Contact: Miriam.Mack, Rede. in the form of land writedowns or public improve- Economic/Redevelopment Director, 714.243- velopment Administrator,8056547833. menta. Contact: Bill Reeds, Economic 3460. Development Director,510871.3355. SALINAS OXNARD ONTARIO County:Monterey - CouW.Ventura C;w.San Bernardino Population 112,900. - Population 146,400 Population 138,800 - Largest Employers Bud of California; County of Largest Employers:Abex Corp.;Boskovich Farms; Largest Employers: Lockheed; General Monterey;D'Arrigo Brothers GTE California Inc. Telephone;General Electric BusSieis Lkxanse Tac,:k$35,010;B:$7,010;C:.:. Business License Tax:A: $2.175: B: $6,123; C: : Buid as IJearte Tai:A: $10,050; B. $2,050; $420.,0W.4 Lease Rates$1.25 Median Horse',' $1,062 Office Lease Rates: $1.40-1.85 Median $600.Office Lease Reteic $1.35-1.65 Median Pilce?.$160,000 Crimef 23 Education:` House Price: x5176,000 Crime: 22 Education: House Price:$135.000 Crirrie 35 Education: 53,904 Tranriporfatiorc Hwy.0 S..101 S.R.68.' $4,085 Transportation Hwy. 101, S.H. 1, 34, $3,873 Transpoitallom Hwy 1-10. 1.15, S.R. 60. 383;Air:Salines Municipal Airport; Rail:: 232:Air.Oxnard Airport has service to SFO and 83;Air Ontario International; RaU:Santa Fe, Southem Pacific:. special Incentives:The city'� LA:L Rail:Southern Pacific; Part Port Hueneme, Southern Pacific,Union Pacific.Special incentives offers an Industrial Development Bond and tax. Channel Islands Harbor, special Incentives:The There are four redevelopment areas in the city increment financing..Contact:Jorge Rifa, city has a fast-track permitting process, a task that provide mostly development incentives but Assistant City Manager,406758.720E". force that reviews new projects and warns of also include a Small Business Assistance Center. potential problems,and a revolving loan program There Is ta4 increment financing, and the that provides gap-financing for existing business Industrial Development Authority can issue up to es. Contact: Steve Kinney, Economic Deve. $10 million in bonds to support jobyroviding pro• lopment Director,805385-7455. jests: Contact: Korman Priest, Community &momic Development Director,714.9861151 California lintiru•.� 31 BaraschArchitects April 6, 1993 Hon. Mayor and Members of the San Luis Obispo City Council City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, California 93403 Re: Transportation Development Impact Fees Currently Under Review Ladies and Gentlemen: It has recently come to my attention that the City of San Luis Obispo Finance Director's Office has prepared a detailed summary of the proposed Transportation Development Impact Fees. would like to present certain relevant factors which may effect your review and- consideration of the enactment of any transportation related impact fees in the City of San Luis Obispo now oris the future. These factors suggest that non-residential construction does, in fact, pay its own way with respect to development related impact fees. in a recently published report entitled 'Impact Fees and Commercial Real Estate: Issues and Consequences"completed at the Harvard University's Taubman Center for State and Local Government in late 1991, several revealing conclusions were drawn relating to the rationale and effects of locally imposed development impact fees. Some of the more significant conclusions of the detailed and lengthy study are summarized In the selected relevant portions of the report's Executive Summary. IMPACT FEES AND COMMERCIAL_ REAL ESTATE: ISSUES AND CONSEQUEN UMMACES FMECUTIVE SRY PUBLISHED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL & OFFJCE PARKS - COPYRIGHT 1991 A RATIOi1tALES FOR IMPACT FEES Local governments often iustify impact fees on the grounds that they more equitably divide responsibilities for infrastructure expansion between existing and 'incoming resWents. _Impact fees are based on the principle that those who benefit - from the use of certain public facilities should pay for their construction.. _-" Page 2 April 6, 1993 Nevertheless, facilities financed by impact fees often benefit an entire community. Localities rationalize this dichotomy through two arguments. First, due to rapid growth, the costs to existing residents for the expansion of public facilities outweigh the benefits they derive from providing that additional infrastructure capacity. Second, new development is not able to pay for its own infrastructure needs through traditional financing mechanisms. LIMITATIONS OF EQUITY RATIONALES FOR IMPACT FEES 1. New development is not necessarily the primary cause of demand for infrastructure Mansion. Rising per capita incomes lead to increased demand for public facilities and services in many communities, and therefore are a principal strain on infrastructure capacity. Moreover, today's stringent environmental standards mandate that communities invest in certain infrastructure improvements, such as water and waste treatment plants. The authors of a Harvard University study note that 'for fast growing communities, only a portion of new demand for new infrastructure can be attributed to new development." Similarly, a paper by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) concludes that "even with no new development, traffic would increase due to the population's growing mobility." 2. Growth often pays for its own infrastructure needs through traditional financing mechanisms. An empirical study of Naperville, Illinois finds that without impact fees, taxes collected through traditional mechanisms from "1,000 square feet of office space.resulted in a small surplus at the municipal level and a large su&plus at the school (district) level. The author concludes that "if the basis of (impact fees) is that growth should pay its. own way, then the Naperville cost-revenue analysis is suggesting that growth, especially non-residential land use, is already paying its way." 3. Delays in impact fee-financed construction can violate the financing principles upon which impact fees are based Impact fees are based on the principle that those who benefit from the provision of certain public facilities should pay for their construction. However, many local governments delay infrastructure construction an unreasonably long time after collecting fees, thereby depriving fee payers of potential benefits. For instance, Douglas Porter, former Director of Development Policy Research at ULI, finds that because San Diego, California was plagued With delays in planning, design, and sometimes land acquisition, few [impact fee- financed]projects are built° . 