The San Jose City Council voted 9-1 on March 14 to suspend the park impact fees for the pilot program for secondary units. Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez was the lone dissenter.

"I'm concerned about the long-term effects of removing park fees," Chavez said.

Following the first applications for secondary units, it was discovered that under the existing municipal code, park impact fees applied. The fees, according to city analysis can run upward of $13,000, with one pending application assessed at $11,000.

Council voted for the fee suspension because the intent of the program was to ensure that fees were reasonable and did not discourage participation. The fees for secondary units are approximately $5,000, not including the park impact fee.

There are currently six applications for secondary units pending and only one building permit has been issued. Three individuals put their applications on hold due to the potential financial impact.

The council suggested the issue of park impact fees be reexamined following the end of the program.

"Given the fact that this is a pilot program, I urge my colleagues to support the suspension of park impact fees, and we can revisit it in the next few months," Councilman Dave Cortese said.

Councilwoman Linda LeZotte agreed. "I am happy to see staff is suggesting we suspend the fees, but I hope we have a thorough look at what we're going to require in terms of fees."