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Commissioners adopt revised planning fee schedule; staff report steady application volume
Summary
The board adopted a revised county planning fee schedule that raises most fees about 8 percent (Lakeshore fees unchanged). Planning staff reported fiscal‑year fee revenue ahead of some prior years and described projects and code enforcement activity.
The Flathead County Board of Commissioners adopted a revised planning and zoning fee schedule on April 24 that raises most fees by roughly 8 percent, while holding lakeshore fees unchanged.
Eric Mack of Planning and Zoning told the commission the department proposed the increase to help cover administrative costs and added specific new fees, including a renewal fee for redistribution of gravel in lakeshore permits and a $250 public‑hearing fee for phased subdivisions returning after five years. Mack also proposed a modest fee for accommodation requests (for disability‑related modifications) to cover staff work.
"We're holding back on Lakeshore because that seems to be where we get the most pushback when you raise the fees," Mack said. He told commissioners the new phased‑subdivision public‑hearing fee was added because several phased approvals are nearing the five‑year checkpoint where public review is required.
Commissioners approved the resolution adopting the revised fee schedule (Resolution 1663P). Mack also reported planning fee revenue year‑to‑date of roughly $217,000 through March and described a shift in recent years from major subdivisions toward more minor subdivisions. Lakeshore permits, which spiked during flooding years, have declined from their earlier peak.
On code compliance, Mack said staff closed several violation files in February and March and forwarded multiple cases to the county attorney’s office for enforcement action. He also summarized planning board work including Columbia Falls interim zoning updates and a zoning text amendment dealing with downtown commercial parking, which will return for further staff and planning board review in coming months.
Commissioners authorized publication of a notice of public hearing for a Harmony Court LLC zone change (Evergreen zoning district) with the hearing scheduled for June 19. Several final plats and a Bigfork zoning change (final resolution 956EZ) also received approvals during the meeting.
Mack said the department will use fee increases and internal workload adjustments to balance staff time against an anticipated decline in some application types following legislative changes to subdivision rules.
The commission adopted the fee schedule by motion with no recorded dissent.