1 y Page 3 April 6, 1993 4. Tenants of new development are often existing residents and thereby pay twice for the same infrastructure Up to 80% of new homes or businesses are sold to people who already live in a community. These "new" residents are forced to finance existing off-site facilities through traditional taxes and user charges, and are also forced to bear the costs of expanding infrastructure through impact fees. - 5. fm pact fees may reduce willingness for future funding. Local governments cannot use Impact fees to remedy existing deficiencies in public facilities. When existing capital facilities need to be replaced, local governments must often seek voter - approval. Assuming that developers pass a portion of impact fees forward, tenants might not be willing to replace existing facilities on the grounds that they have already fulfilled their fair share of the infrastructure burden. An economic i2ersRective: Fee advocates often assert that impact fees lead to an efficient allocation of public facilities. As currently administered, however, this is not the case. In order to lead to an efficient outcome, impact fees must charge for any costs that new development inflicts upon a community above and beyond a development's actual construction costs. These include: (1) the costs of expanding the capacity of off-site infrastructure to meet the demand generated by new development, and(2) the consequences of congestion-environmental effects of auto emission, longer commutes, etc. With regard to the first social cost of development, the costs of providing and delivering public services'fluctuate by the location of a development. Hence, an impact fee must also vary by the location of a development in order to engender an efficient allocation of infrastructure. However, a 1988 survey reveals that only s% of communities allows impact fees to vary by location. Growth management rationales: Some observers argue that impact fees enable a local government to develop or abide by growth management and capital improvement programs. The logic behind this claim is that impact fees provide a stream of revenue for local governments with which they can finance the expansion of capital facilities. . Moreover, because impact fees are standardized payments applicable to all developers, they ensure that financial responsibility for the expansion of infrastructure is distributed equitably among new developments. Page 4 April 61 1993 A highly regarded study on impact fees, however, argues that "among the different forms of private financing, uncertainty is most likely to be a problem with development impact fees. First, impact fee receipts depend on levels of development. Construction is highly sensitive to economic cycles, and thereby likely to vary widely. Second, the legality of impact fees has not yet been fully determined. B. EFFECTS OF IMPACT FEES The effects of impact fees on communities imposing them is perhaps the least well- understood aspect of fee debates. A 1990 study by Coopers and Lybrand for the City of San Diego consistently demonstrates that, over the short term, San Diego's proposed impact fees have a more detrimental economic effect than an equivalent property tax increase. in the long terms, the forecasted effects of San Diego's proposed citywide fees and an equivalent property tax increase closely parallel each other. The study predicts, however, that San Diego's proposed citywide fee, when used together with regional impact fees, have greater negative long-term effects than either a citywide fee or an increase in property taxes equivalent to the proposed citywide fee (see Appendix B in main text). 1. Effects on business entry and retention: As impact fees lead to rent increases, many businesses will disperse to outlying areas that do not impose fees in order to avoid higher costs, especially considering that rent accounts for 10% of office operation costs nationally. Furthermore, technological advances in communication reduce the willingness of many firms to pay for agglomeration. Businesses may choose to expand, enter, or remain in areas that have fees provided they derive significant benefits from clustering. Businesses that do locate in these areas must be large enough to bear the additional costs imposed by impact fees, however. 2. ,effects on economic•growth and productivity: Are local governments capable of administering impact fees? Due to the use of impact fees in certain communities over the last several years, debates often de-emphasize their potential economic effects. Instead, many observers now stress that local governments are not capable of administering impact fee programs as intended. For example, many localities experience significant delays in the construction of impact fee-financed.. facilities. Page 5 April 6, 1993 Construction delays can have significant economic consequences. Manybusiness cluster in particular areas because of the savings offered by efficient public facilities. As infrastructure becomes less efficient through deterioration or crowding, businesses are forced to absorb higher costs. This can lead to a significant decline in productivity and competitiveness, adversely affecting a community's economy. How do local taxes and impact fees affect economic growth? Several "emgirlcal studies"demonstrate that tax increases can detrimentally affect a local economy. For Instance, a 1991 study concludes that "an increase in a state's own tax rate relative to the rates in all others slows the rate of economic growth in 45 of 49 states. Impact fees are not identical to taxes; nonetheless, economists generally agree that their incidences parallel one another. Moreover, because impact fees dlstri¢Ute payment responsibilities less equitably than Qroperty taxes In the short run then can conceivably have mare severe_economic consequences. The coopers and Lybrand report, for example, predicts that in the short term San Diego's proposed citywide fees have a more detrimental effect on gross regional product than an equivalent property tax increase. 3. Effects on emgloyment: The real estate industry provides eight million jobs nationally and constitutes up to 40% of some areas' local employment bases. Thus, any decline in building activity can have severe employment consequences. Theory suggests that construction declines with-the imposition of im acp t feeg, so localities might g2 ep ctemi2loyment in the real estate industry and services to decrease. As construction declines, potential business space also decreases. As a rule of thumb, developers note that a fully occupied office building employs approximately one person per 200 square feet of rentable space. Assume that a community without impact fees expects office space to increase by 500,000 square feet in a given year. If that community imposes impact fees, and experiences an increase of only 300,000 square feet of office space, the locality forsakes uu to 1.000 j2otQntial jobs. Additionally, impact fees can force businesses to locate to areas not imposing fees. As businesses relocate out of a locality, that area's employment opportunities decline. Finally, the 1990 Coopers and Lybrand report predicts that San Diego's proposed citywide fees will lead to a significant decline in San Diego's employment. Page 6 April 61 1993 4. Effects on income: If employment and overall productivity decline with impact fees, one would expect per capita income to decrease as well. Two studies have demonstrated that this is, in fact, the*case. A 1988 study by John Landis and colleagues predicts that housing caps in San Diego.are likely to reduce real gaa!ta income by 2% in 1993. The Coopers and Lybrand report_reaches similar conclusions. 