Bluff updates building department, keeps $200 land-use clearance fee

The Town of Bluff reported on April 3 that it has staffed an interim building department and adopted a master fee schedule that retains a $200 land-use clearance fee while reducing some fees to encourage small projects.

The update came during the Bluff Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, when Lou Ann Hook, a town council member, told commissioners that the town hired Kristen Bushnell and Corey Coleman “to be our building department basically on a 4 month schedule” and that Corey will serve as the inspector. Hook said the council trimmed some charges and kept the land-use clearance at $200. She also described a $65 inspection fee and a $100 solar permit fee for residential installations. Hook said the town removed most animal fees except a $5 replacement tag fee.

Commissioners said they welcomed the staffed department but pressed for process clarity and for avoiding duplicated review. Commissioner Marsha Haydenfeld said the town’s intent should be that the building department handle day-to-day permitting and inspections while planning and zoning keeps the long-term rules: “Planning and zoning should not see everyday residences and everyday” applications once the building department is operating.

Staff member Malia (planning staff) said the $200 land-use clearance remains on the master fee schedule while the new building department establishes operations and that the fee can be left in place without being applied: “we don't have to apply the fee even if it's in the master fee schedule. It's just to get, like, as the in the interim that it's going.” Commissioners and staff agreed to follow up with council and the building team about phasing out duplicate reviews as the building office becomes fully functional.

Commissioners also asked for clearer definitions and application wording. Marsha asked for the permit application to change the phrasing “land use clearance approval letter from the planning commission” to a simpler signed clearance or an administrative sign-off so applicants know whether a separate letter is required during the transition. Commissioners asked staff to add or clarify definitions for terms such as “conditioned space” and to create a short flowchart to help property owners and contractors determine when a permit is required and when repairs are exempt.

The commission raised a separate question about whether replacement windows for a historic stone house require a building permit. Commissioner Gary Hawes said the proposed windows are retrofits into existing frames and may not affect the wall envelope; commissioners asked staff to request clarification from the building official on how the department will adjudicate such borderline cases and how appeals would be handled.

Town staff noted that some ordinances and the codified Bluff Municipal Code are available on Municode and that additional clarifications and edited forms are being posted at townofbluff.org. Town council and staff will continue follow-up with planning and zoning on the LUC fee, the building department’s intake procedures, and edits to application language.