The City of Santa Rosa is embarking on a comprehensive development cost of services study and fee update in order to streamline the city's fees related to development; build more simplified fee structures for developers, contractors, and members of the public to understand; and create clarity as to which fees may apply to a given project or service.

The city last performed a fee study from 2009 to 2013, and this update will enable staff to set the new fees—and a new methodology for calculating fees—with transparency, accountability, and accuracy. This new study is expected to be completed by September 2023 and may be used to incentivize the production of affordable housing units, modernize public record research, expand online permit services and performance tracking, expand service delivery options that equitably support a diverse community, incentive sustainable environmental practices, or other city policy goals.

To shepherd this project through this process, the city has contracted with MGT of America Consulting, LLC (MGT), which will perform an analysis of the duties of the Planning and Economic Development Department, as well as the development-related divisions of the Fire, Water and Transportation and Public Works Departments and correlate these duties with existing fees and other potential funding sources. MGT will review the total cost of providing development services in the city, including staff time, and will also conduct a review of peer jurisdictions for comparison.