River Heights council adopts updated fee schedule, asks clarifications on winter parking and permit language

The River Heights City Council on June 2 adopted Resolution 5-2026, updating the city’s fee schedule and making the revised fees effective as presented with two conditions: the council directed staff to evaluate the proposed winter parking citation before charging it and to clarify the definition of “other structures” on the Zoning Clearance Permit (ZCP).

Recorder Sheila Lind explained the fee changes, noting a previously unlisted $100 kennel conditional use permit application fee and grouped fees for smaller structures such as sheds, decks and carports. Public Works Director Clayten Nelson said similar low‑impact structures take comparable staff time to review and recommended the fees be uniform; larger projects such as house additions or commercial buildings would retain higher fees.

Councilmember Mark Malmstrom moved to adopt Resolution 5-2026 with the stated conditions; Councilmember Kandi Evans seconded. The motion passed with Councilmembers Evans, Malmstrom, Milbank and Pitcher voting in favor and no opposition.

The adopted schedule includes a $50 winter parking citation fee (the council asked the city attorney and staff to verify legal authority before enforcement), a $100 kennel conditional use permit fee and explicit line items for many Zoning Clearance Permit categories. The resolution document lists multiple fees including water and sewer hookups, utility deposits, business license tiers and rental fees; the resolution states the updated schedule was adopted and effective May 2, 2026.

The council recorded the motion and accompanying discussion as its formal action; staff will return with clarifications on the ZCP language and legal guidance before applying the winter parking citation fee.

The council also approved the May 19, 2026 minutes and the evening’s agenda earlier in the meeting.