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Board gives planning administrator authority to waive land-use permit fees for Cottonwood fire rebuilding
Summary
Lincoln County commissioners authorized Planning and Zoning Administrator Judy Clark to waive land-use permit fees for residential and commercial structures damaged by the Cottonwood fire, with limits (ag buildings on >20 acres may be excluded) and direction that permits still be reviewed.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted to give Planning and Zoning Administrator Judy Clark discretion to waive land-use permit fees for structures destroyed or damaged in the Cottonwood fire.
Judy Clark told the board she had previously waived fees in a single, documented case during her 25 years on the job and proposed a limited, discretionary approach for this event: waivers would apply to residential and commercial structures affected by the fire but not to certain ag buildings (ag buildings on parcels larger than 20 acres may already be exempt from permit requirements). Clark emphasized she would still review each permit and that the waiver would not change permit-review standards.
Commissioners discussed scope and documentation and expressed support, noting the county's intention to show compassion without bypassing necessary reviews for flood plains, culvert changes or other site-specific factors. The board approved a motion authorizing Clark to waive fees in appropriate cases; roll call recorded approval.
Why it matters: Waiving fees reduces one administrative cost for residents and property owners trying to rebuild after a disaster. The authorization preserves the county's ability to require technical reviews and site-specific permits while relieving a small financial barrier.
Representative quote: "I don't mind waiving a fee on my own, but Tyler thought it might be better if we get permission to do so," Judy Clark said, explaining the motion to give staff authority.
Next steps: Planning staff, county assessor and highway superintendent will continue coordinating site reviews; staff will apply the waiver policy on a case-by-case basis.