5. Fiscal effects: Theoretically, impact fees can lead to decreases in a community's construction, employment, income, and business entry and productivity. As each. of these factors declines, a community loses potential revenue-generating sources- For example, if construction slows after the imposition of impact fees, property tax receipts fall as well. C. FINANCING ALTERNATIVES If local governments do riot consider alternate financing mechanismsri0 or to implementing,impact fees. courts are less likely to validate contested fee progar ms Impact fees may not be the most appropriate financing mechanism for all public facilities; traditional financing methods include tax-exempt bonds and general taxes. Increasing numbers of local governments are turning to "user charges"to finance the construction of certain public facilities. User charges are most appropriate when a community chooses to allocate financial res onsibM for lnfrastructure upon those who most benefit from its provision or to encourage conservation Other financing options growing in popularity include 'special assessments"and °special districts`: 7ax increment financing"is also a viable alternative to impact. fees, although most states authorize its use for the redevelopment of blighted or slow-growth areas, rather than general infrastructure needs. Fina& local governments can ort to "pnlratize certain 12ublic services". Almost 37%of all cities contracted out a number of services to the private sector between 1990-91. Page 7 April 6, 1993 In conclusion, transportation generated development impact fees may be more appropriate for residential related development where major local services are required for the first 4-5 years before property taxes begin to off-set local municipal services and infrastructure costs. Non-residential development including commercial/industrial andretail buildings normally pays its own way in respect to its fair share of transportation development impact fees through traditional financing mechanisms including, business related taxes, retail sales taxes, property taxes, as well as additional local business activity which directly benefits local governments' financial well being. More appropriate financing options currently exist which may be more beneficial to the City of San Luis Obispo in light of the current low level of local real estate and economic development activity. Some of the more successful alternative financing sources to assessing and collecting impact fees, which may be more effective for a city the size of San Luis Obispo (where a majority of general plan has already been developed), include, the creation of special service districts, tax increment financing, "special" assessments based on localized requirements and the "privatization° of certain traffic related services and improvements. Please contact me directly should you have any questions or comments regarding this analysis of the proposed San Luis Obispo Traffic Development Impact Fees, or the entire report summarized herein, which contains the statistical data supporting our conclusions and recommendations on this issue. Respectfully yours, Stephen B. Barasch, AIA, APA, Chairman Commercial/Industrial Committee Building Industry Association of the,Central Coast and San Luis Obispo City Resident SBB/ebm 1 Page 8 April. 6, 1993 Executive Summary Notes 1. Snyder and Stegman, "Paying for Growth", Chapter 4 2. Alan Altshuler, Jose Gomez-Ibanez, and Arnold Howitt, "Paying for Growth; A Private Obligation?" "Land Lines: Lincoln Institute of Land Policy", February 1991, PP. 1-2. 3. Isaac A. Megbolugbe, "Builders' Perspective on Infrastructure Financing" (Washington,D.C.;National Association of Nome Builders,Research Report Series, 1989), P. 10. 4. Altshuler, et al., "Paying for Growth; A Private Obligation?' 5. "Myths and Facts about Transportation and Growth" Urban Land Institute, Washington, D.C., 1989. 6. David Listokin, "Impact Fees: A Fair Share Framework, "Financing Growth; Who Benefits: Who Pays? And How Much?" Susan G. Robinson, ed. (Washington, D.C.; Government finance Research Center of the Government Finance Officers Association, 1990), p. 131. 7. Ibid. Emphasis this author's. 8. Douglas Porter, "San Diego's Brand of Growth Management; A for Effort, C for Accomplishment". Urban Land, May 89, p. 26. 9. Cited in Snyder and Stegman, "Paying for Growth". p. 97. According to ULI's "Myths and Facts About Transportation and Growth, 41-60% of new homes are sold to people who already live in a community. 10. Snyder and Stegman, "Paying for Growth; p. 28 11. Paul B. Downing and Thomas S. McCaleb, "The Economics of Development Exaction", Development Exactions, James E. Frank and Robert M. Rhodes, eds. (Washington, O.C.;American Planning Association, 1987) p. 46. 12. Frank and Downing, "Patterns of Impact Fee Use; p. 19. 13. Snyder and Stegman, "Paying for Growth". p.33. 14. Ibid. 15. Ibid. 16. Ibid. 17. Coopers and Lybrand, "Economic Impact of Proposed City-Wide Impact Fees for the City of San Diego". July 16, 1990. 18. David E. Dowall, "Endangered Species: San Francisco's Back-Office Employees, Urban Land, August 1986, p. 10. 19. Forrest E. Huffman,Arthur C. Nelson,Marc T. Smith and Michael A. Stegman, Who Bears the Burden of Development impact Fees?"Development Impact Fees,Arthur C. Nelson, ed, p. 319. Page 9 April 6, 1993 20. Ibid 21. Porter, "San Diego's Brand of Growth Management: A for Effort, C for Accomplishment, p. 26, and Charles J. Delaney and Marc T. Smith, "Impact Fees and the Price of New Housing., An Empirical Study; AREUEA Journal, Vol. 17, No 11 1989, p-52. 22. Paul Danish, "Infrastructure: Corporation; Communities Are Splitting the Bill", Expansion Management, November/December 1990, p. 9. 23. Gerald W. Scully, "How State and Local Taxes Affect Economic Growth". National Center for Policy Analysis, Policy Report No. 106, 1991. On pp. 3-4, Sully cites the following studies: Robert J. Genetski, "The Impact of State and Local Taxes on Economic Growth, 1963-1980", Jarris Bank, Chicago, IL< 1982; Victor A. Canto;- 'The State Competitive Environment; 1987-88; An Update, A.B. Laffer Associates, 1988; and, Michael Wasy/enko and Therese McGuire, "Jobs and Taxes: The Effect of Business Climate on States' Employment Growth Rates, National Tax Journal, Vol. 38, 1985, pp. 497-511. 24. Scully, "how State and Local Taxes Affect Economic Growth", p. 9. 25. Huffman, et al., "Who Bears the Burden of Development impact Fees?" Coopers and Lybrand, "Economic impact of Proposed City-Wide impact Fees for the City of San Diego", pp. 55-58. 26. "When Dominoes Fall", A Statement of the National Real Estate Organization, April_ 1991. 27. Isaac F. Megbolugbe, "Growth and Growth Controls (What Happens When Growth Stops?)", Land Development, Winter 1989/90, p.17. 28. Coopers and Lybrand, "Economic Impact of Proposed City-Wide Impact Fees for the City of San Diego', pp. 55-60. 