By Building permit fees drop $6,500

The Los Altos Hills City Council adopted a resolution Thursday that will lower the cost of building permit fees for new residences by more than $6,500.

The reduced fee is a temporary measure so that the town will be in compliance with state law, which does not allow cities to charge more than the actual cost of its services.

A study of the town’s municipal fees by Maximus showed that the average fee overcharge for building permits for new homes is $6,576, said Sarah Joiner, the town’s administrative services director.

That amount will be deducted from each building permit issued for new homes until Joiner can complete an in-depth fee study and propose a revised fee schedule. Joiner told the council she expects to complete the study within the next two months.

Los Altos

Shoup Park to get equipment

Los Altos Hills

The Los Altos City Council was scheduled to give Ross Recreation Equipment Company the go-ahead Tuesday night to design and purchase play equipment for Shoup Park.

City officials have been working on playground designs since last fall.

Shoup is the first city park in line for a face lift.

Park upgrades include refurbished paths, a lighting system and new turf.

A wet-sand play area for preschool children could be incorporated into the improvements at a later date.

- Town Crier Staff Report