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Planning staff reports surge in permits and fees; outlines upcoming developments and code updates
Summary
Planning staff told the Plain Planning & Zoning Commission that building permits, new residential permits and zoning fees rose sharply year over year, and previewed upcoming development proposals and code changes including B-2 use updates and a revised fee schedule.
Planning staff reported a sharp year-over-year increase in permit activity and zoning fees at the Plain Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, and previewed several forthcoming development applications and code updates.
Planning staff member Hutchison told the commission that “Zoning permits total for 02/2024. We had 559,” up from 391 the prior comparable period. He said new residential dwelling permits this year totaled 317, compared with 190 the year before. Hutchison added that the department collected “just over $1,700,000” in zoning-related fees year to date, and that about $600,000 of that amount were impact fees earmarked for specific categories.
The numbers matter because they indicate rising development activity and corresponding demands on review and inspection resources. “Trend is going, and it's gonna continue to keep going up,” Hutchison said, explaining that some fee revenue covers engineering review and inspection costs the department passes through.
Commissioners heard a preview of several developments expected on upcoming agendas. Hutchison said the commission will see a preliminary plan and rezoning for a Fisher Homes proposal, described as being on the south side of the street between Cemetery and 161. He also said a property referred to as “161 Holdings” or “PC Holdings,” a triangular parcel past Garden Station that previously proposed a hotel and multifamily, is back with a redesigned concept that may include single-family homes at the rear.
Hutchison said the village expects two more concept proposals on Commerce Drive in the next two months. He also signaled code updates ahead: revisions to the B-2 zoning-district uses to add contemporary businesses such as a dog groomer (which currently is not allowed in B-2 under the existing code) and a larger review of obsolete or inapplicable use categories. He said the village will separate the fee schedule from the zoning code and maintain it as a council-issued document so the schedule can be updated annually. Hutchison said some small residential fees (for items such as small sheds and fences) may be lowered, while fees tied to development review and inspections are likely to increase to reflect workload.
The planning staff presentation came in the commission’s communications portion of the agenda; no formal action was taken on the items Hutchison described. Staff said the commission will receive copies of proposed fee schedules and sign-code updates in advance of future meetings to allow commissioner review.
Commission members and staff also noted they will bring drafts of code changes and fee proposals back in coming meetings for discussion and formal action as appropriate. The commission adjourned after a short meeting and was told a longer agenda is expected for the March meeting.