29. John Landis, et al., 'The.lmpacts of Residential Growth Controls on San Diego's Housing Markets and Employment Base" (Berkeley, CA: University of California, Berkeley, Center for Real Estate and Urban Economics, 1988). Cited in Megbolugbe, "Growth and Growth Controls (What Happens When Growth Stops?)", pp. 17-78. 30. Coopers and Lybrand, "Economic impact of Proposed City-Wide impact Fees for the City of San Diego', pp. 55-60. 31. Ibid., p. 14. 32. Pagano, "City Fiscal Conditions in 1991; p. 24. Percent of Total Revenue N N N CA (A � CO A CO N C % O A CD N CT O i co � � o O `T C � CD r CD :. 0. 0 < 1 W CD :;: ;::;;: rn' O C C CD CD CD c ri a to 0 3 -0�. N x Ln :3 00 (n O co . . 3. -n O a cQ U) SD O 0 (n n O m n. CD CD 'a_ CSD � ems-- �► O CD o 7. LO v n N Percent of Total Revenue N N W W 1�6 J�L Cn p O Cn CO Cn CO Ul O Cn O U1 O Cn Ln co a 0 N �O CD n � � CD -a n cD (n 0 CD CO QO CD CJ 4 N C_ W � 0CD — O Ua CL c+ cD CD CO cn 0 ,4% CD '0 y CD 0 —i � 0 CD -< . N 0 (A sv w ;* O D << a vicn0 nM0 0 m CD C Co C O C (n t CD 0 N 7 O rt 0 O N CA Percent N N CEJ CEJ A, Jb, ' Cn O cn O Ul O U1 O Ul O Ul O n ;+ Cn O o n NO o -000 S5 R = _ CD n0 ❑, p, v 0 16< o -4 CDyX pi rt "0 Q' 3D ca o =� CO fl. �+ O CD -� to O M D _" CD N 0 o E \/ � N, n y 0 C � ..► O � `V p CD N N o O O MODEL OF CITY FEE COSTS TO CONSTRUCT A 1500 S$. FT. HOME ON A SINGLE FAMILY IAT ASSUMPTIONS: A 46 LOT SUBDIVISION-TRACT APPLICATION-P.D. APPLICATION-VESTING MAP- ENVIORNMENTAL DETERMINATION(NO E.I.R)-4MODEL TRACT HOUSE DESIGN- 1500 S9. FT.- SINGLE LEVEL HOME/400Sg. FT. GARAGE TRACT IMPROVEMENT ASSUMPTIONS: $1,000,000 FOR THE 46 LOT TRACT-NO NOISE STUDY-NO SITE ACCESS PROBLEMS OR UTILITY PROBLEMS CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO BUILDING DEPARTMENT WATER IMPAC7% 2627.60 WASTEWATER IMPACT. 2217.50 WATER METER; 137.00 PERMIT& RAIN CHECK: 1370.00 PLUS: SCHOOL TAX: 2250.00 RETROFITS: 3000.00 FIRE SPRINKLERS: 2250.00 TRAFFIC FEE: 2230.00 TOTAL BLDG. DEPT FEE: $16,081.00 PLANNING DEPARTMENT (FEES CALCULATED ON 46 LOT SUBDIVISION) PLANNED DEVELOPMENT 1549.00 TRACT MAP/VESTING MAP 3877.00 ENVIORNMENTAL 516.00 TOTAL PLAN.DEPT.FEE: $158.90($5940. DIVIDED BY 46) ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT (FEES CALCULATED ON 46 LOT SUBDIVISION) BONDS(1.5 MILLION TIMES 1%) 15000.00 INSPECTION (2.5%) 25000.00 PLAN CHECK(1.5%) 15000.00 PARK IN LIEU FEE 97000.00 TOTAL ENG. DEPT.FEE $3195.65 ($147000.DIVIDED BY 46) TOTAL FEES:$19,435.55 �leXS 0131M COUNT Y JULIA i AGUIL4R JEFF FA!REA.NKS GETERAL.%tiv.GER EDITOR May 28, 1993 Honorable Mayor Peg Pinard Council members Penny Rappa, Bill Roalman, Dave Romero and Alan K. Settle Dear Mayor and Council members: The Telegram-Tribune reconsidered its decision to relocate a portion of its facility in Paso Robles following a request from former Mayor Dunin to remain in the City of San Luis Obispo. We were pleased with the cooperation we received from the City Council and from the majority of staff. With City Council and staff aware that the oldest company in the City considered moving to a more business-friendly part of the County, it is disappointing to see that just over a year later, an additional anti-business fee is being considered. The transportation impact fee would have added approximately $123, 000 to our building costs. We would have likely elected to stay in the City of San Luis Obispo in spite of the added fees because our business necessitates being close to the center of our distribution area. Other businesses would have less need to be located in the center of the County, and would likely make the choice to leave the City of San Luis Obispo. It is time that we tried to make the City of San Luis Obispo more attractive to business; it is certainly not the time to add even more deterrents to locating within the City limits. lia S. Aguilar Serving the Entire County of San Luis Obispo Daily $825 South Higuera • Post Office Box 112 • San Luis Obispo, Califoinia 93406-0112 .9 (805)781-7800 1 aid California Central March 31, 1993 Coast Chapter Mayor Peg Pinard.. City of San Luis Obispo American 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, Ca. 93401 Institute of Architects Re: Proposed Traffic Mitigation Fees for City of San Luis Obispo Dear Mayor Pinard: Post Office Box 375 San Luis Obispo Our membership has expressed concern over the proposed traffic California 93406 mitigation fees you will consider at your April 6 meeting. Increased commercial construction costs will only accelerate the flight of business from our city and the propcaed fees for residential construction fail to address affordable housing issues. Other specific concerns our chapter has with the proposed traffic mitigation fees are as follows: 1. The assertion that transit and bicycle transportation provide an alternative to travel by private motor vehicle is valid, however, to assume that the distribution in demand is similar is in error. How can that veritable bastion of the automobile, the gasoline service station, be assessed fees based upon driver's choices for transit and bicycle trips? Clearly, a nexus for this scenario has not been addressed in the Transportation Impact Fee Study. Also, please be aware of the market forces generated by this fee. The fee is based on the square footage of the building not on the pumps which does not correlate to the trips generated. The message is that all new gas stations will be of the kiosk type (100 sf or less) to reduce the traffic mitigation fee. 2. The Transportation Impact Fee Study notes that the existing level of transit service is not at an acceptable standard yet the proposed fleet expansion is assumed to be provided by future growth. OFFICERS FOR 1990-1991: Allan Cooper,President • Victor Montgomery,President Elect • Elbert Speidel,Secretary • Mary White,Treasure DIRECTORS FOR 1991: Sake Reindersma,Legislation . George Stewart,Membership • Stan Stein b James Aiken,Public Relations • Mik Echelmeler,Student Affiliate Joanne Buchanan,Associates t"Wr Mayor Pinard --- ��� March 31, 1993 California page 2 Central Coast Chapter 3. The proposed Orcutt Road/SPRR grade separation is noted to be required by new development. This is incorrect, the American project is required to provide emergency vehicles with an alternate path to the Johnson Avenue area. • Currently there Institute are only two unobstructed crossings of the SPRR in the city. of Architects Appendix A of the Transportation Impact Fee Study shows that 20% of the cost will be borne by new development with the remainder to come from the PUC. We feel that new Post Office Box 375 development should be assessed the proportionate share of San Luis Obispo 30.6% of the 20% or 6.12% of the cost of the grade California 93406 separation project. - 4. Although public sector uses are not expected to share in the costs for the projects noted, their expected trip generation should be included in the calculations. The report does not appear :o make allowances for increased traffic generation based upon expansion of public sector usages. 