The Turlock City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday evening to amend the Capital Facilities Fee program which had remained unchanged since its inception in 1996.

The CFF program currently provides funding for capital improvements that fall into the categories of transportation, police, fire, and general government. Since the City of Turlock adopted a new General Plan in Sept. 2012, city staff felt it was necessary to amend the 17-year-old ordinance to ensure it accurately reflects policies that abide by State laws and local practices.

According to city staff, the changes include clearer definitions, articulated policies regarding fees and reimbursements, and processes for establishing fee deferral programs.

The amendments include exemptions for buildings used as a public school, college or university that is operated by either the school district, community college district or the California State University.

Additionally, the revision includes exemptions for City of Turlock buildings, infill development when there is no change of use, outdoor dining, residential accessory structures and temporary structures.

“We’d like to make it easier for those wanting to fill an existing building,” said City Engineer Mike Pitcock.

On Tuesday evening, members of the City Council also:

-          Adopted the Industrial Pretreatment Program Enforcement Response Plan, which intends to control possible wastewater pollutants from industrial users.

-          Accepted the staff report on StanCOG’s Proposed Regional Housing Needs Allocation Methodology.

-          Authorized the Turlock Fire Department to fill a current vacancy to maintain the staffing at 42 positions.

-          Received a presentation by Pitman High School students on the Tuolumne River Regional Park Project