FAQs

adu

What's the difference between an ADU and a JADU?

Generally, JADUs differ from ADUs as follows: 

  1. JADUs are smaller; 500 sq ft max
  2. JADUs are only allowed within existing space of a single-family home 
  3. JADUs may share bathroom facilities with the main home
  4. JADUs do not need a “full” kitchen 
  5. JADUs require the home or JADU to be owner occupied
JADUs result from the conversion of an attached garage or extra bedroom to a semi-independent living unit for extended family or other household members.
Can I build an ADU or JADU in Brisbane?

Yes, ADUs and JADUs are permitted on most lots in a zoning district that permits residential dwellings.

A Building Permit is required to construct an ADU or JADU but ADUs and JADUs in Brisbane Acres require an Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit from Planning as well.

To determine if your property is in a residential zone, please refer to the City’s Zoning Map.

On a property with a single-family dwelling, it is possible to have a JADU and a detached ADU when certain conditions are met.
Where can I build my ADU?

ADUs can be separate, detached buildings on the same property, or can be attached to the primary residential building. They can also be created within existing space in the primary residential building. 

 
JADUs must be created within existing space of a single-family dwelling.
 
Generally, detached ADUs must be in the rear yard and provide 4-foot rear setback and 3-4 foot side setbacks while attached ADUs follow the same setbacks as the underlying zoning district. 
 
See Section 2 and Section 3 of the ADU Compendium for more information and refer to BMC Chapter 17.43 for all the development regulations of ADUs and JADUs.
How big can my ADU be?

Generally, ADUs can be up to 1,000 sq ft and are limited to 2 stories if detached. JADUs can be up to 500 sq ft.

  • Unrestricted ADUs can be up to 800 sq ft and are also limited to 16 feet in height if detached
  • Attached ADUs can be up to 800 sq ft OR up to 50% of the primary residence area without exceeding 1,000 sq ft

Refer to the ADU Compendium for additional limitations to the size of ADUs.

Can I convert my garage to an ADU?

Yes.

And you are not required to replace the lost covered parking either.

Do ADUs require parking?

In most instances, no.

 
However, properties in the R-BA Brisbane Acres district or on the North East Ridge may require one additional parking space. Refer to the parking table in the ADU Compendium or the BMC Chapter 17.34
 
JADUs have no parking requirement.
Looking for Inspiration?

Check out San Mateo County Home for All's Second Unit Center web-page for resources on ADU designs, a calculator for ADU planning and construction costs, and other resources for homeowners.

What is the total cost for an ADU?

The total cost for an ADU ultimately depends on the size and type of ADU. It also depends how the space is designed and finished.

  • A new, custom-built detached ADU may cost as much as $250,000.
  • Retrofitting an existing detached garage or accessory structure may be as little as $80,000.
  • Similarly, renovations to an existing home to create an attached ADU may be between $80,000 and $150,000, depending on size, existing plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, and how the space is designed. 
Visit Home for All’s Second Unit Center for an ADU planning and construction costs calculator.

Did you know there is an ADU Grant Program? You may qualify for up to $25,000 to reimburse pre-development costs associated with the construction of your ADU. Please refer to the California Housing Finance Agency Flyer for more information, eligibly requirements, and restrictions, or visit www.calhfa.ca.gov.

What are some of the fees associated with ADUs and JADUs?

A Building Permit fee is based on the project valuation for conversion ADUs or JADUs, or the square footage of new floor area for new detached or attached ADUs.

  • Plan Check fee is 50% of the building permit fee
  • Permit Processing fee is 10% of the building permit fee, or $15 minimum
  • Property Address Service fee is $123 per assignment or change of address
  • School fee is roughly $4.00 per square foot and is required for ADUs resulting in new square footage greater than 500 sq ft
Please refer to the Building Permit Fee Schedule for more information.
 
Other fees may be assessed by the Public Works Department if your project requires an encroachment permit, grading permit, or changes to the property’s connections to the City’s water and sewer systems. Please contact DPW for more information: https://www.brisbaneca.org/publicworks
How do I apply for a permit to build an ADU or JADU?

The building permit application process is all digital. No hard copy applications are accepted.

When ready, you may apply online for a Building, Planning, and/or Public Works permit at:

​Building:

http://greenvue.csgengr.com/brisbane2/public/FrmAccountSelection.aspx

Planning:

https://www.brisbaneca.org/cd/webform/electronic-planning-application

Public Works:

https://www.brisbaneca.org/publicworks/page/public-works-permits

How long will it take to get my Building Permit?

Plan check review is typically 15 business days unless your plans require revisions.

Each resubmittal review cycle is also 15 business days.The need for a permit from Planning or Public Works may delay issuance of a building permit.

 

Will my property taxes increase if I build an ADU?

Yes, but the main structure will not be reassessed and the base assessment of the main structure will not be affected.

Your taxes will increase based on the value of the ADU, just the same as if you were to build an addition to your home. For more information, visit https://www.smcacre.org/post/accessory-dwelling-unit

Can I have short-term rental in my ADU?

No, ADUs and JADUs may not be used for short-term rentals (less than 30 days).

Refer to BMC Chapter 17.35.

Where can I find a long-term tenant for my ADU?

HIP Housing is a non-profit organization that may be able to help.

 
Their Home Sharing Program helps match individuals seeking housing with people who have a room or ADU to rent. Please visit their website for more information.
Am I required to provide separate utility connections for the ADU?

No.

 
There is no requirement that you have separate utility connectors.
Can I have gas appliances in my ADU?

In most cases, yes, but there are limitations to some newly constructed ADUs. 

 
Effective January 1, 2021, new development is required to be all electric, but the conversion of existing floor area to an ADU or construction of a new ADU on a property with an existing main dwelling is not considered new development.
 
Any ADU constructed on an undeveloped lot in conjunction with a main dwelling will be subject to Brisbane Municipal Code Section 15.83.060 which requires new residential buildings to be all electric. An exception allows residences to have non-electric cooking facilities and fireplaces, provided the cooking facilities are pre-wired for electric; gas water heaters, dryers, and furnaces are not permitted. 
Are ADUs and JADUs required to have their own address?

Yes, ADUs and JADUs must have an address assigned to it as part of the building permit process.

This is to assist emergency personnel when responding to the property. Planning staff will require that you submit an Address Assignment/Change Request form prior to issuing your building permit.

Do I have to provide fire sprinklers in my ADU?

Fire sprinklers are typically not required.

However, if the primary residential building already has sprinklers or if additional work is proposed to the main dwelling that triggers fire sprinklers, they may be required.

Does my ADU require solar panels?

Yes, but only for new detached ADUs.

 
Solar photovoltaic systems shall be installed on new residential buildings in compliance with Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regulations, Section 150.1(c)14. 
Can I draw the plans myself?

Certain types of projects do not need to be prepared by a licensed architect or engineer such as: 

single-family dwellings not more than two stories, multiple-family dwellings that contain four or fewer dwelling units, and garages, carports, or accessory structures not more than two stories in height. 

Refer to the Licensed Professional Requirements PDF on our website for more information. 

Please be aware your plans still need to conform to all of the requirements contained in Section 4 of the ADU compendium and in the Plan Preparation Guidelines. Inadequate or incomplete plans will delay issuance of a building permit.
Do I need a site plan?

Yes.

A site plan that conforms to the requirements of the Plan Preparation Guidelines is always required to properly review your proposal. An incomplete application will delay issuance of a building permit. You may review your property file at City Hall to determine whether any site plans have been submitted to the City in the past. Copies of plans may be requested, subject to required waiting times for plans stamped or signed by licensed architects or engineers.

Do I need to show my home's entire floor plan?

In most instances, yes.

There are certain zoning and building code provisions that only a complete floor plan will indicate and your plan checker will not be able to complete their review without one.

