City of Morgan Hill Fiscal Years 2020- 2022 Recommended Operating and CIP Budgets

Planning (continued)

 Update applications and forms to align new state laws, particularly in relation to ADA access (Enhancing Diversity and Inclusiveness)  Continue to refine website for ease of use by the public (Supporting our Youth, Seniors and Entire Community; Preserving and Cultivating Public Trust)  Prepare new master agreements with consultants for applicant paid planning and environmental work to supplement staff resources (Fiscal Sustainability) Financial Comments Development processing activities are funded by the Development Services Fund (206), which receives development processing fees for service. These funds are sequestered separately from the General Fund. In November 2017, the City Council adopted a revised fee schedule to help ensure full cost recovery for building, planning, and engineering services which were projected for revenue deficits in the next few years. These fees are based on average cost of service. Engineering and Building fees are keeping pace with costs, but Planning revenues continue to remain less than cost recovery due to the complexity of applications received during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 fiscal years. Select fees have been adjusted and effective January 1, 2020, have been implemented to reflect the new application processes required by SB330. In order to maintain the excellent customer service and help expedite the development entitlement process, the Planning Division will continue to make use of outside consultants to supplement existing in-house staff resources. The cost of these consultant services is fully borne by the development community that takes advantage of this service on a project by project basis, with no impact to City funds. Consistent with Council’s priority for community engagement and messaging, Planning has doubled its advertising budget to conduct increased communication on development related projects, above and beyond what is legally required.

242 DEVELOPMENT SERVICES