Building fee rise approved

Preparing to construct or alter a building in Laguna will cost more starting July 1.

The City Council unanimously approved fee increases Tuesday for the Community Development Department’s planning and zoning services, the first since March 2004.

“Building and planning are basically fee supported,” development department Director John Montgomery said, before adding that this was not the case for the zoning division.

A 22% increase in planning and zoning fees is needed to cover a 19% deficit in revenues and a 3% cost-of-living raise in salaries on July 1, according to Montgomery.

Implementing the task force’s recommendations, which include assigning a member of staff to individual projects in a bid to reduce tensions which can arise when the project is considered in public meetings, is estimated to cost the city an additional $260,000 in the first year.

Under the guidelines, thresholds for staff-supported projects include new construction of 4,500 square feet or larger of habitable space, projects that require a variance from the standard code, and remodels that include the addition of one or more stories.

Implementation of the task force recommendation will add an estimated $1 to $1.50 per square foot fee cost for most projects, but task force chairman Matt Lawson argued this is still cheaper than a prolonged review process.

Estimates included an increase from $793 to $978 for a 1,000-square-foot ground-floor addition with standard board review and an increase from $3,670 to $7,280 for a 5,000-square-foot new home. The fee schedule for the zoning and planning divisions may be reviewed on the city’s web site, www.lagunabeachcity.net or at the front counter in City Hall, 505 Forest Ave.