(The Center Square)— The city of San Francisco is raising entertainment and building and construction fees on businesses throughout the city by as much as 186% while it faces a multi-billion deficit.
Mayor London Breed’s proposed budget painted a stark picture, revealing that the city would be facing a combined deficit of $3 billion from 2024-25 through 2027-28 fiscal years.
The city has been able to chip away at that deficit, in part, by raising fees on businesses.
The mayor’s budget had raising fees on business “across departments that charge for services to ensure they are keeping pace with the costs of those services.”
“San Francisco will continue to face challenging financial realities as its budget is re-aligned to the post-pandemic economy.” the proposed budget stated.
For instance, the fees levied by the city for new construction to get a permit will see one free rise from $64.71 to $116.58 and another fee jumps from $2.68 to $7.68.
In another example, certain fees for a plan review would go from $200 an hour to $439 an hour and an inspection fee would jump from $281.82 an hour to $461 per hour.
The documents state there are several other fees in other departments that may be subject to review.
The city is also increasing entertainment licensing fees.
For example, the cost for the first billiard table increased from $159 to $268. The cost for an extended hour permit jumped from $448 to $756. And a limited live performance permit increased from $157 to $265.
The city of San Francisco didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.
