Lane County to phase in permit-fee increases after public hearing; fourth readings set for April 29

Lane County's Board of County Commissioners on April 8 directed staff to return revised ordinances that would phase in higher permit fees for the county's Land Management Division, citing a multi‑year shortfall in the division's fee revenue. Commissioners set fourth-reading deliberations for April 29, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Harris Hall.

The hearing focused on proposed changes to the Land Management Division (LMD) fee schedules for building permits and a companion order adjusting planning, stormwater, on‑site sanitation and code enforcement fees. Keir Miller, Land Management Division department head, told the board the division has a “structurally imbalanced budget to the tune of about $1,200,000.” He said LMD “only recoup[s] about 35% of our total costs through permit fees,” meaning the division has been subsidized by other county funds for many years.

Why it matters: LMD's current shortfall, Miller said, risks longer permit processing times and cuts to services such as public information, long‑range planning, code enforcement and the Florence satellite office if the gap is not closed. The fee changes are designed to reduce pressure on Lane County's general fund — which supports public safety and other services — by shifting more of LMD's costs to permit revenue.

Board action and timeline

The board considered two phasing options Miller presented: a two‑year option…