Fees & Payments

Fees

View a current list of Department fees (PDF).

On August 14, 2012, the Board adopted a resolution (PDF) and ordinance that updated the fees charged by the PBES, along with affected sections of the County Policy Manual showing recommended changes.

The recommended updates are discussed in this agenda letter (PDF).

Background

In October 2008, Napa County retained the services of a consultant to analyze the County's user fees, including fees associated with building permits and permits/reviews conducted by the Fire Marshall, Conservation, Development and Planning, Public Works, Environmental Management, the Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures, and County Counsel.

The main objectives of the study were to (1) simplify the fee schedule and make it easier to understand and to administer; and (2) examine existing fees in light of cost recovery goals and make adjustments as needed. Back in July 2009, the Board approved comprehensive adjustments to the user fees. Departments began implementing improvements in systems and procedures required for fee assessment, staff time-keeping, accounting, and fee revenue reporting.

As part of the above fee improvements, certain fees were identified as requiring further adjustments. The County's consultant has worked with Representatives from all the involved departments and together with County staff have developed a set recommended actions to update the County's currently adopted fees as appropriate.

Payment Options

Planning, Building and Environmental Services will now accept credit cards at our service desk for your convenience, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. A convenience fee of 2.29% is required by our payment processing vendor, and will show as a separate charge on your credit card statement, in addition to the fees you are paying to Napa County.

Our prior payment option are still valid, you can pay with a check or cash to avoid the cost of the convenience fee for with use of credit cards.