The Gustine Unified School District Board of Trustees approved an increase on school facilities fees last Wednesday. The fees increase to $5.38 per square foot for residential development and 87 cents per square foot for commercial and industrial development.

The district staff cited the increase based on a justification study that was made to "identify the purpose and use for the fee,” according to the agenda material. In accordance with California Education Code Section 17620, GUSD is authorized to impose fees, charges or dedications against new construction or reconstruction of school facilities.

The document also mentioned the fees are used to provide adequate facilities for district students.

In an email to Westside Connect, Superintendent Bryan Ballenger wrote that the study considered other factors such as housing growth, student generation rates and facility impacts “to determine whether the district qualifies to charge the maximum fee amount authorized by the State of California.”

“These fee adjustments occur every two years based on the state’s allowable rate increases,” Ballenger wrote. “Completing the study ensures the district remains eligible to collect development fees at the maximum level permitted by law, which helps offset the impact that new development may have on school facilities and infrastructure.”

The rate increase will go into effect on July 13, he wrote.

The board of trustees previously approved a school facilities fee increase for residential construction at $5.17 per square foot and 84 cents per square foot for commercial and industrial construction. An exception was made for rental self-storage facilities where it's 22 cents per square foot.