September 15, 2022
To Whom It May Concern,
In May 2022, the County Board of Supervisors delayed consideration of changes to fees charged by Environmental Health Services. On October 18, 2022, the County Board of Supervisors will consider fee changes that, if passed, will take effect July 1, 2023. Environmental Health Services (EHS) is the local government agency responsible for protecting public health and the environment. EHS does this by overseeing various business practices including food safety, housing program requirements, hazardous materials management, safe drinking water, and commercial swimming pool safety. This work is funded solely by fees.
The costs to provide services rise each year and as a result, EHS will be restructuring fees to cover these costs. Some fees will go up, while other fees will go down, to more accurately reflect the cost of the service. EHS has postponed fee changes for three years but can no longer sustain further delays. The Board will also consider a fee increase offset credit for most businesses that would receive a fee increase between July 2023 and June 2024.
For answers to FAQs, and the most up-to-date information regarding fee changes, visit smchealth.org/ehfees or email [email protected]. For language or technical assistance, please call (650) 372-6200.