What is Title 24 and does it apply to my ADU/JADU project?

Title 24 of the California Building Standards Code is a broad set of requirements that applies to all buildings in California for energy conservation, green design, construction and maintenance, fire and life safety, and accessibility that apply to the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in buildings.

All new construction, including ADUs and JADUs, are subject to Title 24 as well as additions that convert existing space to living area. Renovations or alterations to accommodate ADUs or JADUs may also be subject to Title 24, depending on the scope of work.

Please contact Building with questions and visit the California Energy Commission for more information about Title 24.

baylands

Where is the Baylands and who owns the property?

The Baylands Subarea as defined in the City's General Plan is a 600-plus acre area bordered on the west by Bayshore Blvd, north by the City and County of San Francisco, east by  U.S. 101 causeway, and south by the southern end of the Lagoon.

The property is primarily owned by Universal Paragon Corporation (UPC).  Other owners include Golden State Lumber and the Kinder Morgan Tank Farm.

Is the City of Brisbane the only agency with approval authority over development of the Baylands?

While the City of Brisbane has controls land use of the Baylands, there are a number of state and regional agencies with authority over some aspects of future Baylands development, particularly in regard to existing contamination found at the site due to historic landfill and railyard uses that occurred there.

The site is divided into 3 sub areas for purposes of the remediation of soil and groundwater contamination:  the former landfill area east of the railroad, Operable Unit (OU-SM) located west of the railroad and north of Geneva Avenue (extended), and Operable Unit 2 (OU-2) located west of the railroad and south of Geneva Avenue (extended).  Each sub area has unique cleanup requirements and numerous studies have been completed or are underway to identify contamination issues and recommend remediation options.  The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is charged with adopting remediation plans and establishing remediation levels based on land use for OU-SM, while the Regional Water Quality Control Board is responsible for OU-2. The Water Board and County Health Department have responsibility over the former landfill.

While the City does not have authority over site remediation, the City has been actively involved in reviewing and commenting on remediation efforts, and will continue to do so to ensure that the City's interests are protected.  The General Plan includes policies setting forth the City’s expectations for remediation.

What does the General Plan allow on the Baylands

The City’s General Plan defines a vision for the future physical development of Brisbane and establishes a legal framework to ensure that land use decisions are consistent with that vision.  In November 2018, Brisbane voters approved Measure JJ to amend the General Plan as it pertains to the Baylands.

The General Plan as amended allows for a range of 1,800 - 2,200 residential units limited to the northwest corner of the Baylands and up to 7 million square feet of new commercial development.  See map here.

The General Plan further requires the following policies to be addressed in the future development of the Baylands:

  • development must support ground level residential uses and comply with the associated higher level remediation standard;
  • secure an adequate water supply;
  • require that future development be revenue positive for the City;
  • incorporate sustainability principles;
  • protect key habitat areas; and
  • address flood protection and sea level rise.

In order to implement the General Plan, the property owner will submit a Specific Plan and Development Agreement for review and approval by the City of Brisbane. The City of Brisbane will also prepare an environmental impact report (EIR) to evaluate the impacts of the Specific Plan and Development Agreement.

What is a Development Agreement?

A Development Agreement (DA) is a contract between the City and the property owner that will accompany the Specific Plan. A DA sets forth with certainty the benefits and obligations of both parties as it pertains to future development of the approved Specific Plan.

What is a Specific Plan?

The Specific Plan is a tool to implement the General Plan for particular geographical areas.  The Specific Plan must be consistent with the General Plan. Subsequent development projects within the area must be consistent with the adopted Specific Plan. The Specific Plan runs with the land, and any future or subsequent land owner(s) will be subject to the Specific Plan.

The requirements for a Specific Plan are established under State law.  A Specific Plan must specify all of the following in detail:

  • Distribution, location and extent of land, including open space, within the area covered by the plan.
  • Proposed distribution, location, extent and intensity of major components of public and private transportation, sewage, water, drainage, solid waste disposal, energy, and other essential facilities proposed to be located within the area covered by the plan and needed to support the land uses described in the plan.
  • Standards and criteria by which development will proceed and standards for conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources.
  • A program of implementation measures including regulations, programs, public works projects, and financing measures necessary to carry out the matters listed above.
  • Financing of Capital Projects – Regional capital improvements such as the Hwy 101 Candlestick Interchange and Geneva Avenue extension will require multiple funding sources.  The Specific Plan will need to discuss the timing and funding of these regional improvements.
What is the environmental review process and how does it relate to the Specific Plan and Development Agreement?

Once a Draft Specific Plan and DA are submitted to the City, the City will commence preparation of an environmental impact report (EIR) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  The EIR identifies and discloses the potential environmental impacts of the Specific Plan and DA, and identifies mitigation measures to minimize any such impacts.

Once the draft EIR is prepared, it will be made available for public review and comment.  Any written comments received on the draft EIR will receive a written response.  The Final EIR (consisting of the Draft EIR, written comments and responses thereto, and any changes to the EIR resulting from the comments and responses) will be published.  Ultimately public hearings will be held before the Planning Commission and City Council on the Final EIR, Specific Plan, and DA.

What School Districts are in the Baylands?

The two School Districts in the Baylands are Bayshore Elementary School District and Jefferson Union High School District.

The City received a report from Ochoa and Moore (in February 2019) concerning different possibilities for changing district boundaries.  Click here to view the report.

The City received an oral presentation from Capitol PFG and Terri Ryland (in February 2019) concerning the costs of providing elementary and high schools.  A follow-up presentation to the City Council took place in October 2020, which included the projected revenue for school districts and the funding of a charter high school.  Click here to read the report.

What steps are required before development?

A diagram illustrating the overall Brisbane Baylands review and approval process can be found here.  The timeline is difficult to predict, as many steps in the process are dependent on how quickly or slowly the developer acts.  If and when the Specific Plan is approved by the City, it will still take a number of years to complete all the needed engineering drawings and prepare the site for construction.  Full build-out of the site is anticipated to take many years.

How can I stay informed about future meetings regarding, or information related to, the Baylands?

The City sends out a weekly email on Fridays afternoons called the Brisbane Blast or City Manager's Weekly Update which includes: City News, Upcoming Events, and the upcoming week's City Meetings.  Sign up for that here, and any other topic areas of interest related to the Baylands, and we'll make sure you stay informed as we move through the Baylands review process.

business licenses

Who needs to apply for a Business License?

Any person transacting or carrying on any business within the city limits of Brisbane are required to obtain a City of Brisbane Business License. It is unlawful for a person to operate any business in the city without first having procured a license from the city. You can apply for or renew your business license on HdL's online portal, brisbane.hdlgov.com.

Who is HdL?

HdL is a private company that has been contracted by the City of Brisbane to administer their business licenses commencing with the 2024 renewal season. 2024 Renewal letters from HdL are scheduled to be delivered (by email and USPS) in early January for the January 31, 2024 deadline. You can apply for or renew your business license on HdL's online portal, brisbane.hdlgov.com.

Where can I obtain a Business License application?

You can also file or renew your business license online here: brisbane.hdlgov.com. For more information regarding the City of Brisbane business licenses, please reach out to HdL at 415-240-4471 or at brisbane@hdlgov.com.  

When should an application be submitted?

An application must be submitted prior to the commencement of any business activity within the city limits. Upon approval of the application and payment of the prescribed tax, a business license will be issued.

When do I renew my license?

Business licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31. Renewal forms and the related business license tax are due by January 31 of each year. HdL mails and emails courtesy renewal notices; however, non-receipt of the renewal form does not relieve the renewal applicant of any liability or responsibility for completing and filing the form on time. Please renew your business license here: brisbane.hdlgov.com.

