COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

January 16, 2009

BOARD MEETING DATE:

February 3, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Ordinance to Increase Survey Map Checking Fees

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt an Ordinance amending Section 2.50.080 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code establishing Record of Survey, Map Checking Fees and amending Paragraph 5.b. (2) of Section 7010 of the Subdivision Ordinance establishing requirements and charges for record of survey maps.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goal 20: Government decisions are based on careful consideration of future impact, rather than temporary relief or immediate gain.

Adoption of this Ordinance will establish map checking and survey fees consistent with Bay Area Governmental Agencies. Individuals/ organizations doing business with the County will have clear direction on the costs of doing business, and the fees and policies that apply.

BACKGROUND:

In 2004, the Board adopted Ordinance 4235, establishing the fee schedule for survey map checking.

DISCUSSION:

The fee schedule for survey map checking was established in 2004 and has not been increased to keep pace with the cost of providing this service to the public. After analysis of the actual costs and a review of other counties in the Bay Area, the Public Works Department is proposing the following changes in the fee structure to ensure full cost recovery:

Item

Old Fee

New Fee

Single Sheet Survey

$188 – 1^st sheet (includes review of the original submittal and one re-submittal)

$400 – 1^st sheet (includes review of the original submittal and one re-submittal)

Multi Sheet Survey

$188 – 1^st sheet (includes review of the original submittal and one re-submittal) + $82 per sheet for each additional sheet

$400 – 1^st sheet (includes review of the original submittal and one re-submittal) + $200 per sheet for each additional sheet

Additional Reviews

Additional $80 per sheet for every additional re-review after the initial re-review of a record of survey

Additional $100 per sheet for every additional
re-review after the initial
re-review of a record of survey

The following fee structures exist in neighboring counties:

Ø

Santa Clara County: $600 – map examination fee for a single sheet, plus $275 for each additional sheet.

Ø

Alameda County: $500 – map examination fee for every sheet, which incorporates survey data, map certificate sheet excluded.

Ø

San Francisco County: $507 – map examination fee per map.

The Ordinance has been approved as to form by County Counsel.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The Public Works Department incurred approximately $35,697 over the last two years for survey map checking costs that were not recovered under the current fee schedule. The proposed fee structure will continue to keep San Mateo County fees in alignment with the neighboring counties and will provide for full cost recovery.

There will be no impact to the County’s General Fund as a result of these ordinance amendments.