5. We feel that an exemption or reduction in fees for affordable housing should be incorporated into the proposed ordinance. These types of units have been shown to generate less trips than standard residential uses. 6. The fee implementation is proposed to become effective on a given date. We feel that this will be detrimental to the business and construction community in the City of San Luis Obispo. We urge you to consider implementing these fees of an extended period of time (3 years for example). This will cushion the effect of the proposed fees on the community. 7. We propose that a downtown benefit district be established to promote businesses in the downtown core. OFFICERS FOR 1990-1991: Allan Cooper,President • Victor Montgomery.President Elect • Elbert Speidel,Secretary • Mary White,Treasurer DIRECTORS FOR 1991: Sake Reindersma,legislation • George Stewart,Membership • Stan Stein&James Aiken,Public Relations Mike Echelmeier,Student Affiliate • Joanne Buchanan,Associates Mayor Pinard March 31, 1993 California page 3 Central Coast Chapter S. Finally, we question the fiscal responsibility of a $ 12,000,000 American bike path along the SPRR right of way. Clearly, there must be better ways to promote bicycle usage in the city. Remember, Institute a 12,000,000 is enough to purchase a $ 300 bicycle for each of Architects of the city's 40,000 residents which would promote bicycle usage far more than a new pathway. Post Office Box 375 Thank you for your consideration of our concerns. San Luis Obispo California 93406 Sincerely, AIA C 'a Central Coast Chapter Jeffrey mricX, A _ Director of Legislative Affairs OFFICERS FOR 1990-1991: Allan Cooper,President • Victor Montgomery,President Elect • Elbert Speldel,Secretary Mary While,Treasure DIRECTORS FOR 1991: Sake Reindersma,Legislation • George Stewart,Membership • Stan Stein b James Aiken,Public Relations • Milo Echelmeler,Student Affiliate • Joanne Buchanan,Associates San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce 1039 Chorro Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401-3278 (805) 781-2777 • FAX (805) 543.1255 David E. Garth, Executive Director May 26, 1993 Honorable Mayor and City Council City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RE: TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES Dear Mayor Pinard and Council Members: After significant evaluation of the proposed Transportation Development Impact fees, the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce expresses our opposition to the implementation of these fees. The Chamber appreciates the need to maintain a viable infrastructure for the well being of our community, and we understand the City's current fiscal crisis, however the Chamber believes that the proposed fees are inappropriate for the following reasons: 1) The fees would have a negative short-term impact on the economy. If implemented now, while our community is still suffering the effects of a serious recession, the results would be devastating. 2) The City's long-term revenue stream would be seriously impacted by the disincentive for business investment in our community. The threat of significant development fees will force existing businesses with expansion needs to relocate to other areas where the fees and/or land costs are less. Also, the fees will deter new business ventures from locating to our community. This, in total, translates into a decline in employment opportunities, a serious loss in sales tax revenue, and a twenty to thirty year diminution of City revenue. 3) The project list of infrastructure improvements is flawed. The list includes projects that have not yet been subjected to public review (ie. widening of 101 and the SPRR Right of Way for Bikes). The ACCREDITED aurecn or m.oawx C...9rn of Commin, or 1.F V.,,ED S7.7 F, project list lacks reliable cost estimates, and the projected infrastructure needs are based upon Circulation, Housing and Land Use Elements that have not yet been, and might not be, adopted by the City Council. AB1600 mandates that development fees cannot be used to increase future levels of service beyond those that currently exist, yet several of the projects appear to do exactly that. 4) Impact fees should not be used to remedy existing deficiencies in public facilities. It appears that the proposed fees are not equitable because development is being required to carry more than its fair share of the cost of infrastructure improvements. The distribution of cost between construction projects and the community needs additional consideration. 5) The City has a new Economic Strategy Task Force which has not had time to develop its recommendations or review the potential impact of these fees. Thus, the proposed fees could be in conflict with the recommendations of the task force and the economic health of the City. The Chamber of Commerce has identified these problems with the proposed Transportation Development Impact fees. However, the Chamber would like to work with the City in the near future to develop a model to help understand the complex relationship between fees and city income. It just may be, that in some cases, lowering the fees would result in more total income to the City. We are concerned that without such analysis, the raising of fees could actually hurt the City in the form of job loss and reduced sales revenues. It is with these concerns, that the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce urges you not to adopt the transportation fees at this time. Respectfully, Charlie Fruit President, San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce R. PCLTL AND ASSOCIATES —'- $.10?F RG CENTER UF ti pOmrN' LEASING AIJ0 M 4A f. NL\ June 1, 1993 San Luis Obispo City Council CIO San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce Attn: Mr. David Garth, Executive Director 1039 Chorro Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Re: Proposed Ordinance Imposing a Transportation Fee City Of San Luis Obispo, CA Dear City Council: I have reviewed the subject proposed ordinance and I feel it is important to explain the financial- impact this fee would have had on the Sco!ari's Market we are developing at ti•e corner of Marsh St. and Johnson Ave. in downtown San Luis Obispo. As I understand it, the fee for commercial retail space as outlined in this ordinance is approximately $3.39 per square foot of building area. Our new Scolari's Market is 30,000 square feet and therefore our fee would be $101,700.00. This amount is 5.65% of our total hard and soft costs (excluding the costs for land, financing, and management). Even without this transportation fee we are currently reviewing our project desi n in an effort to cut several hundred thousand dollars so that our project is financially feasible. If we had a transportation fee of $101,700.00, it would make our project extremely difficult to justify financially. agree that developments should pay their actual share of costs associated with their project but perhaps there are other alternatives. It is also important to also look at the revenues new projects will create by way of property and sales tax as well as employment payroll. If we want new businesses to keep our local economy strong, then we should look at tax increment