Committee reviews proposed land‑development fee changes; staff projects $10K–$12K annual revenue reduction

City planning staff presented proposed revisions to land‑development application fees aimed at better matching charges to staff review time and advertising costs. The Business & Economic Development Committee moved the proposal forward.

Staff said the city currently budgets about $40,000 a year for fee revenue and typically collects $10,000–$12,000 more than budgeted in an average year, depending on large projects. Under the proposed fee schedule, staff estimated an approximate $10,000–$12,000 reduction in annual fee revenue, though actual totals will depend on the projects received in a fiscal year.

Staff also surveyed neighboring municipalities (Warren, Orono, Brewer, Hamden) and said fee structures vary: many larger towns use a base fee plus an escrow or technical‑review deposit. Staff noted Bangor’s higher technical staffing levels mean the city often covers technical review internally rather than hiring outside consultants, which affects how fees compare regionally.

Committee members raised budget timing concerns, with one councilor saying they preferred to wait until after the city budget process before approving fee reductions. Another councilor argued lowering some fees could reduce barriers for smaller developers and help spur local housing development. Committee members discussed that while the proposed schedule would reduce fee revenue relative to the current budgeted figure, last year’s actual revenue was roughly $50,000–$60,000 (staff estimate), so projection uncertainty remains.

A motion to move the fee changes forward was made, seconded and approved in committee; staff will continue through required steps for formal review.