Title
Approving the 2013 development review schedules, fees, and structure of the Supplemental Schedule to be known as the Development Services Center Development Handbook.
Summary
The Supplemental Schedule contains the meeting schedules, filing fees, standard forms and similar information as referenced by the Unified Development Code. The Supplemental Schedule has been updated to not only include the 2013 development review schedules (Section 1), but also contains updates to the filing fee structure (Section 2), updated submittal specifications (Section 3), standard notes, certifications and forms (Section 4) and all development applications associated with the Planning, Engineering and Building Departments (Section 5). In addition, the document is being renamed as the Development Services Center Development Handbook and shall serve as the "Supplemental Schedule" and "Unified Development Code Supplemental Schedule" as currently referenced in the Unified Development Code.
A summary of the proposed fee schedule with notes is attached. Significant amendments to the fee schedule (Section 2) include the addition of a technology fee of $15 for Planning and Engineering applications and a range of $5 to $10 for Building Department applications to assist with recouping recurring costs associated with new permitting software (MyPermitNow). Other adjustments to fees are based on an informal evaluation of other similarly situated cities in the region and the direct costs incurred to process applications that require public hearings and extensive effort of staff. The public infrastructure fee for construction plans has been reduced from 4% to 3.5% of the cost estimate and reflects a change where subdivision materials testing will now be completed by the developer.
The maximum fee for site development permits has been increased from $5,000 to $10,000 to address detailed reviews associated with larger industrial and commercial developments. No other fees have a maximum. In FY 2012, five site development permit applications would have exceeded the $5000 maximum. Four of these would have exceeded the proposed $10,000 maximum. Site development permit applications are assigned to a project manager in the Planning Department and reviews are performed by Engineering, Building, GIS, Travis County ESD2 and sometimes Parks and Recreation. The $10,000 maximum equates to a development site with at least 4 acres of impervious cover.
A fee structure for minor site plan revisions and architectural waivers is established through this process as fees were not created when the parameters for the two listed procedures were developed. The Board of Adjustment application fees were increased by $50 to address costs associated with notification requirements and a shaved ice permit application fee of $100 is now proposed (previously no fee). Fees for Specific Use Permit / Special Districts have been separated from the zoning fees and increased slightly to address the additional review required for these applications.
The Building Department permit fees for Apartments/Motel was increased from $350 + $0.04 / sq ft to $360 + $0.05 / sq ft and the fee for Non-Residential over 5,000 square feet was increased from $500 + $0.05 / sq ft to $500 + $0.06 / sq ft. These fees have not been adjusted since 2000.
Significant amendments were also made to Section 3 concerning certifications and notes in order to reflect the current processes and procedures defined in the Unified Development Code as well as to increase efficiency and consistency with the plats and development submittals. Construction Plan notes have also been included to reflect current practices and requirements.
Status
The proposed fee schedule will be effective January 1, 2013.
Deadline for City Council Action
Staff is requesting approval on November 13, 2012 in order to implement the components of the Development Services Handbook and implement MyPermitNow at this time.
Fiscal Impact
The integration of the Technology Fee is anticipated to generate a net revenue of $6900 which will be used to improve and maintain resources to augment technology in the Development Services Center.
Staff Recommendation
Approval of the 2013 development review schedules, fees, and structure of the Supplemental Schedule to be known as the Development Services Center Development Handbook.
Drafter
Trey Fletcher, AICP
Assistant City Manager