How are fees calculated?

Business license fees are based on the type of business. Please refer to the Business License Tax Fee Schedule in HdL's portal (under 'Download Forms') for details on the Business Classifications and how to calculate the Business License Tax.

Additional Fees:

  • All new businesses physically located within the city limits of Brisbane are required to pay a fire inspection fee and have their commercial space inspected by the Fire Inspector.
  • Any person who is required to receive a clearance and investigative report from the Police Department, including fingerprinting and/or investigation, will pay a fee of twenty dollars ($20) for this service.
  • Prior to the operation of a catering or ice cream vending vehicle in the City, a permit must be obtained from the Brisbane Police Department approving hours of operation, routes, limitation of noise level, and other matters determined by the Chief of Police, which may affect the health, safety, or peace of the citizens of Brisbane. Additional charges may apply. A County of San Mateo Health Permit is required.
  • All new businesses must receive City Approval before a license can be issued.
What is the definition of gross receipts?

"Gross receipts" includes the total of amounts actually received or receivable from sales and the total amounts actually received or receivable for the performance of any act of service, or whatever nature it may be, for which a charge is made or credit allowed, whether or not such act or service is done as a part of or in connection with the sale of materials, goods, wares or merchandise. Included in "gross receipts" shall be all receipts, cash, credits, and property of any kind or nature, without any deduction on account of the cost of the property sold, the cost of materials used, labor or service costs, interest paid or payable, or losses or other expenses whatsoever”. Please see Brisbane, CA Code of Ordinances, Ord 232 1-6, 1977, for a list of items that may be excluded from gross receipts or reach out to HdL at 415-240-4471 for assistance.

Can I file online?

Yes, except for businesses that generate more than $10 million in gross receipts and pay sales tax to the City of Brisbane. The online portal is available at brisbane.hdlgov.com. For questions about filing or renewing your business license, please contact HdL at brisbane@hdlgov.com or call (415) 240-4471. Their operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. PT.

HdL's mailing address is: 

City of Brisbane
Processing Center
8839 N. Cedar Ave. #212
Fresno, CA 93720

May I use other tax forms and/or send my payments to the previous tax collection provider?

No. In order to be properly credited for your license tax payments, you must use the forms provided by the City of Brisbane or HdL. All payments and correspondence must be sent to the Finance Department. Payments may be made online at brisbane.hdlgov.com or sent to HdL's mailing address at:

City of Brisbane
Processing Center
8839 N. Cedar Ave. #212
Fresno, CA 93720

What if my business closed or is no longer doing business?

If your business has been closed or if you are no longer doing business in the municipality, please update the “business closed” box located on the top right of the renewal form and submit to brisbane@hdlgov.com

What is proof of certification requirements?

Specific license types require proof of certification and/or pre-approval by the City. Proof of certification or approval may include, but not be limited to: copy of permits, copy of board certification, departmental signatures, etc. Some of the most commonly required certifications are:

**Please note that the above list is not an all-inclusive listing. For questions regarding certification requirements, please contact the Finance Department of the City of Brisbane at 415-508-2150 or through the Contact Us section on the City's website for additional information.

What is the $4 fee I see on your forms and do I have to pay it?

On September 19, 2012, Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1186 (SB 1186) into law. SB 1186 is intended to increase disability access, encourage compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements, develop education resources for businesses, and facilitate compliance with Federal and State disability laws. From January 1, 2013, and until December 31, 2017, cities and counties were required to collect a State mandated fee of $1.00 from “any applicant for a local business license or equivalent instrument or permit, and from any applicant for the renewal of a business license or equivalent instrument or permit.” Assembly Bill 1379 was passed on October 11, 2017 which extends the assessment of the fee indefinitely and also the State mandated fee from $1.00 to $4.00 effective January 1, 2018. The City is required by law to inform you of the following: Under Federal and State law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies: The Division of the State ArchitectThe Department of RehabilitationThe California Commission on Disability Access.

Is non-compliance penalized?

The due date for filing a renewal is January 31 of each year. Failure to file a renewal form by the due date will result in the assessment of a penalty. Any payment made after the due date will be assessed a late fee of 10%. Any payment made after 60 days of the due date will be assessed a late fee of 25%.  

Can I file for an Exemption?

Applicants may file an exemption from business license tax by filing a new business application stating the facts upon which exemption is claimed. If the City deems the organization exempt, a business license will be issued. See Chapter 5.12 of the Municipal Code for details.

EV

What EV Charging is available in Brisbane now?

There are 7 public spots at City Hall, along with 3 for future police fleet and employee vehicles inside their gated lot, and 10 at Mission Blue Center.  These are Chargie brand "managed" Level 2 chargers. L2s are medium speed chargers, the most common in use, meant to fully charge a battery overnight.  Ours have 7.68kW capacity and if multiple chargers on the same circuit are in use at the same time, they will step down to limit the electrical demand needed.  This “managed” feature helps avoid electrical upgrades (which can be expensive and take a long time) and minimize any increased demand charges on the City’s utility bills, but results in slower speeds.  If you’re coming to charge, avoid parking right next to someone else for faster speeds.

What other options will be available in the future?

Ten more chargers of the type described above have been installed at the Bayshore Park and Ride lot.  However, this site required an electrical service upgrade.  The PG&E application was submitted in September 2022 and has been approved, but we are still awaiting a schedule for PG&E to complete their work, after which the chargers will be connected and activated.  In addition, a 50kW fast charger, or DCFC, will be installed at City Hall adjacent to the L2s.  City staff is also looking for funding to replace the Brisbane Village DCFC.

How did the City decide on these projects?

In 2020, CALeVIP was rolling out grants that would cover up to 75% of the cost of EV chargers, and Peninsula Clean Energy was providing technical support to develop preliminary designs and help with applications.  City staff decided to take advantage of the resources available and maximize charging access.  We anticipated that dwell times at L2 chargers would be longer – for City fleet vehicles, workforce use, perhaps overnight charging for residents living in multi-family units that do not have access – and thus a larger number of chargers might be warranted.  We didn’t know if we’d have high demand initially but expect the number of EVs to grow; our goal is to facilitate charging access and EV ownership!

The City Council allocated funds to cover our portion of the cost and staff released an RFP which was distributed widely.  We received just three bids and the Chargie proposal was the lowest by a good margin, and the only one within reach of our budget.  The City Hall DCFC was not initially funded by CALeVIP, but we installed conduit during the L2 construction and that grant was recently approved, so installation will be moving forward soon.  Make sure you’re subscribed to the Blast for the latest updates: brisbaneca.org/blast.

Who pays for charging, and how much?

Users pay for charging through the Chargie app. The City initially set the price at 30 cents/kWh. Our electricity cost varies by time of day, season, and location, but pricing that changed all the time or between our sites seemed confusing, so we went with an average. We will monitor and adjust as needed. We are not trying to profit, just cover our expenses.

Can a non-EV park in these spaces?

Signage will be installed to limit these spaces to EV Charging only, in alignment with municipal code §10.24.246.  At City Hall, additional parking is available on Park Place (however, please note the designated “City Vehicle Only” spots adjacent to the driveway), or in the 25 Park Lane lot just across the street which the City has leased for expansion of administrative and North County Fire Authority staff.

What if I have problems with the chargers?

In these initial stages, some users encountered issues with throttled speeds which were determined to be an incorrect setting that had been tripped.  It has been corrected and close monitoring since indicates it has not reoccurred, but Chargie is still investigating to identify and address the root cause.  If you encounter problems, reporting issues to Chargie directly ensures they can be addressed quickly, and resolutions communicated to you. Contact Chargie Support through the Chargie app, at chargie.com/support or by calling 1-800-266-0027.

Housing Element

What is a Housing Element?

