HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/16/1989, 7 - FEE FOR WATER-USE OFFSETS (RETROF IT) PROPOSALS. MEETING DATE:
d���i��IIIIIII�P �lll city o� san lues owm 5-1649
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT ITE ''NUMBER:
FROM: Michael Multari, Community Development Director
BY: Glen Matteson, Associate Planner, and Tom Baasch, Chief Building Official
SUBJECT: Fee for water-use offsets (retrofit) proposals.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the attached resolution to establish a fee of $15.00 for each dwelling unit or
motel unit to be retrofitted by those obtaining water-use offsets for new construction,
to cover the city's costs of inspection and record keeping.
BACKGROUND
The Water Allocation Regulations do not restrict construction of projects which make
offsetting reductions in existing buildings equal to twice the expected water use of the
proposed project. Now that water allocations have been further reduced, we expect that
several builders will want to use this retrofit option rather than wait until water
allocations become available. We have prepared administrative procedures and are
proposing that a fee be charged applicants to cover the city's costs of inspection and
record keeping. Staff would prefer to set a fee specifically for this activity, rather
than rely on interpretation of the existing fee schedule.
The current Building Division fee schedule sets a fee of $3.00 for each fixture to be
inspected under a plumbing permit. However, we hope to avoid having to issue plumbing
permits except where changes to piping are required. Using this per-fixture fee would
result in a charge of $12.00 for a one-bathroom dwelling and $21.00 for a two-bathroom
dwelling. The current fee resolution also sets a fee of $15.00 per hour, with a minimum
one-hour charge, for miscellaneous inspections not listed in the building division fee
schedule. We would prefer not to use a time accounting system for retrofit inspections
because it would be cumbersome. (The current fees assume an average of two visits by the
inspector.)
Instead, we think it would be reasonable to charge $15.00 per dwelling or motel unit
being retrofitted. Each will require a "before" and an "after" inspection, as well as
office record keeping to assure that offsets are properly credited to the intended
project. Even where units being retrofitted are clustered, inspectors may have to make
several visits to a site with multiple units, considering availability of units (tenants)
for inspection.
ALTERNATIVES/IMPACTS
The council may adopt the resolution as drafted, set a different fee (or no fee), or
continue action. If the council directs staff not to charge a fee,-the city will incur
presently unknown expenses in staff time to verify retrofits. If the council sets a fee
close to that recommended by staff, the city's costs will be reimbursed.
Attached: Draft resolution
gm5: retrofee ��
RESOLUTION NO. (1989 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ADDING A FEE FOR WATER CONSERVATION RETROFITS
TO THE BUILDING DIVISION FEE SCHEDULE
WHEREAS, builders may earn water offsets to allow their projects to proceed despite a
lack of water allocations, pursuant to the Water Allocation Regulations, by retrofitting
water-using fixtures in existing buildings; and
WHEREAS, the city desires to recover its costs of record keeping and of inspections
to verify proper installation of water-conserving fixtures;
NOW, THEREFORE, the council resolves as follows:
A fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) per dweflling unit or.motel unit shall be charged at the
time a proposal is made for water-conservation retrofits. For verification of water-use
offsets other than plumbing fixtures in dwelling units and motel units, a fee of fifteen
dollars ($15.00) per hour, with a minimum of one hour, shall be charged.
On motion of seconded by and on the following
roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted this day of 1989.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
C
Resolution No.
Page 2
APPROVED:
nity
dministrative Officer
City Atto ey
Community Development Director
Chief Building Officia
Finance Director
�1
�i