Title
Approving a Legislative Hearing Fee Waiver Pilot Program for the remainder of 2026.
Body
WHEREAS, a filing fee of $25 for appeals submitted under Saint Paul Legislative Chapter (SPLC) 18 has been in place for more than 30 years for determinations, correction orders, notices, summary nuisance and abandoned vehicles abatement orders; and
WHEREAS, SPLC 18 indicates “the filing fee for such petition shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00) except that where there is financial hardship, the hearing officer may waive this filing fee subject to the approval of the city council;” and
WHEREAS, this $25 filing fee yields approximately $3,000 per year; and
WHEREAS, no appeal fee is required for special assessments or substantial abatement orders, which account for approximately 60% of the Legislative Hearing case load; and
WHEREAS, removing the barrier of a filing fee increases the Council’s ability to provide procedural justice for the Saint Paul community, e.g. Voice (giving people a chance to tell their story), Neutrality (unbiased decision-making), Respectful Treatment (treating individuals with dignity), and Trustworthiness (demonstrating fair, caring motives) - which principles build public trust, legitimacy, and compliance with codes; and
WHEREAS, the Legislative Hearing Officer is requesting the Council waive the $25 filing fee through December 31, 2026, to assess the policy and logistical impacts of such a change; now, there fore, be it
RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council hereby authorizes the waiver of appeal fees charged under SPLC 18 through December 31, 2026.