The Housing Element is a chapter of the General Plan that outlines a community's goals for providing for housing that meets the needs of all members of the community and the plans and polices the community has adopted to achieve those goals. While cities don’t build housing themselves, they do create the rules that affect where housing can be built, how much, and how it gets approved. Per State law, each jurisdiction’s housing element must help ensure that there will be enough capacity meet the projected need over the next decade.

Why Does it Matter?

More and more, purchasing a home is out of reach for many while renters face inaccessible rent prices. Just about every city in the region needs more housing, of all types and sizes.

  • Teachers, firefighters, health care, and other essential workers are often traveling long distances to work or being forced to relocate to other cities;
  • Young adults are often unable to purchase homes or even live in the communities they grew up in once they leave their childhood homes;
  • Communities of color and non-English speakers - those who make up the majority of community members living in overcrowded and unsafe conditions - can’t afford to live near their jobs, schools, or families.

Creating more housing - and more diverse housing choices - means:

  • Young families can find an affordable starter home;
  • Young adults moving into the housing market can stay in the cities they grew up in;
  • Our aging population will have more options for retirement, including downsizing, providing housing for on-site health or home care, and staying in their communities;
  • Workers like our teachers, firefighters, health care workers and essential workers can find homes near job centers;
  • Your children and grandchildren can stay near you in the communities they feel a part of;
  • More people across income levels will have more opportunities to rent or own homes in the places they live, work and love.
How Do We Know How Much Housing to Plan For?

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) develops a state-wide housing needs determination (RHND) number, based on projected housing needs in various income categories as outlined in the table below:

HCD further breaks the RHND into regional assignments, and then allocates a lump number of units to each area’s regional coalition of governments (COG). The Bay Area’s COG is the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG).

This number is then assigned by the COG to the various jurisdictions within the region. This known as the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process. The State is currently in the sixth cycle of this allocation process, known as "RHNA 6."

How Does ABAG Decide How to Distribute the Regional Assignment?

In 2019 ABAG established a Housing Methodology Committee (HMC) charged with developing a distribution formula by which to allocate the cycle 6 RHND number. The HMC consists of elected officials and staff from each county, as well as stakeholders from interest groups.

Any methodology developed by the HMC must satisfy the many statutory requirements for RHNA distribution, including:

  1. Increasing housing supply and mix of housing types, tenure, and affordability in all cities and counties in an equitable manner throughout the region;
  2. Promoting infill development and socioeconomic equity, protecting environmental and agricultural resources, encouraging efficient development patterns, and achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions targets;
  3. Promoting an improved intraregional jobs-housing relationship, including a balance between low-wage jobs and affordable housing (jobs/housing fit);
  4. Balancing disproportionate household income distributions (more high-income RHNA to lower-income areas and vice-versa); and
  5. Affirmatively further fair housing.

Using the above requirements as a guide, the final RHNA methodology recommended by the HMC assigns a total number of housing units to each Bay Area jurisdiction and distributes that allocation among the four affordability levels.

Where Can I Get More Information on the RHNA Process?

ABAG has created a "Frequently Asked Questions" document on RHNA which can be downloaded here: RHNA Frequently Asked Questions. Additionally, you can find more information on the Let's Talk Housing San Mateo County website here: https://www.letstalkhousing.org/how.

How Can I Get Involved?

Public hearings at the Planning Commission are anticipated to kick off in August 2022! Upcoming meeting dates will be listed on this page once they're confirmed, and you can also sign up for meeting announcements through our Housing Element email notification list. To subscribe to the email list go to Subscribe | City of Brisbane (brisbaneca.org) and select the Housing Element 2023-2031 subscription list. If you have questions, please contact the Community Development Department, or you an also call (415) 508-2120.

What's the Housing Element Process?

The draft 2023-2031 Housing Element was published on August 8, 2022 and will be reviewed by the Planning Commission on August 25, 2022 at 7:30 PM. After the Planning Commission's review, the City Council will consider the Commission's recommendations and public comments on the draft in October. The City Council will finalizes the draft Element and submit it to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for a 90-day review period, after which HCD will send comments back to the City to address in a revised draft. Once HCD approves a revised draft, the City Council will adopt the final Element in the spring of 2023.

To subscribe to the email list go to Subscribe | City of Brisbane (brisbaneca.org) and select the Housing Element 2023-2031 subscription list. If you have questions, please contact the Community Development Department, or you an also call (415) 508-2120.

ODDS Project

What is the purpose of the ODDS project?

Recent changes to State law require that cities adopt and act on residential development applications based on whether the project complies with objective design and development standards. Objective standards require no interpretation or personal judgment, as opposed to subjective standards that are subject to interpretation and which may cause different people to disagree based on their personal perspectives and opinions. Adoption of clear rules and regulations provide predictability to the community and developers upfront in the development process. 

What does the ODDS project entail?

This Program will include outreach to the community to study opportunities and constraints to residential development in zoning districts with subjective development and design standards. Following the outreach phase, the City's consultants Good City Co. will draft updated objective residential development and design standards to comply with State law. It is critically important that the City update current regulations to clearly lay out objective standards that reflect that community’s vision, in the absence of which the City will have minimal ability to shape the design of new residential developments.

What happens if a City does not adopt ODDS?

If the City does not adopt ODDS for residential development, the City will have very little control and ability to shape the design of new residential development proposals, including certain projects submitted to the City under State Law streamlining provisions (SB 35). The Planning Commission or City Council would continue to review projects per current Zoning Ordinance and Design Review standards, but would not be able to deny a project or reduce the number of units within residential development proposals based on subjective design review standards.

What is the ODDS project schedule?

The City has hired planning consultants Good City Co. to guide the work under the SB2 Planning Grant Implementation Program. The consultant team and City staff are developing a detailed community outreach and public meeting schedule, beginning in early 2021. Following discussions with the community, the City hopes to release draft updated residential development and design regulations in October 2021, followed by public hearings at the Planning Commission and the City Council. Updated regulations will be adopted by February 2022.

police

Can I ride along with an officer?

The Brisbane Police Department allows citizens to ride with a police officer during a portion of their shift to experience what police work is all about.  You must be 15 years or older and juveniles under 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.

Please contact the on-duty watch commander at (415) 467-1212 to schedule a date and time.

Can I search the Megan’s Law database for convicted sex offenders by using the Internet?

Yes.  You can now search for convicted sex offenders by going to the Megan’s Law website at www.meganslaw.ca.gov.  Scroll to the bottom of the page to enter the locator site.  After you read and agree to the disclaimer, you will be sent to a page where you can search anywhere in the state by a variety of search criteria.

Please fell free to contact a member of the department should you have any questions.

Does the City have any noise restrictions?

Yes there are, although there are several exemptions. The City Council has enacted a noise ordinance that states “It is declared to be the policy of the city that the peace, health, safety and welfare of its citizens require protection from excessive, unnecessary and unreasonable noises from any and all sources in the community subject to its police power…" Normally, noise is limited to 10db above the ambient noise level for any 15 minute period and 20db for any 3 minute period.  Construction activities can go as high as 86db above the ambient noise level, but are restricted between 7 am - 7 pm, M-F, and 9 am - 7 pm on the weekends. For more information about noise limits please give us a call.

How can I get an equipment violation ticket signed off?

First of all, certain violations cannot be signed off. Refer to your citation or court courtesy letter for further information. If your citation can be signed off you may find any on-duty police officer who is not busy to assist you. You may also choose to come to the police station where a police officer can meet with you.  Remember! Once a citation is signed off, you must return the citation to the court listed on the citation within the time indicated. Failure to do so can result in the suspension of you driving privilege and a larger fine.

How do I file a complaint?

