East Palo Alto Sanitary District Sewer Capacity Fee Update Study and Adoption of Updated Sewer Capacity Fees

The City of East Palo Alto is implementing the East Palo Alto Sanitary District Sewer Capacity Fee Update Study and the subsequent adoption of updated sewer capacity fees. The primary objective of this initiative is to establish the maximum justifiable fees that can be charged to new developments based on a proportional fair share. These collected fees are designated to fund necessary sewer facilities and infrastructure improvements for new development, as well as a buy-in charge for existing available capacity at the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant. The study determined that the maximum justifiable fees are approximately five percent lower than the current sewer connection fees, and staff has recommended adopting this slight fee reduction. This project is classified as a categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act as it is not expected to cause physical environmental changes. The project is managed by the Public Works Director, Humza Javed, and is being implemented city-wide within East Palo Alto, San Mateo County.