Request for Qualifications (RFQ) - Building Fee Study 2025

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) - Building Fee Study 2025

Department: City Attorney, City Clerk, Mayor & City Council, City Treasurer, City Manager, Community Development, Finance, Fire, Housing Services, Human Resources, Parks & Recreation, Police, Public Works, Information Technology

RFP Number: CDD-2025-02

Start Date: 07/07/2025 10:33 AM

Close Date: 07/31/2025 4:00 PM

The City of Fairfield is seeking the services from a qualified Consultant or Consultant team to conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the City of Fairfield’s methodology for calculating Building permit fees, the fee rates charged for permits, plan checks, and fees for inspections and other services (current or potential future services) as administered by the Community Development Department’s Building Safety Division.

The purpose of the fee study is to assist in adjusting the City’s fee schedule as needed to promote fairness, equity, and transparency, while also aligning with best practices and statutory mandates related to permit and service fees administered by the Community Development Department’s Building Safety Division. The study may reveal that some fees are too high, some are too low, and others require no changes. It will also consider alternative models for the fee calculation methodology. Additionally, the study may identify activities or services not currently charged but that the City may consider charging in the future.

The selected Consultant will be asked to review the current fee schedule and analyze the full cost (direct and indirect) of providing services. While the City has conducted similar studies within the past decade, economic and operational factors have significantly changed in the post-pandemic environment. The City is particularly interested in evaluating how current fees were initially developed and ensuring the Department utilizes overhead rates that accurately account for the true cost of providing various services. Based on this analysis, the Consultant will assess appropriate fee structures and rates that will allow the City to fully recover its costs.

Following their review and analysis, the Consultant will provide recommendations for adjusting fees. These recommendations should also include suggestions for simplifying and improving the administration of the fee calculations and schedule wherever possible.

If necessary, the Consultant should recommend changes to the City’s fee calculation methodology and policies to ensure compliance with State law.

The tentative RFQ Process Timeline is as follows:

• July 7, 2025 - Advertise and release RFQ Package
• July 23, 2025 - Deadline for RFQ questions (12 p.m.)
• July 31, 2025 - RFQ Due to City (no later than 4 p.m.)
• August 18, 2025 - Selection and notification (tentative)
• September 1, 2025 - Contract work commences no later than

For detailed information, please read the full RFQM.