9.2. Public Hearing to consider revision of the Master Schedule of Fees and Charges to adopt revised fees as a result of the Cost Allocation Plan and User Fee Study
I support the fee schedule changes. 100% recovery is the goal for most things. But had to mark something so I selected oppose. We need to establish at flat rate fee for non-applicants to appeal decisions. Here are my recommendations.
Flat rate fee for appeals by non-applicants:
Flat rate fees for non-applicant appeals are typically focused on balancing the cost of processing appeals against the need for broad public participation and inclusion in land-use decisions. This fee is most often structured as a low flat rate to encourage civic engagement, rather than covering the full cost of the appeal. Currently, Orange requires a deposit of $1,000.00 which chills parties of limited means to appeal most decisions. Plus, the meter continues to run beyond the $1,000 deposit to cover all time and hours of staff attending the appeal hearing. I am aware of four appeals traveling thru the administrative process in the last six years. Pretty low. Aggrieved parties are often correct on how to make the project better just give up due to deposit system. They may feel overwhelmed with the limited time to review a project once the public gets access, their views/concerns will be dismissed and ignored, decisions are perceived as a favor, or view the system as stacked against them.
My request is to consider establishing two non-refundable flat rates for non-applicants appeals:
Non-applicant flat fee for Administrative or Ministerial* (minor) actions: $250.00
Non-applicant flat fee for Discretionary** (major) actions: $750.00
*Ministerial – Decisions by City Manager, Directors, or Zoning Administrator
**Discretionary – Decisions by DRC, Planning Commission, Traffic Commission, etc.
Consider changing this and send a clear message that Orange is fair and balanced in how we conduct our business.
Survey of what other OC cities do/charge.
Online survey data in April 2026.
Anaheim
Appealing a Planning Commission decision in Anaheim costs $450 for non-applicants, payable to the City Clerk within 10 calendar days.
Couldn’t find their fee for ministerial or administrative appeals by non-applicants.
Laguna Hills (for applicant or non-applicants)
$1,800 flat rate for appeals by either applicant or non-applicants
Costa Mesa – non-applicants
Flat rate
$1,220 for major projects
$690 for minor projects
Fullerton – non-applicants
25% of the application fee not to exceed $2,068.00
Brea – non-applicants
Flat rate
$750.00 (was $50.00 prior to March 2026)
Garden Grove
(flat rate) Fee Amount
Neighbors/Tenants (Within notification area) $100.00
Standard/General Appeal $1,744.00
Building and Planning Appeals $1,744.00
I support the fee schedule changes. 100% recovery is the goal for most things. But had to mark something so I selected oppose. We need to establish at flat rate fee for non-applicants to appeal decisions. Here are my recommendations.
Flat rate fee for appeals by non-applicants:
Flat rate fees for non-applicant appeals are typically focused on balancing the cost of processing appeals against the need for broad public participation and inclusion in land-use decisions. This fee is most often structured as a low flat rate to encourage civic engagement, rather than covering the full cost of the appeal. Currently, Orange requires a deposit of $1,000.00 which chills parties of limited means to appeal most decisions. Plus, the meter continues to run beyond the $1,000 deposit to cover all time and hours of staff attending the appeal hearing. I am aware of four appeals traveling thru the administrative process in the last six years. Pretty low. Aggrieved parties are often correct on how to make the project better just give up due to deposit system. They may feel overwhelmed with the limited time to review a project once the public gets access, their views/concerns will be dismissed and ignored, decisions are perceived as a favor, or view the system as stacked against them.
My request is to consider establishing two non-refundable flat rates for non-applicants appeals:
Non-applicant flat fee for Administrative or Ministerial* (minor) actions: $250.00
Non-applicant flat fee for Discretionary** (major) actions: $750.00
*Ministerial – Decisions by City Manager, Directors, or Zoning Administrator
**Discretionary – Decisions by DRC, Planning Commission, Traffic Commission, etc.
Consider changing this and send a clear message that Orange is fair and balanced in how we conduct our business.
Survey of what other OC cities do/charge.
Online survey data in April 2026.
Anaheim
Appealing a Planning Commission decision in Anaheim costs $450 for non-applicants, payable to the City Clerk within 10 calendar days.
Couldn’t find their fee for ministerial or administrative appeals by non-applicants.
Laguna Hills (for applicant or non-applicants)
$1,800 flat rate for appeals by either applicant or non-applicants
Costa Mesa – non-applicants
Flat rate
$1,220 for major projects
$690 for minor projects
Fullerton – non-applicants
25% of the application fee not to exceed $2,068.00
Brea – non-applicants
Flat rate
$750.00 (was $50.00 prior to March 2026)
Garden Grove
(flat rate) Fee Amount
Neighbors/Tenants (Within notification area) $100.00
Standard/General Appeal $1,744.00
Building and Planning Appeals $1,744.00
Thanks for your consideration.