TUSTIN : Council OKs Cut in Planning Dept. Fees

The City Council voted unanimously Monday to cut fees, some by as much as 50%, for routine applications filed with the city’s Planning Division.

Fees were reduced for applications that can be processed quickly, such as requests to change the exterior colors of proposed buildings and extensions for projects that take longer than planned to build.

Applicants now pay the same amount for plan changes, or revisions--sometimes as much $1,200--as they do when they apply for a project the first time.

“We should look at ways to reduce (fees) further, without hurting ourselves,” said Councilman Jeffrey Thomas. He said business and homeowners need help while the local economy continues to struggle.

Under the new fees, which will take effect immediately, a minor revision of a conditional use permit, such as a request for an additional rack to display more merchandise inside a store, will cost the applicant $350. Currently, the fee is $665.

A flat $250 fee will be charged for all extension requests. The extension-request fee now is more than $1,000 if the proposed project involves building more than 5,000 square feet of floor area, as in new apartments or condominiums.

Certain fees could be reduced further if the council decides to direct Asst. City Manager Christine Shingleton to also serve as a zoning administrator. The zoning administrator could help applicants cut red tape in processing planning and development applications.

Under that plan, fees for variance requests in East Tustin, for instance, could be reduced from $380 to $95, Shingleton said. An ordinance to approve her expanded duties is expected to go before the council in about 30 days, she said.