Pasadena : Builders to Pay Higher Fees

Developers in Pasadena will have to pay an additional dollar per square foot to build new housing as of March 15.

The Board of Education on Tuesday voted 4-0 to increase fees for new construction from $1.65 per square foot to $2.65 per square foot for residential buildings. The school district is allowed under state law to assess the developer fees. Board member Anne Pursel said the purpose of the fees was to pay for extra classrooms for the additional students from such developments.

Board member Wilbert Smith abstained because he is a developer. However, Smith said he opposed the increase because it would discourage the construction of much-needed low-income housing.