Board raises some permit and special-use fees, keeps residential fees steady after debate

Prince Edward County supervisors voted to update multiple items in the county's fee schedules for community development and building permits to better align costs with the work required to process large projects. Staff said many fees had not been updated since 2021 and that advertising, sign posting, and third-party technical reviews—especially for large solar projects—have driven increased staff time and expense.

County planner Robbie Wood and building official Philip (last name read in packet) presented the proposals. Staff proposed keeping residential permit fees similar to the town of Farmville and exempting bona fide agricultural buildings (barns/sheds filed with an affidavit) from fees; commercial and special-use fees were increased in several categories. Several supervisors expressed concern about adding barriers for residential construction and small businesses and pressed to keep home-occupation and residential fees low.

Supervisor Emmert (as read) proposed a higher special-use permit fee for utility services to $5,000 to help recover staff time and advertising costs; that amendment was made part of a motion to adopt the schedule. The board voted to adopt the fee schedule as amended (special-use permits for utility services raised to $5,000), with votes recorded on the motion.

Staff said the county will continue to use targeted strategies—such as scheduling multiple hearings on the same night—to limit ad costs when possible and that third-party review costs for large solar sites are reimbursed by applicants under current practice.