financing -just as many other cities have - at least in designated areas of San Luis Obispo. Under iax-increment financing the new development will pay their full share of costs but the long term payment plan is offset against a portion of the increase in taxes this new business creates. in the meantime the citizens receive another source of employment, taxes increase, and properties are upgraded, Thank you for considering my comments. Cordially, R. POLTL AND ASSOCIATES Randall P. Poitl SAS MAIN $7A(E1 SVITE 4.1. MCRRO SAY. CALIFOWA f3ee2 TEL 8:5 :?2•5fti) - FAX 905 771•SFC� Ente rp rises P.O.Box 2119 --- Avila Beach,CA 93424 April 15, 1993 Mr. Dave Garth SLO Chamber of Commerce 1041 Chorro San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 RE: Traffic Impact Fees Dear Dave: I am writing this letter at the request of the Chamber regarding the City's proposed Transportation Impact Fees. My comments are directed to Bill Statler's letter of December 14, 1992 and his analysis of the cumulative impact of such fees. Before commenting on that letter, I would like to share a few observations which I believe are pertinent. Development Impact Fees are probably an appropriate means for communities to obtain funding for necessary infrastructural improvements which accommodate new development. Assembly Bill 1600 provides that there must be a nexus between the fee and the project's impact. The City's project list seems to be heavily weighted with infrastructural improvements tied to projects presently outside of the City limits. Furthermore, the distribution of cost between proposed projects and the community's share appears to require additional consideration. It is not clear whether there is a direct relationship between the expected trips generated by a development to its pro-rata share of the attributable impact. The proposed program contains a formula which attempts to use weighted averages to determine the appropriate share of impact. It would appear that in certain instances, a new development may actually diminish trips within a specific area. Under the presently proposed arrangement, no credit would be given for this instance. With regard to Mr. Statler's letter, his analysis is based on a "typical 50,000 SF building". I believe that this analysis contains a mathematical error regarding the calculation of the traffic mitigation fees. Also, the basic assumptions regarding water and sewer for a typical 50,000 SF building seem to be insufficient for a "typical situation". 805/595-7777 FAX 805/595-7927 A OivWm of Infinite Nnrkons,Int J � Mr. David Garth _ Page 3 April 15, 1993 First and foremost it must be kept in mind that if the cost of doing business or starting a business in San Luis Obispo exceeds the business ability to meet those costs, we end up not having the business , the jobs and the taxes. Therefore, the macro view needs to be carefully considered in determining the feasibility of any particular fee on a cumulative basis. Best regards, Rob Rossi Mr. David Garth _ Page 2 April 15, 1993 Mr. Statler's letter suggests that the proposed traffic fee would be $33,075. Assuming a 50,000 SF building with a traffic impact fee of $3.30/SF, the resulting amount would$165,400, an amount five times that projected in Mr. Statler's analysis). Please keep in mind that the $3.30/SF figure is half of the originally recommended fee of $6.60/SF. Mr. Statler makes the assumption that a typical 50,000 SF building would require a single 1-1/2 inch meter to accommodate a single tenant. From practical experience, a single tenant building of this size would presumably have a water meter of at least three inches up to six inches. In San Luis Obispo, a typical 50,000 SF project would be multi-tenant with six (6) to ten (10) separate tenants if it were a retail use. Based on this more appropriate assumption using a minimum of six tenants, I have prepared the following analysis for comparison to the numbers prepared by the City. 50,000 SF 50,000 SF Single Tenant Multi-Tenant Water 1 - 4" @ $57,807 3 - 1" @ $15,765 Sewer 1 - 4- @ 48,785 3 -1-1/2" @ 31,560 Traffic 165,400 165,400 Total 271,992 261,510 As you can see, the cost for these fees alone are significantly higher than those projected in the original City analysis. Unfortunately, the impact fees are only part of the story since the City's present policy requires that all increased use of water is accomplished by retrofitting of existing properties. While this is not an impact fee, it is a direct cost that cannot be separated from the discussion considering overall costs. Retrofitting is presently costing existing businesses thousands of dollars in direct expense, and untold liability for potential problems arising from the retrofitting. Furthermore, the amount of retrofitting left to be done within the City may not, in fact, accommodate the needs of existing businesses to expand let alone future growth. All of these circumstances need to be looked at in a comprehensive and cumulative manner if we are to truly determine the appropriateness and feasibility of specific fees. Mori IN AGENDA / DATE ITEM # - , MEMORANDUM June 1, 1993 TO: City Council FROM: John Dunn, City Administrative Office SUBJECT: TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEES IN OTHER CTTIES. On Friday, May 28, 1993, Councilmember Romero asked if we had any information on transportation impact fees in the cities of Santa Maria, Paso Robles, and Atascadero. Recognizing that each city has its own rationale for setting fees, and that there are a variety of ways that fees are levied for various land use types, the following is an overview of fees in these cities for a single family residence: Atascadero $ 450 Paso Robles $2,464451922 (varies depending on area) Santa Maria $ 1,395 (Being proposed to Council FtECEIVED for final adoption this week; JUN 1 1993 conceptually approved at this level from an originally proposed CUNM O fee of $2,810) COPM 0• A ljDRt FIN.D1R. 1:113 RP D� 9&OPIC. ❑ P UCEQFL ❑ M TEAM ❑ RMba ❑ FU ❑ UnL DIP, ��������►► ►►►�►����►�ii��►IIIIIIIIIIa1°""'" III city osAn luis oBispo 990 Palm Street/Post Office Box 8100 • San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 MEEnAGENDA DATE ITEM, MEMORANDUM June 1, 1993 TO: City Council FROM: Charlie Fruit, Chair, Economic Strategy Task Force SUBJECT: Traffic Impact Fee During our meeting on May 28, 1993, the Economic Strategy Task Force (ESTF) unanimously endorsed asking the City Council to postpone a final decision on the recommended Traffic Impact.Fee, and instead referring the matter to the ESTF for further evaluation. It is our strong feeling that the fee, as currently drafted, can have very negative consequences on business attraction or expansion in San Luis Obispo. On the other hand, we recognize the importance of the City having the resources to support essential infrastructure to meet future needs. Thus, the issue is a complex one requiring further evaluation. Giving the charge of the ESTF, and the diversity of our membership, we believe we are the most appropriate body to further study and recommend on this matter. Given other pressing matters before the Task Force, we would not anticipate having a recommendation before the Council until approximately September 1993. Thank you.for your consideration. CF:bw estf\cc.mem COPMSTO: ❑'Dawnhm Action ❑ FYI �CDDDIR. 