Solar panel fees to drop

Citing the study, released Oct. 17 and highlighted in the latest chapter newsletter, the Sierra Club sent a letter Oct. 21 to San Mateo requesting it lower its permit fees. On Dec. 6, the city responded by saying it will recommend a fee reduction to the City Council in January.

The study compares the fees 40 cities in San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Benito counties charge for the permit required to install solar panels. The study found the average photovoltaic rooftop installation range from $50 in Portola Valley to $1,620 in Millbrae. Millbrae city officials did not return calls for comment on the fees. San Mateo charges $1,167 in permit fees for $27,000 worth of solar panels, but in the Dec. 6 letter agreed to recommend a reduction to $300.

"Kudos to the staff for immediately responding to the letter,” said Public Works Commissioner Kelly Moran. "I fully expect there was no intention for the fees to be that high.”

Moran has been a constant voice for use of solar panels at council and planning commission meetings. Most recently, she recommended the new police station be fitted with the necessary equipment in case the city can afford to later add solar panels. Her recommendations are always met with enthusiasm from city officials.

The fees are more expensive because they are based on building values — something that will likely change if the new fee structure is approved, said Community Development Director Bob Beyer.

The council will consider the reduction during its annual fee structure review in January.

Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.