Planners move several code and fee changes to debate, including buffer reduction and increased recording fee pass‑through

The Proposed Development & Planning Services Committee on July 8 moved several planning and fee matters to the debate or paid agenda and approved routine easement encroachments by consent.

Ordinance 25‑06: Planning staff introduced an amendment to Chapter 34 (major site grading) to align the major site grading buffer with Chapter 90 by reducing a 50‑foot buffer to 25 feet when a development qualifies for major grading. Staff said the buffer will be located in the development’s common area so lots are not burdened individually, and that planted berms and street tree provisions from Chapter 90 will be reflected in Chapter 34. The ordinance also adds three design options for incorporating steeper slopes into lots, and requires homeowners’ association (HOA) documents to make the HOA responsible for ongoing slope maintenance. Staff noted a typographical error in the draft (a linear foot limit) and said it will be corrected before return. The ordinance was moved to debate.

Fees and licensing: Planning staff presented Resolution 25‑22 to raise the easement encroachment fee from $55 to $80 to cover a $25 Clerk of Court recording fee after House Bill 1292 restricted paper filings; staff said the county will handle electronic filing and pass through the recording fee. The committee moved the resolution to the paid (debate) agenda. Staff also introduced a revision to the cold beverage license fee schedule and proposed eliminating a separate permit category for out‑of‑jurisdiction caterers to simplify and reduce fees; those changes were moved for debate.

Ordinance 25‑05: Staff presented an amendment to the occupational tax and licensing section to require payment of occupational tax at the time of application rather than afterward, to avoid costly follow‑ups and enforcement after licenses are granted. That ordinance was also moved to the debate agenda.

Easement encroachments: Two specific encroachment requests (2418 Lawrence St. — uncovered deck into a 20‑ft D&U with storm line; 973 Mitchell Ln. — pool, existing shed and screen wall into a 10‑ft drainage and utility easement) were reviewed and recommended for approval; both were moved to consent and approved.

Staff provided workload and permit reports showing residential permits up ~8% and commercial permits up ~33% for FY25. The committee adjourned and scheduled the next meeting for August 12.