The Brisbane Police Department takes pride in providing competent professional service to our community.  We recognize our obligation to provide a process of receiving and investigating complaints concerning any aspect of that service.  Please print and complete this Confidential Citizen Complaint form and send it to Commander Mario Garcia at mgarcia@brisbaneca.org.

How do I report a vehicle accident?

The driver of a vehicle involved in a traffic accident should immediately stop as close to the scene as possible without causing a traffic hazard. If there are injuries, the police department should be notified immediately by calling 9-1-1. If there are no injuries, the involved parties should exchange information including names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, vehicle license numbers, and insurance policy numbers.  A police report is not required by law, but if the accident occurred in Brisbane, the Brisbane Police Department will be glad to complete one for you. 

The driver of any vehicle in any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage in excess of $500 must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days by completing a DMV SR 1 form. This form is available from the Department of Motor Vehicles or most insurance companies.  

How many people work for the police department?

The department is staffed with a total of 11 sworn and 3 non sworn men and women.

Is there a curfew?

Yes.  It is unlawful for any minor person under the age of 18 years to loiter, idle, stroll or play in any public street, public square, park, or any public place between the hours of 10 p.m. and 1/2 hour before sunrise of the following day.  This does not apply to a minor accompanied by his or her parent, guardian or other adult person having the care and custody of the minor, or where the minor is upon an emergency errand or legitimate business directed by his or her parent, guardian or other adult person having the care and custody of the minor, nor where such minor is directly proceeding to or from any place of business employment, amusement, worship or other legitimate activity.

What are the white lines along most of the residential streets?

These white lines are painted in areas where the roadway width is limited and are designed to provide clearance for emergency vehicles.  You may not park on or to the left of any of these white lines.  If you do, your vehicle may be towed at your expense.

What can I do about a barking dog?

Before reporting a dog that barks loudly and frequently, first try to contact the dog’s owner. If the problem is not resolved contact the Police Department at (415) 467-1212. The Police Department will investigate all barking dog complaints and will try to contact the owner of the dog. Many times the owner is unaware the dog is causing a problem for neighbors and is willing to take immediate action to correct the problem. We will not tell the responsible person who made the complaint. We will ask for your name and a call back number for our records, or in case we need additional information from you. 

What can I do about cars that park and never move from in front of my house?

You don’t have to spend a whole lot of time in Brisbane to realize that parking in the residential areas is limited.  Understandably, citizens take a very personal interest in the vehicles they see parked in their neighborhood and how they are parked.  As a result, the Brisbane Police Department responds to numerous complaints about “abandoned” and “illegally” parked vehicles every day.  Often these complaints end up being a matter of personal preference rather than a matter of law where the police can take legal action.  In those cases where the law does not apply, we are more than happy to attempt to mediate the problem between the parties involved.

The Facts

To help you determine if your parking issue is one where legal action should be taken or if mediation would be a solution, we have put together the following facts to take into consideration:

Parking in front of your residence:

Unfortunately, we have no legal or inherent right to the parking spaces in front of our homes.  Parking on city streets is available to anyone, whether or not they reside on our street or not.

People who own several vehicles:

We realize that there are a great deal of residents that own numerous vehicles without adequate off street parking, or have chosen to use their garages or driveways for other purposes.  Although this fact is unfortunate and inconsiderate to others in the neighborhood, we have no legal authority to remove these vehicles if legally parked on a city street and driven on a regular basis.

Vehicles stored on the street:

There are two municipal codes that govern vehicles parked or stored on the street.  One allows for vehicles to be towed as abandoned after being marked as such for 72 hours.  Abandoned means cars that have been parked or discarded for long periods of time and show signs that they have not been moved, such as flat tires or dirt and debris on or about the vehicle.  The other code allows for a vehicle to be cited if it can be determined that the vehicle has been stored on the street for more than 5 consecutive days.

We receive numerous calls each day for “abandoned” vehicles when someone spots a vehicle that they don’t recognize. We find that often times these vehicles are being parked there temporarily due to construction or road work in another neighborhood, or simply because parking was unavailable on an adjacent street. In either case we make concerted efforts to locate the owner by way of a neighborhood check or by phone before taking enforcement action.

Remedies

Community Mediation

The Brisbane Police Department offers conflict resolution and mediation through the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center (PCRC).  Go on the Web to: www.brisbaneca.org/sites/default/files/brisbaneca/Conflict%20Resolution.... more information about using PCRC.

Parking Permit Program

The city offers a Residential Parking Permit Program for those citizens that want to regulate parking in their neighborhoods.  This program is initiated by the citizens in the neighborhood in which the permit program is to be put into place. Go to on the Web to: www.municode.com/library/ca/brisbane/codes/code_of_ordinances for more information on how to pursue a Residential Parking Permit Program in your neighborhood.

Police Intervention

The police department will respond to any and all calls for service.  If you see a vehicle that you believe to be illegally parked please call us.  Please leave your name and phone number with the dispatcher.  This allows us to contact you with any questions or to advise you of what we were able to do to resolve the problem.  We receive a lot of “anonymous” calls.  Without your name and phone number, we are unable to resolve the issue if it turns out to be one that requires mediation or enforcement action.

Conclusion

Parking issues can quickly turn great neighbors and neighborhoods into a war zone of Hatfield and McCoys.  Please be considerate of one another when parking your vehicles.  Consider getting to know your neighbors and speaking with them when a problem arises.  We are surprised how many times we respond to a problem and find out that the people involved have never talked despite the fact that they live right across the street from each other.

Whatever the case, we are here to help.  If you do call us regarding a problem you can be assured that we will do everything that we can to resolve the problem. With the parking the way it is in town, we ask for your patience in dealing with these issues.

What happens when I dial 9-1-1?

Only emergency calls should be directed to the 9-1-1 telephone number. If you are calling from a regular (wired) telephone in Brisbane, the calls go directly to the Brisbane Police Department’s 9-1-1 dispatch center. Through the 9-1-1 equipment and our Computer Aided Dispatch system, the caller's address and telephone number immediately appear on the computer screen at the dispatch center.

The Police Dispatchers are highly trained individuals that are prepared for any emergency situation. These dispatchers need to get specific information from you when you call 9-1-1. This information lets the dispatcher know what kind of response is required to deal with the emergency. (police, fire, paramedics, etc.) We will ask you what happened and where did the crime occur. We will ask you if anyone is injured, and if the injured person is in the same location. If the injured person is at a different address we will want to know where they are. We will ask you if you know the people involved in the incident. We will ask you if there are weapons involved. We will ask you for a full description of the people involved in the incident. We will ask you for associated vehicle descriptions. We may ask you to stay on the phone with us until officers arrive. We will ask you if you want to remain anonymous.

If you are calling from a Cellular Phone, your 9-1-1 call is answered by the California Highway Patrol in Vallejo. The location you are calling from DOES NOT appear on the dispatcher’s screen.  Please stay on the line.  They will transfer you to the appropriate agency after asking many of the same questions listed above

What telephone number should I call for a non-emergency incident or questions?

If you need to talk with a dispatcher, you can dial (415) 467-1212.  If you want to contact a specific officer directly, you can call (415) 508-2181 and use the directory to leave a voicemail message.  A complete list of personnel and their phone numbers is listed on this website.

Why do the dispatchers ask so many questions?

Dispatchers are trained to try and get as much information as possible to best determine the nature of the problem. The information provided by callers can assist the officers in determining what they will need in order to keep others safe and out of harm’s way. Also, please realize that the dispatchers are trained to perform many tasks at once, and will often be dispatching emergency response units while they are talking to you. If they ask you to hold, it is because they are dispatching help to you! We immediately dispatch the appropriate emergency response for your problem along with 1 or 2 police officers. 

SB2 Planning Grant Implementation Program

How is the SB2 Planning Grant Implementation Project funded?

