Fee Study & Proposed Fee Updates
Building a Sustainable, Cost-Based Fee Structure
The City of Tampa has completed a comprehensive review of fees associated with Construction Services, Development Coordination (Zoning), Historic Preservation, and Mobility Right-of-Way services to ensure they accurately reflect the cost of providing these services.
The study, completed by independent consultant Raftelis, evaluated the actual cost of performing plan review, permitting, inspections, and other development-related services. The City has not modified or increased fees related to these activities since 2000. The goal is to create a fee structure that is transparent, financially sustainable, and aligned with state requirements.
The study serves as a guide to inform future decisions—it is not a recommendation that every fee be increased to the calculated amount.
TO VIEW THE STUDY, CLICK HERE.
Why is the City reviewing these fees?
As many of the City’s development-related fees have not been updated in years, the cost of providing these services has increased significantly due to:
Rising staffing and operational costs
Additional state mandates and faster review requirements
Permit revenues have been consistent, while service demands continue
Some departments have not updated their fees for two decades or more:
Construction Services: Last updated in 2009
Development Coordination (Zoning): Last updated in 2006
Historic Preservation: Last updated in 2000
Right-of-Way Division: Last updated in 2006
What is the City proposing?
Based on the recommendation of the study, a phased fee schedule is being proposed for consideration by City Council at an upcoming workshop on September 24, 2026.
The proposed implementation strategy proposes:
Raising Construction Services fees over a five-year period
Raising Development Coordination (Zoning) and Historic Preservation fees over a three-year period.
Regarding the Right-of-Way Permit Fees, the study results will be used to establish a new proposed Fee Schedule and advance to implementation in the Summer of 2027.
What will these changes accomplish?
The modernized schedule will make the overall fee structure easier to understand and more predictable. In addition, updating the fee structure will help ensure the City can continue providing timely, high-quality service while reducing reliance on the General Fund.
Public Engagement & Timeline
The City is committed to a transparent public process and will continue engaging residents, contractors, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and industry stakeholders.
The City is establishing a dedicated email address—seen at the bottom of this page—to receive public comments and questions throughout the process.
Current timeline:
September 24, 2026: Tampa City Council Workshop
October 2026: Public outreach and stakeholder engagement
March 1, 2027: Proposed effective date for approved fee changes
Frequently Asked Questions
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