Title
A Resolution Establishing the Stormwater Plan Review Fee
Presenter:
Travis Easton, Public Works Director
Richard Mulledy, Stormwater Enterprise
Chris Wheeler, Budget Manager
Body
Summary:
The attached fee resolution and schedule establishes the proposed fees effective January 1, 2020, for Stormwater related plan reviews. The attached proposed fee schedule (Exhibit A) reflects 85% cost recovery, with a three (3) year phased in approach to recover the remaining 15%, increasing the fee to reflect a 5% increase of the cost recovery each year 2021-2023 on January 1.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The proposed fee schedule aligns with the City’s User Fee Policy, ensuring that the Stormwater Enterprise is collecting fees at an appropriate cost recovery level. The 2020 fee schedule for the Stormwater Plan Review Fee (Exhibit A) reflects an 85% cost recovery of all direct and indirect costs, utilizing staff and resources that were added earlier this year to accommodate increased need. There will be a three (3) year phased in approach to recover the remaining 15%, increasing the fee to reflect a 5% increase of the cost recovery each year 2021-2023 on January 1.
The Stormwater Plan Review Program is responsible for the review and approval of planning, development, and construction-related submittals for compliance with the City’s MS4 Permit, the Drainage Criteria Manual requirements, and the City Code. The team completes approximately 3,000 document reviews per year.
Financial Implications:
The proposed fee schedule will generate an estimated and additional $680,000 in fee revenue for the Stormwater Enterprise in 2020.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The attached information was presented to the Housing & Building Association (HBA) of Colorado Springs, and attached as Exhibit B is a letter from the HBA demonstrating their understanding of this fee. The HBA has requested an evaluation 6 months after the fee implementation to ascertain if these fees, and the staff added earlier this year, are resulting in more timely reviews.
The establishment of this fee was reviewed with the City Council Budget Committee at the July 9, 2019 meeting.
Alternatives:
City Council could choose to approve, deny, or modify the proposed Resolution
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move to approve a Resolution establishing the Stormwater Plan Review Fee
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A