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Key West planning board backs resiliency fee tied to green-building certification and forwards amendment to commission
Summary
The Planning Board voted to recommend a text amendment to charge permit-based fees scaled by project value (up to 2%) and rebate them depending on green-building certification levels, with an administrative rollout and a six-month hurricane suspension clause.
The City of Key West Planning Board voted Nov. 20 to recommend that the City Commission adopt a text amendment establishing a permit‑linked resiliency fee with rebates tied to green‑building certification.
Allison Higgins, the city’s Resiliency Manager, told the board the program would create three valuation bands and financial incentives intended to “turbo boost private resiliency investments.” Higgins said the fee structure is scaled so lower‑valuation repairs are minimally burdened while larger projects would pay a higher percentage (the proposal uses 2 percent at the higher end) and then receive between 50 percent and 100 percent back depending on certification level.
Higgins said the city would recognize existing certifications so owners who already meet standards would not pay until recertification is required, and that the program includes a six‑month suspension of fees after a major named storm in response to recent state law concerns. She described administrative procedures: applications and valuation determination at permit issuance, a system for splitting collected fees, quarterly reporting on unclaimed funds, and an annual public accounting of money raised and rebates paid.
Board members pressed for concrete examples and clarity on costs. Higgins provided an example that a $1,000,000 valuation would equate to a $20,000 fee at 2 percent and explained that a project achieving the highest certification would be eligible to receive the full amount back. She also cited an average certification cost of about $3,500 and described a $4,000 one‑time “come‑in” option intended to support owners who reach certification through multiple small projects over time.
During public comment Jordan Mannix Lochner of Last Stand supported the measure and highlighted co‑benefits such as water conservation for the Florida Keys.
In a roll‑call vote, Chairman Peter Batty voted No; all other voting members voted Yes. The board’s action is a recommendation to the City Commission; it does not adopt the amendment itself. The item will move to the Commission for further consideration and final action.
The board asked staff to provide clear administration timelines, educational materials for contractors and homeowners, and an annual impact report. Staff estimated at least three months between Commission adoption and fee implementation to allow outreach and systems setup.
Next steps: The amendment will appear on a forthcoming City Commission agenda where commissioners will consider the same ordinance language and any further changes.