44O RN.D11 CAO ❑ FIRE CFMF FATrOMgEY ❑ FWDR CLMK/ORIC-. C POLICE CFL ❑ mG iT TF.Ai4 G r,,cc DIP ❑,/C READ F,LE ❑ UnL DIP LIQ � ❑ - JING AGENDA DATE 19 3 ITEM #Oki � 277 Granada Drive IF4x San Luis Obispo,California 93401-7396 USA TELEX Il:910-351-5809,JBL SALU Phone 80543-1531 SCIEN71C, INC. FAX 805-543-1531 A Subsidiary of Genta.Inc. May 29, 1993 COPIMTO: The Honorable Mayor O•D010ces Action /L7 FYI and r rCDDDIR Council Members City of San Luis Obispo p� A�A�-"TI�UoR�,, O F D F P 0 Box 8100 tt�L1UZK/OItIc. ❑ POLICECK San Luis Obispo,CA 93403-8100 11 MCIMT TIMM EJ REe_DM ❑ 1210E ADF'Ln 0 unLDIP- gT Dear Mayor and Council Members: I am writing to you to voice my concern over the proposed Transportation Impact Fees that the Council is scheduled to consider on June 1. This fee could have a significant impact on the costs that JBL Scientific and our parent company Genta, Inc.would incur should we proceed in the next 1-2 years with expansion plans to construct second building adjacent to our present laboratories. It would likely be;a two-story building of approximately 50,000 sq. ft and would be devoted to the manufacture of the chemical compounds needed for the clinical studies to prove the efficacy of the. new generation of pharmaceuticals that Genta is pioneering. The projected feeof$3/sq. ft would add approximately$150,000 in costs for the project. I am already very concerned about the high level of fees on new construction,including very significant ones that would be imposed for water hookups and the"retrofit program"because San Luis Obispo has failed repeatedly to authorize the development of adequate water resources. (It was for that reason that I supported the State Water Project last fall,in spite of its shortcomings.) I believe that the total fees that we can anticipate for this project is reaching the point at which the Board of Directors of Genta will decide our future expansion should occur in a community that is more supportive of businesses that bring stable, desirable employment in a promising high tech industry. The Transportation Impact Fees are proposed to be levied on new projects based on the premise that the infrastructure improvements are only necessary because of the growth resulting from those new projects. That,of course,ignores the fact that many of the improvements, such as quite costly bike lanes along the railroad tracks, are ones that are proposed to enhance the 'quality of life' for the whole community and are not directly related to the impact of the new projects. An additional premise perceived by new or expanding businesses from such fees as this is that the community views new projects as causing unwanted growth,and are tolerated only if those projects pay a large proportion of the costs of infrastructure improvements. If the community actually viewed such projects as valuable there would be more support for developing necessary infrastructure improvements as a community-financed,shared investment in the future vitality of our city. In many parts of our country and overseas there is a significantly different appreciation of the value to a community represented by a company such as Genta. To illustrate this, I am enclosing a copy of an article reporting the selection of Marseilles, France:as the site for Genta's European MAY 2 8 1993 t;Irr COUNCIL SAN LUIS OBISPO,fA r operation. This city was selected over a number of others because of an unusual arrangement involving national,provincial and city agencies combining to offset more than$10,000,000 in costs for the clinical studies of some of the new pharmaceuticals being tested by Genta. This forward- thinking arrangement will bring to Marseilles a research group working on part of our leading-edge technology, a clinical development team and, eventually, manufacturing facilities for the European market. That city gains quality jobs, secures a magnet for expansion of the biotechnology industry there and, also, will eventually return royalties to the government on the sale of these products. By sharing this information with you, I am in no way suggesting that Genta and JBL Scientific are looking for a similar subsidy for our expansion. But I am encouraging the Council to take a broad perspective regarding the actual value to the community of expanding or new businesses. And I .am indicating that imposition of more and more fees by the city of San Luis Obispo is jeopardizing the chances that our company will continue to expand here. I believe our company offers a great deal to San Luis Obispo and most of you have visited our company and, I believe, really share that opinion with me. Companies lice ours effectively pay a significant share of the costs to the community from our expansion through property taxes, on-going fees, sales taxes, etc. We strengthen and diversify the local economy by providing quality jobs,by bringing in outside money for our exported products and by supporting many community programs with time and contributions. I believe it is time for our community to begin moving away from the "welcome, stranger" fee approach to meeting financial shortfalls toward a shared approach to building a future for our city that assures vitality and quality and true community spirit. You can provide forward-looking leadership by rejecting this fee and, instead, challenging the community at large to share in an investment in a future together. Sincerely yours, Lauren R Brown, Ph.D. President copies to: Dr.Thomas Adams, Chairman and CEO,Genta,Inc. Maggie Cox, SLO Assoc. of Manufacturers and Distributors David Garth, SLO Chamber of Commerce John Dunn, San Luis Obispo City Manager Charlie Fruit, Chairman, SLO Economic Task Force r— �l' V �' cnS t�s .y�. aY �ZL=C w t:. Ny L , L�j E oyCaa0 v� £ „ 9 V Lm L�aa+�.V> �nr ITS 0 a + " dr.> 3 � c v1° � yEI ." 3 .ior A� �S a o Z W N ; 0 �i.b 0 t. _ CO b or d�' ;_.p•O.. 7 m'S3 .c t p 6/ a� d fy n � �BvFLoyZ $ �Lwav� 3aE �0 AM v v a u9 wQ E ° Q t a a� 0. C9 0 P LV ca U o yj i U O .9:= E`�t'.