Council adopts 100% permit‑fee waiver policy for HOA road and alley projects

Crest Hill — The Cresthill City Council on Aug. 4 adopted a policy that waives 100% of permit fees for homeowners associations undertaking road, sidewalk and alley projects within the city. Dan Ritter, the community and economic development director, told the council the policy and ordinance language had been discussed extensively at the last work session and that the adopted policy narrows fee waivers to road projects, sidewalks and alleys. The policy provides for a complete waiver of permit fees for qualifying HOA projects. During the council discussion, an alderman reminded HOAs that the waiver applies to fees only and that any required inspections, permitting steps and ordinance compliance still must be followed by the building department. Another alderman asked that staff report back on the results of the administrator’s outreach to peer communities; Ritter and staff said the administrator had collected street‑specific guidance and would provide additional information for non‑street projects in a later report. Roll call produced yes votes from Joe Cubaugh, Angela Desario, Dorel Jefferson, Claudia Gazol, Tina Oberlin, Mark Sapidi and Nate Albert; Scott Dyke recorded a “No.” The clerk announced Motion carries, Resolution 1335. The council’s adoption does not change enforcement: staff emphasized ordinances remain in effect regardless of HOA status and that any changes to enforcement would require a formal ordinance change returned to the council.