Background on the City's Technology Surcharge Fee

On June 13, 2023, City Council approved Resolution NS-30,161 to increase the Technology Surcharge fee from 5% to 6% to apply to various permits and licenses processed by the following departments: 

• Planning and Community Development, including the Code Enforcement and Residential Rental Inspection Programs,
• Water,
• Finance,
• Public Works,
• Fire, and
• Parks and Recreation.

Effective August 12, 2023, payments towards certain permits and licenses are subject to a surcharge fee of 6% to cover the costs associated with maintaining and updating the City's annual software licenses. The City of Santa Cruz charges fees for a wide variety of planning and building permits and other cost recovery. The Technology Surcharge is designed so as not to exceed the estimated cost to provide the service for which the Technology Surcharge is levied.

The City's Technology Fee Surcharge will assist in capturing costs associated with the implementation, enhancement, management, and maintenance of the City's software platform and technology. Additionally, the fee will be used to support the Department's staff in maintaining and enhancing the City's eServices platforms, ensuring better service for the public and fostering improvements in the interconnected services and business operation across departments. 

For More Information

• City Council Report: June 13, 2023 Meeting Item #25
• Flyer: Technology Surcharge Fee Guide 
• Contact: Principal Management Analyst, Viviane Pearson at vpearson@santacruzca.gov or 831-420-5245