As its name implies, this work is funded by a grant from the State of California through the Building Homes and Jobs Act of 2017 (known as SB 2). SB 2 was passed to provide funding and technical assistance to local agencies to streamline housing approvals in compliance with the Housing Accountability Act and SB 35, and accelerate housing production. To help cities update their regulations to comply with these laws, the State made funds available through the SB 2 Planning Grants Program.  In October 2019, the City Council authorized staff to submit an SB2 grant application for $160,000 to fund the program, and the State approved the grant in January 2020. 

How can I get involved? 

Sign up for email notifications for the Brisbane ODDS/SB2 PGIP Subscription List to get project updates, including notices of schedule workshops or meetings, surveys, and other opportunities to participate.

Search Tips and Tricks

Do the search results include the contents of PDFs and other documents?

Yes.  The website indexes web pages as well as PDFs, Microsoft Office documents, and text documents.

If I search for a phrase (e.g. alarm permit), will the results only show exact matches?

No.  By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase.  In this example, you would receive results for all web pages and documents that contained either the word alarm or the word permit or both.

In order to search on an exact phrase, enclose your search phrase in quotations.  The search results for "alarm permit" will show matches for that exact phrase.

Can I exclude a word from a search (e.g. all pages that have the word "alarm" but not the word "permit"?

Yes.   You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-).   In order to find the results of all pages that have alarm in the result but not permit, you would search for alarm -permit.

utilities

How are rates measured and calculated?

Water is billed based upon the number of units you use for a 2-month period, plus the service charge for your meter.  The City has implemented progressive rate structures to encourage individuals to conserve water. Therefore, the more water you use, the higher your bill will be. (A unit of water is 100 cubic ft., or approximately 748 gallons). 

See below for the current Residential, Commercial, and Irrigation Water Rate tables that were implemented in October of 2012. 







RESIDENTIAL BIMONTHLY WATER RATE TABLE 2013 (EFF 10/15/12 SVC)
Bimonthly A B C D F G
Usage (ccf) 5/8" Meter 3/4" Meter 1" Meter 1 1/2" Meter 2" Meter 3" Meter 4" Meter
               
0 22.67 22.67 30.60 61.14 97.85 195.73 305.78
1 22.67 27.86 37.60 68.14 104.85 202.73 312.78
2 24.84 33.05 44.60 75.14 111.85 209.73 319.78
3 30.47 38.24 51.60 82.14 118.85 216.73 326.78
4 37.47 45.24 58.60 89.14 125.85 223.73 333.78
5 44.47 52.24 65.60 96.14 132.85 230.73 340.78
6 51.47 59.24 72.60 103.14 139.85 237.73 347.78
7 58.47 66.24 79.60 110.14 146.85 244.73 354.78
8 65.47 73.24 86.60 117.14 153.85 251.73 361.78
9 74.16 81.93 95.29 125.83 162.54 260.42 370.47
10 82.85 90.62 103.98 134.52 171.23 269.11 379.16
11 91.54 99.31 112.67 143.21 179.92 277.80 387.85
12 100.23 108.00 121.36 151.90 188.61 286.49 396.54
13 108.92 116.69 130.05 160.59 197.30 295.18 405.23
14 117.61 125.38 138.74 169.28 205.99 303.87 413.92
15 126.30 134.07 147.43 177.97 214.68 312.56 422.61
16 134.99 142.76 156.12 186.66 223.37 321.25 431.30
17 or more

Bill at applicable rate for 16 ccf plus $11.05 ea unit over 16

 



Bimonthly              
Usage (ccf)              
               
  A (5/8") B (3/4") C (1") D (1 1/2") E (2") F (3") G (4")
1 0.00 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
2 2.17 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
3 5.63 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
4 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
5 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
6 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
7 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
8 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
9 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
10 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
11 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
12 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
13 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
14 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
15 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
16 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
 

 







COMMERCIAL BIMONTHLY WATER RATE TABLE 2012 (EFF 10/15/12 SVC)
Bimonthly Q R S T U V W X
Usage (ccf) 5/8" Meter 3/4" Meter 1" Meter 1 1/2" Meter 2" Meter 3" Meter 4" Meter 6" Meter
                 
0 35.07 41.46 58.41 116.80 186.90 373.75 584.00 1168.00
1 40.26 46.65 65.41 123.80 193.90 380.75 591.00 1175.00
2 45.45 51.84 72.41 130.80 200.90 387.75 598.00 1182.00
3 50.64 57.03 79.41 137.80 207.90 394.75 605.00 1189.00
4 55.83 62.22 86.41 144.80 214.90 401.75 612.00 1196.00
5 61.02 67.41 93.41 151.80 221.90 408.75 619.00 1203.00
6 66.21 72.60 100.41 158.80 228.90 415.75 626.00 1210.00
7 71.40 77.79 107.41 165.80 235.90 422.75 633.00 1217.00
8 76.59 82.98 114.41 172.80 242.90 429.75 640.00 1224.00
9 85.28 91.67 123.10 181.49 251.59 438.44 648.69 1232.69
10 93.97 100.36 131.79 190.18 260.28 447.13 657.38 1241.38
11 102.66 109.05 140.48 198.87 268.97 455.82 666.07 1250.07
12 111.35 117.74 149.17 207.56 277.66 464.51 674.76 1258.76
13 120.04 126.43 157.86 216.25 286.35 473.20 683.45 1267.45
14 128.73 135.12 166.55 224.94 295.04 481.89 692.14 1276.14
15 137.42 143.81 175.24 233.63 303.73 490.58 700.83 1284.83
16 146.11 152.50 183.93 242.32 312.42 499.27 709.52 1293.52
17 or more Bill at applicable rate for 16 ccf plus $11.05 ea unit over 16



Bimonthly                
Usage (ccf)                
                 
0 Q (5/8") R (3/4") S (1") T (1 1/2") U (2") V (3") W (4") X (6")
1 5.19 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
2 5.19 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
3 5.19 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
4 5.19 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
5 5.19 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
6 5.19 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
7 5.19 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
8 5.19 5.19 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00
9 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
10 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
11 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
12 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
13 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
14 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
15 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
16 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69 8.69
 
IRRIGATION BIMONTHLY WATER RATE TABLE 2012 (EFF 10/15/12 SVC)
Bimonthly I6 I7 I1 I5 I2 I3 I4
Usage (ccf) 5/8" Meter 3/4" Meter 1" Meter 1 1/2" Meter 2" Meter 3" Meter 4" Meter
               
0 35.07 41.46 44.64 66.95 92.47 178.56 251.55
1 40.25 46.64 49.82 72.13 97.65 183.74 260.04
2 45.43 51.82 55.00 77.31 102.83 188.92 268.53
3 50.61 57.00 60.18 82.49 108.01 194.10 277.02
4 55.79 62.18 65.36 87.67 113.19 199.28 285.51
5 60.97 67.36 70.54 92.85 118.37 204.46 294.00
6 66.15 72.54 75.72 98.03 123.55 209.64 302.49
7 71.33 77.72 80.90 103.21 128.73 214.82 310.98
8 76.51 82.90 86.08 108.39 133.91 220.00 319.47
9 87.86 94.25 97.43 119.74 145.26 231.35 330.82
10 99.21 105.60 108.78 131.09 156.61 242.70 342.17
11 110.56 116.95 120.13 142.44 167.96 254.05 353.52
12 121.91 128.30 131.48 153.79 179.31 265.40 364.87
13 133.26 139.65 142.83 165.14 190.66 276.75 376.22
14 144.61 151.00 154.18 176.49 202.01 288.10 387.57
15 155.96 162.35 165.53 187.84 213.36 299.45 398.92
16 167.31 173.70 176.88 199.19 224.71 310.80 410.27
17 or more Bill at applicable rate for 16 ccf plus $13.19 ea unit over 16
Bimonthly              
Usage (ccf)              
               
0 I6 (5/8") I7 (3/4") I1 (1") I5 (1 1/2") I2 (2") I3 (3") I4 (4")
1 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 8.49
2 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 8.49
3 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 8.49
4 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 8.49
5 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 8.49
6 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 8.49
7 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 8.49
8 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 5.18 8.49
9 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35
10 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35
11 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35
12 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35
13 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35
14 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35
15 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35
16 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35 11.35

 

Residential sewer service is billed based upon the number of units of water you use during the months of October, November, December, and January. The reason for this is, during the winter, most people do not use water for outside landscaping and we capture the amount of water actually flowing through the system. The new winter average goes into effect the April after the previous winter. Then there is no change in your sewer bill until the following April. See below for the current sewer rate table, also implemented in October of 2012.  Click here for PDF.





