Staff brief council on site‑development fees, state exemptions and agritourism options

At the May 19 work session Jay Tate, director of development and permits, briefed council on Chesapeake’s site‑plan review fees and how the city treats agricultural and agritourism uses.

Tate explained that site‑plan fees are primarily driven by two variables—number of dwelling units (for residential) and disturbed acres—and the policy currently does not distinguish fee levels by use type. He said staff maintains an administrative reduction policy that allows fee reductions for less complex projects and that the city periodically compares fees with peer localities to remain competitive.

“State code already provides exemptions for most agricultural uses,” Tate explained, noting that those exemptions mean the city generally cannot charge for routine agricultural activities unless the use would have a potential impact on health, safety or general welfare. He said the practical effect is most small agricultural or agritourism projects do not require full site plans or large fees; in some cases an entrance permit at a nominal cost has sufficed in lieu of a $2,000 site‑plan fee.

Councilmembers asked whether staff recommended creating a separate plan type or fee schedule to encourage agritourism. Tate said staff did not recommend a blanket exemption—citing equity concerns and the small financial magnitude of many fees—but was not opposed to exploring a distinct plan type or clearer front‑end guidance to make expectations more predictable for applicants. Several members asked that the idea be put on the agenda for the upcoming council retreat for further policy direction.

What’s next: staff agreed to provide comparative examples from peer localities, a discussion of the administrative reduction policy and options for a separate agricultural plan type for the council retreat and subsequent meetings.