New fees for land use permit applications take effect August 1

The Board of County Commissioners approved a new fee schedule for land use permit applications, effective August 1. This decision follows a comprehensive cost-recovery analysis and public input, as the existing fees have not been adjusted in over 14 years. Deanna Walter, director of Community Development, emphasized that taxpayers have been covering the deficit, with $300,000 allocated from the general fund in 2024. The new schedule will implement fee increases annually until 2028, after which fees will rise by 4 percent each year starting in 2029. Commissioner Shon Smith stated that the goal is to make Community Development an enterprise department, financially independent from the general fund by 2028.

The phased approach balances the needs of builders and the county. A review of the cost-recovery model will occur every five years to assess the need for further adjustments. The updated fee schedule will be available online starting August 1.