BIMONTHLY SEWER RATE TABLE 2013 (EFF 10/15/12 SVC)
Bimonthly Residential Standard Medium Heavy
Flow (ccf) Commercial Commercial Commercial
         
0 68.87 68.87 68.87 68.87
1 71.68 72.71 74.55 76.46
2 74.49 76.55 80.23 84.05
3 77.30 80.39 85.91 91.64
4 80.11 84.23 91.59 99.23
5 82.92 88.07 97.27 106.82
6 85.73 91.91 102.95 114.41
7 88.54 95.75 108.63 122.00
8 91.35 99.59 114.31 129.59
9 99.01 107.25 124.05 141.41
10 106.67 114.91 133.79 153.23
11 114.33 122.57 143.53 165.05
12 121.99 130.23 153.27 176.87
13 129.65 137.89 163.01 188.69
14 137.31 145.55 172.75 200.51
15 144.97 153.21 182.49 212.33
16 152.63 160.87 192.23 224.15
17 160.29 168.53 201.97 235.97
18 167.95 176.19 211.71 247.79
19 175.61 183.85 221.45 259.61
20 183.27 191.51 231.19 271.43
21 or more $183.31plus $7.66 per unit over 20 $191.53 plus $7.66 per unit over 20 $231.16 plus $9.74 per unit over 20 $268.90 plus $11.82 per unit over 20

 




Bimonthly Residential Standard Medium Heavy
Flow (ccf) Commercial Commercial Commercial
1 $2.81 $3.84 $5.68 $7.59
2 $2.81 $3.84 $5.68 $7.59
3 $2.81 $3.84 $5.68 $7.59
4 $2.81 $3.84 $5.68 $7.59
5 $2.81 $3.84 $5.68 $7.59
6 $2.81 $3.84 $5.68 $7.59
7 $2.81 $3.84 $5.68 $7.59
8 $2.81 $3.84 $5.68 $7.59
9 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
10 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
11 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
12 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
13 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
14 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
15 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
16 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
17 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
18 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
19 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82
20 $7.66 $7.66 $9.74 $11.82

The Capital Projects Charge was adopted by the City Council on November 20, 2014, and was effective with the March 2015 bill.  This charge will fund the following projects: improved water pressure for fire protection in the Annis Rd. area, upgardes to the Glen Park pump station, undergrounding the sewer line on Bayshore Blvd., and replacement of our Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA).  The cost of these projects is $5,000,000 and the new charge will pay the annual debt service of a 20-yr. bond.  The rates are graduated based on springtime usage (mid-February - mid-June) which ensures lower water users will pay less than higher users.  The adopted rates per unit(s) of water used during a 2-month billing cycle follow:

Units Used     Adopted Rate
(Bimonthly)    (in Dollars)
0                     $10.00
1                     $12.50
2                     $15.00
3                     $17.50
4                     $20.00
5                     $22.50
6                     $25.00
7                     $27.50
8                     $30.00
9                     $32.50
10                   $35.00
11 to 19           $38.00
20 to 40           $50.00
>40 units         $65.00

The Drought Contingency Charge was approved by the City Council on February 1, 2018 and is based on the following:

For Residential or Commercial Accounts with a Yearly Average Below the Median (Currently 12 Units):  $2.32 per billing

For Residential or Commercial Accounts with a Yearly Average Above the Median (Currently 12 Units):  $6.99 per billing

For Landscape/Irrigation Accounts:  $102.14 per billing

 

 

How do I pay my Water and Sewer Bill?

Online Bill Pay is available by clicking the “Pay Your Bill Online” button above. 

24/7 Phone Line:  Call 1-833-273-7450 to pay using our 24/7 Automated Phone Line; debit/credit card accepted; Account Detail Verification Required

You may also pay your water and sewer bills with your Visa or MasterCard in person or over the phone during regular business hours. 

Automatic payment of bills, or Autopay, can be arranged by completing the appropriate form; you can choose whether you'd like your credit or debit card or checking account to be automatically debited each billing period.  After printing and completing the form, just bring it to the Finance Counter at City Hall.  Or, if you prefer, you can scan and e-mail it to lferreira@brisbaneca.org

For any questions pertaining to your utility bill, or about how to get set up on Autopay, please call the Utility Billing Department at (415) 508-2154.

How do I set up a new account?

To set up a new account, please call Ligia Ferreira at (415) 508-2154 or see her in person at the Finance Counter at City Hall.  At the time of connection, the City requests a $70 deposit, along with $20 for new account activation.  The $70 deposit is returned to you one year after you have your water turned on if you have paid your bill on time.  It is returned as a credit on your bi-monthly bill.
 

What about other utilities and services?
What is SB 998?

Senate Bill 998, which went into effect January 1, 2020, mandates certain changes to our water bills and processes for residential customers.  These changes are designed to make the process more accessible to everyone in the community by increasing transparency about the Discontinuation for Non-Payment process as well as our appeals and payment arrangement processes. The new legislation also provides opportunities for non-English speaking customers to receive these policies in their primary language.

When are water and sewer bills sent out and due?

Water and sewer services are billed bi-monthly. The bills usually arrive the first week of every odd-numbered month (January, March, May, July, September, and November), and are considered due upon receipt. Payment in full must be made by the 5th of every even-numbered month to avoid a penalty (February, April, June, August, October, and December).  The meters are read every two months, approximately 1 week prior to the bills being sent out.

Water and sewer bills are due upon receipt. However, there is approximately a 35 day grace period.  After this grace period, the City charges a late fee and sends out a reminder notice. If the bill is not paid another late charge is added to the bill and a 10 Day Disconnection Notice is mailed along with our Policy on Discontinuation of Service for Non-Payment (a duplicate notice is posted on the door to the residence). If the bill is not paid by the date indicated or no payment arrangement has been requested, the City shuts off the water until the bill is paid. There is an additional charge for reconnection, the City is only able to schedule this during normal working hours.  After hour turn-ons are available but require payment in full and a higher after-hours reconnection fee.

Example:

Bill for Service Period: 12/15/2019 - 2/15/2020

Mailed Approximately 2/27/20

3/1/20: Grace Period Begins

4/5/20: Payment in Full or Authorized Arrangement Requested

4/6/20: Late Notice Sent with $5.00 Late Fee

4/20/20: Payment in Full or Authorized Arrangement Requested

4/21/20: 10 Day Notice Sent and Delivered to Property: Additional Fee Assessed: Policy on Discontinuation of Service for Non-Payment included with Notice

5/5/20: If payment in full not received, water will be Discontinued; Payment in Full and Reconnection Fees may apply

Your Water Bill Explained

The Standard charges on your water bill include the following:  Water Use, Water Service, Sewer, Captial Project Charge, and the Drought Contingency Charge.  Below is an explanation of the various charges:

Water Use - This charge is based on the number of units of water used in a two month period.

