Planning staff to propose 25–30% fee hikes and detail parking, lighting, comp‑plan work

The town’s planning and zoning director presented the department’s FY2027 priorities and proposed a broad update to fee schedules to reflect inflation and changing project complexity.

The director told the council the comprehensive plan is out of the planning commission and staff plan an April work session to begin council review. Planning staff also briefed the council on a suite of zoning amendments and a forthcoming outdoor lighting proposal developed with a consultant. Staff said they processed more than 700 development applications last year, including about 70 new single‑family homes, and noted that the department’s workload is both technical and customer‑facing.

On fees, planning staff recommended most planning and zoning fees be adjusted upward in the 25–30% range because many fees have not been updated since 2019 and costs (including salaries and advertising) have increased. Staff said they will bring a public‑hearing proposal through the budget process and that the town attorney has reviewed the approach. The director noted staff aim to avoid awkward round numbers (for example, by avoiding $73.46 fees) and will consider separating fees based on complexity for conditional use permits.

Council members thanked staff for stabilizing zoning compliance and enforcement; staff reported additional zoning‑compliance resources hired over the last year and improved processes — including forms and procedures to pursue court actions when needed.

Staff said they will bring more specific proposals on parking regulation updates, outdoor lighting, and mobile coverage as part of the coming work plan. The council did not vote on fee changes at the work session; staff will publish a formal fee schedule and hold the required public hearing.