�' i�:i�uE?v '�+ '.f •;.: :;in;�yKR��(Q�ly .... : w> > oo C v .. MV{ � oC c �"9� o � a d C7 o n '" 400� C� '° �Lu .00y d o t= L.V G Y� V U.ZV 3 i V v y w s • n 5 pp A Cy ; C9~ D u�—� 0^0 G�'� u n C C781,12927 per. r' j im c'SV O ~ EQ �.C2V �$ gia m o �(+ C6.mU = f CL V N nm i � o � � Luo � o � u. vt�..uvC�7 5 v i- wEvE .o 'COL so a m 96 a. m criM ll�� _ a t - 7 i .TING AGENDA DATE ITEM # NORTHWINDS 4561 Orcutt Road, San Luis Obispo, California 93401 (805) 543-8475 May 28, 1993 Telex 658531 NORTHWIND SLO 4 COPM70: Councilman Alan Settle 0 Dawba Aai= ❑ City Council of San Luis Obispo Og CAo kDpDUL UL Post Office Box 8100 ACAO ❑ MECt-W San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 Arioiuv Y ❑ Fw nm. CLERK/ORIG. ❑ roucxcx Re: Proposed Traffic Impact Fees ❑ C�II E 1i Pya- L p urtLD Dear Alan: After our conversation yesterday, I thought it would be appropriate to formally express my opinion of the proposed Traffic Impact Fees. There is a saying that "timing is everything". The timing of these proposed new fees just couldn't be worse. The California economy and California business in particular is in a horrendous slump, expected to last until at least 1995. These fees, at the extremely high amounts suggested by staff; are another burden on business which will further slow economic recovery by raising the cost of rents, and, therefore the costs of goods. - The fees on a project the size of Los Nomadas would be staggering, and lead one to question the bottom line potential of any large-scale development under the proposed structure of the Traffic Impact Fees. A good current example of this potential impact is the new shopping center(Marigold Center), proposed on Highway 227 in the vicinity of the Islay Hill, Santa Lucia and Country Club houses. This shopping facility is obviously needed in the area and will provide sales tax revenue to the City. Why then would the City charge ±$600,000 in Traffic Impact Fees to this project? It is illogical. What benefit will accrue to the City and its residents if the shopping center isn't built or,worse yet, gets built but won't rent out because of the additional rents necessary to cover such high costs? It seems to me that the fees are potentially a lose/lose proposition at this time, particularly in this state and local economic condition. This is just one example, but I could site other examples as well. I hope you will find it prudent to reject the proposed traffic fees at this time. If, indeed, the fees are an element of the long term fiscal needs of the City, bring them back for reconsideration at a more reasonable level in 18 to 24 months, if the economy looks more robust. qRe rds, RECEIVE D kMAY2810 Nos, N.V. cmr couaat. WA us olusPo,CA _ cc Mayor Pinard City Council Members: Bill Roalman, Penny Rappa and Dave Romero m\dm-trff.fee ''^EYING AGENDA L„I E ITEM #= � BIAS BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF THE CENTRAL COAST P.O. Box 6180 • Santa Maria,Ca 93456 (805)928-7196 FAX(805)349-0693 �,g RFcel V Eo p� 2 61993 CITY COUNCIL May 25, 1993 SAN LUIS OBISPO,cA Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council c/o Diane Gladwell, City Clerk C0PIEST0- City of San Luis Obispo ❑ °ta Ac&m,..,/ ❑ FY! P.O. Box 8100 I2(CDD ❑ IN San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 Pa-ERK � n �R�� PW DIR/OW. ❑ POUCH(1i ❑ M 7E�bi ❑ Mr—DIX Re: TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ENVACT FEES ❑ ❑❑ CDU. Dear Mayor Pinard and Council Members: After lengthy review and discussion with city staff, the Building Industry Association of the Central Coast is not able to support the implementation of the proposed Transportation Development Impact Fee at this time. We make this determination for the following reasons: 1) The fee is based on Circulation, Housing and Land Use Elements that have not, as yet, been adopted by the City Council. We believe that any valid fee program must be supported by and based on valid documents. 2) Some of the projects, most notably the bike path along the railroad right of way, do not fall within the AB1600 guidelines. Specifically, "Developer Fees" cannot be used to increase future levels of service beyond those that currently exist. 3) This fee puts "infill" projects at a distinct disadvantage to "specific plan" area projects. "Infill" land is typically much more expensive than land in outlying areas. In order to be competitive developers will be forced to seek cheaper land. This is contrary to the city's long standing policy of promoting "infill" projects and projects that generally support existing local business enterprises. 1 Transportation Development_..ipact Fees May 25, 1993 Page 2 --- 4) Our industry, our local economy and indeed the city cannot afford to cripple new development beyond its current, considerable, financial problems. Increasing development costs at this time will undoubtedly curtail construction and thus ensure that the city will not get much needed increases in property, sales and related business tax revenues normally associated with new development. It will also ensure that the local economy will not get an added boost and the local building industry will not recover from one of the most severe recessions in our history. Having said all the above, however, we do recognize that as developers it is in our interest to have decently financed cities to work in. We want cities to be well capitalized with good roads, parks, libraries and other infrastructure. Towards this end we believe that most developers would be willing to help out through fee programs provided there is still profit in their projects and the fees resulted in a beautiful, clean city. The problem right now, however, is there is no profit and, accordingly, no margin for more fees. We, as an industry, are working hard just to hang on. Additional fees, as needed as they may be, will reduce, if not stop, development and therefore hurt both the development/construction industry as well as our city. It is in this light and in the spirit of cooperation to find solutions to help all of us that we make the following recommendations. First, the city should do an economic analysis on what impact any particular fee program would have on our economy. This study should reflect that each city must compete for development with other cities in its surrounding area. This type of empirical data will take the emotion out of the issue and put everyone on a sound playing field with useful information. Second, the city should look at some tradeoffs that may help both the city and the developer such as: 1) Significantly reduce the entitlement process time, perhaps by curtailing ARC involvement. Time is money and that is money the city could have. 2) Put more certainty in the entitlement process, thus reducing the developers risk. The less the risk the lower the rate of return the developer needs to have. This savings is money developers would be happy to share with the city in the form of fees. 3) Be conservative in adding costs to a project through additional requirements. Make sure that the extra items required are truly necessary. Each added dollar of cost today, is at the expense of something else. 4) Charge any development related impact fee at close of escrow or, in a lease/rent situation, upon occupancy. This cuts down the developers up front cost and his interest carrying cost. Again, developers would be happy to pass this savings on to the cities. The city must realize that they are partners in the real estate development and Transportation Development .,pact Fees May 25, 1993 Page 3 _. construction process. Cities benefit from and indeed need new development. Accordingly, San Luis Obispo must now be part of the solution. If the city wants more money out of new development they must help developers find ways to get it without burdening either party. Sincerely, B INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF THE CENTRAL COAST De Moresco President