LAKEPORT >> Lake County is updating the Master Fee Schedule to reflect soon-to-be implemented changes in costs.
The fees being adjusted are with the Recorders Office, Community Development Department and Special Districts Office. The changes were required because of Senate Bill 2, Assembly Bill 1379 and Proposition 218.
County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson said the Master Fee Schedule was established by the Board of Supervisors in order to provide the public with a convenient and transparent list of the county’s service fees.
“This is done annually and on an as-needed basis. The purpose of today’s adjustment is to add or adjust fees and descriptions,” Deputy Administrative Officer Stephen Carter said.
Senate Bill 2 is the Building Homes and Jobs Act and mandates a $75 State fee that is to be collected through the County Recorder’s Office. It will be charged for every real estate paper or notice required or permitted by law with a maximum charge of $225.
“In addition to the changes of SB2, the Assessors Recorders office fees and description are being revised to better reflect the services being provided in the department,” Carter said. “All the fees are the same except for the new $75 fee.”
From Proposition 218, the Special District fees cannot be updated through this process and have been removed from the Master Fee Schedule. Instead, a link to the Special Districts’ website will be provided where the fees are posted and kept up to date.
Special Districts Administrator Jan Coppinger said there are two increases in construction-related cost and the consumer price index. This will help keep things simple for the public.
“One of the reasons we met with staff and talked about this is they would have to be amending this constantly to keep up with us because ours are changing all the time which is why we keep a special database online,” Coppinger said.
From Assembly Bill 1379, the Certified Access Specialist Program (CASp) requires any applicant who wants an original or renewal of a local business license or permit must pay an additional $4 fee to the county. The Community Development Department will also be adjusting some of the current Building and Safety fees to offset any of the cost that is associated with providing services Carter said.
These fees will be effective as of January 23 with the exception of those that are part of Building and Planning. The Master Fee Schedule can be found online and available to the public.
