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Interlaken considers code revisions and higher fees for water connections and permits
Summary
Council discussed splitting demolition and site-disturbance permits from building permits, creating a flat-work permit for driveways, and reexamining the water-connection fee (currently $2,300) after staff presented higher material and installation cost estimates.
Town staff outlined proposed town-code and permit-fee changes March 3, recommending the council split certain permits and reassess fees to reflect actual costs.
Staff (S1) said the current new-building permit covers demolitions, site disturbance and flat work; he proposed separate permits for demolition, site disturbance (landscaping/excavation) and flat work (nonstructural concrete/asphalt such as driveways) to allow distinct criteria, inspections and deposits.
On water connections, staff noted the town currently charges $2,300 for a new water connection but that a materials-and-labor analysis shows the actual cost can be substantially higher depending on conditions (e.g., whether the lateral is under asphalt, requiring a hot tap and trenching). "We're already looking at twice..." staff said when comparing ideal and worst-case installation scenarios, and recommended a base charge plus additional fees tied to installation complexity rather than a fixed, underpriced fee.
Council members discussed enforcement codes and the possibility of adopting a broader fee schedule like those used in surrounding municipalities, while avoiding making water-service installation a town 'profit center.' Staff said the town would continue to refine the fee schedule during upcoming budget discussions.
No code or fee changes were adopted at the meeting; staff will return with draft ordinance language and updated fee tables for future council review.
