Commerce City faces criticism over high building fees impacting individual homebuilders

In a recent City Council study session, concerns were raised about the high costs associated with building homes in Commerce City, which could deter individual homeowners from entering the market. A council member highlighted that the total fees for an individual looking to annex and build a single home could reach nearly $73,000 before even purchasing land or incurring design costs. This figure includes approximately $35,000 in land use application fees, $17,800 for building permits, and $20,168 in impact fees.

The discussion pointed out that these fees are significantly higher than those in neighboring cities like Brighton, Greenwood Village, Aurora, Castle Rock, and Thornton, with Commerce City being one of the most expensive municipalities for such costs. The council member noted that while developers might spread these fees across multiple homes, individual builders face prohibitive costs that could discourage them from pursuing their dreams of homeownership in the city.

This issue highlights a critical balance that the council must strike between generating revenue through fees and fostering a welcoming environment for potential homeowners. As the city continues to grow, addressing these financial barriers will be essential to ensure that Commerce City remains an attractive option for individuals looking to build their own homes. The council's ongoing discussions will likely focus on finding solutions that can lower these costs while still meeting the city's needs.