Zolly v. City of Oakland

Summary

The court held that plaintiffs had standing to challenge Oakland's waste-hauler franchise fees because they alleged economic injury from increased waste-collection rates, even though they were not directly obligated to pay the fees to Oakland. It further held that Oakland's contractually negotiated fees were imposed by a local government and constituted taxes under article XIII C unless an exemption applied, but Oakland had not shown on demurrer that the fees fell within the exemption for charges imposed for use or purchase of local government property. The court affirmed the Court of Appeal and remanded for further proceedings consistent with its opinion.