Water Service - This is a flat amount based on the size of the meter and type of water service (commercial, irrigation or residential).

Sewer - For Residential accounts, this charge is based on the amount of water used during the winter months (Mid-October to Mid-February).  It changes once a year on the April bill. For Commercial accounts, this charge is based on water usage.  For irrigation accounts, there is no corresponding sewer charge as the water used for outdoor landscaping is not treated by the sewer system.

Capital Project Charge - This charge is based on the amount of water used between Mid-February and Mid-June.  It changes once a year in August.  This charge pays for a $5,000,000 bond for capital projects, and was approved by the Council on November 20, 2014, and became effective with the March 2015 bill.

Drought Contingency Charge - If it is a residential/commercial account then the charge is either $2.32 a billing period if the account uses less than the median amount of water used by other users   or $6.99 a billing period if they use more.  Landscape users are charged $102.14 a billing period. The Drought Contingency Charge was therefore established, and became effective with the April 2018 bill.

When is the next Water and Sewer Bill due?

Your water bill is due upon receipt. To avoid a penalty and risk discontinuation for non-payment, a payment in full should be received by Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Utility Billing

How do I set up a new account?

To set up a new account, please call Ligia Ferreira at (415) 508-2154 or see her in person at the Finance Counter at City Hall.  At the time of connection, the City requires a $70 deposit, along with $20 for new account activation.  The $70 deposit is returned to you one year after you have your water turned on if you have paid your bill on time.  It is returned as a credit on your bi-monthly bill.

How do I pay my Water and Sewer Bill?
  1. ACH Autopay – Payments are automatically charged to your bank account on a recurring basis.  To sign up for ACH Autopay, please return completing the Automatic Bill Payment Agreement form and your checking account will be automatically debited each billing period.  After printing and completing the form, just bring it to the Finance Counter at City Hall.  Or, if you prefer, you can scan and e-mail it to lferreira@brisbaneca.org along with a voided check or mail both to Brisbane City Hall at: 50 Park Place, Brisbane, CA, 94005.
  2. Online – To pay your bill online, visit brisbaneca.org/utility-payment-portal.  You can pay as a guest, or you can register to have access to additional account information and features. To register, you will need:
    1. Email address
    2. Utility account number (found on your bill)
    3. Last payment amount (found on your most recent bill)
  3. Mail – You can make a payment by check or money order using the blue envelope provided to you with your Utility Bill every other month. Please send your payment via regular mail or you may drop your payment off at one of the Utility Payment Drop boxes in town, located at the corner of Mendocino & Visitacion by Midtown Market and at City Hall in front of the Community Meeting Room.
  4. Over the phone – Please call the Utility Billing Department at (415) 508-2154 during our regular business hours to pay using an attendant or you can make payments 24/7 using our automated phone payment line by dialing 1 (833) 273-7450, Option 1.

Please contact Ligia Ferreira at (415) 508-2154 in our Utility Billing Department if you have any questions and she will be happy to assist you.  Thank you!

When are Water and Sewer bills sent out and due?

Water and Sewer services are billed bi-monthly. The bills usually arrive the first week of every odd-numbered month (January, March, May, July, September, and November), and are considered due upon receipt. Payment in full must be made by the 5th of every even-numbered month (February, April, June, August, October, and December) to avoid a penalty.  The meters are read every two months, approximately 1 week prior to the bills being sent out.

Water and Sewer bills are due upon receipt. However, there is approximately a 35 day grace period.  After this grace period, the City charges a late fee and sends out a reminder notice. If the bill is not paid another late charge is added to the bill and a 10 Day Disconnection Notice is mailed along with our Policy on Discontinuation of Service for Non-Payment. A duplicate notice is posted on the door to the residence. If the bill is not paid by the date indicated or no payment arrangement has been requested, the City shuts off the water until the bill is paid in full. There is an additional charge for reconnection and the City is only able to schedule this during normal working hours.  After-hour turn-ons are available but require a higher after-hours reconnection fee in addition to the full payment of the bill.

Example:

Bill for Service Period: 12/15/2019 - 2/15/2020

Mailed Approximately 2/27/20

3/1/20: Grace Period Begins

4/5/20: Payment in Full or Authorized Arrangement Requested

4/6/20: Late Notice Sent with $5.00 Late Fee

4/20/20: Payment in Full or Authorized Arrangement Requested

4/21/20: 10 Day Notice Sent and Delivered to Property: Additional Fee Assessed: Policy on Discontinuation of Service for Non-Payment included with Notice

5/5/20: If payment in full not received, water will be Discontinued; Payment in Full and Reconnection Fees may apply

What are the various charges on my Water and Sewer Bill?

The Standard charges on your water bill include the following:  Water Use, Water Service, Sewer, Capital Project Charge and the Drought Contingency Charge.  Below is an explanation of the various charges:

     Water Use - This charge is based on the number of units of water used in a two month period.

     Water Service - This is a flat amount based on the size of the meter and type of water service (commercial, irrigation or residential).

     Sewer - For Residential accounts, this charge is based on the amount of water used during the winter months (Mid-October to Mid-February).  It changes once a year on the April bill. For Commercial accounts, this charge is based on water usage.  For irrigation accounts, there is no corresponding sewer charge as the water used for outdoor landscaping is not treated by the sewer system.

     Capital Project Charge - This charge is based on the amount of water used between Mid-February and Mid-June.  It changes once a year in August.  This charge pays for a $5,000,000 bond for capital projects, and was approved by the Council on November 20, 2014, and became effective with the March 2015 bill.

     Drought Contingency Charge - For residential/commercial account, the charge is either $2.32 a billing period if the account uses less than the median amount of water used by other users or $6.99 a billing period if they use more.  Landscape users are charged $102.14 a billing period. The Drought Contingency Charge was established and became effective with the April 2018 bill.

What is SB 998?

Senate Bill 998, which went into effect January 1, 2020, mandates certain changes to our water bills and processes for residential customers.  These changes are designed to make the process more accessible to everyone in the community by increasing transparency about the Discontinuation for Non-Payment process as well as our appeals and payment arrangement processes. The new legislation also provides opportunities for non-English speaking customers to receive these policies in their primary language. To view a summary of SB 998, please click here.  To read the full policy, please click here.

How are rates measured and calculated?

A unit of water is 100 cubic ft. or approximately 748 gallons. Water is billed based upon the number of units you use for a 2-month period, plus the service charge for your meter.  The City has implemented progressive rate structures to encourage individuals to conserve water. Therefore, the more water you use, the higher your bill will be. 

works

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

If you intend to remove a tree on your property, a permit may be required; please contact the Planning Department at (415) 508-2120 if you have any questions.  The Private Tree and Severe Tree Trimming Permit Application can be found here.

Do I need to inspect and certify the backflow preventor installed at my place of business?

All private back flow preventors must be inspected annually and reported directly to the County of San Mateo Cross Connection Control Program.

Does the City offer washing machine rebates?

The City of Brisbane is continuing its participation in the High Efficiency Washing Machine Rebate Program. Residents of the City of Brisbane are eligible for a $75 rebate for purchasing and installing a High Efficiency Washing Machine in their home. The numbers of rebates are limited. A copy of the application and official rules are available at City Hall or at your local retailers that stock energy efficient washers.

How do I report a street light outage

Please use the Public Works Contact Form and select "Street Light Outage" in the drop-down menu.

What should I do if I experience discolored water?

Locate the farthest and highest cold water faucet in your building. Remove the aerator if there is one and turn on the cold water faucet for a few minutes. Do not use the hot water since the sediments may be pulled into the hot water tank. If the water is still discolored after running the cold water, turn off the faucet and check it again later. If discoloration continues contact us at (415) 508-2130.

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