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State raises erosion/stormwater permit fees; Lynchburg must amend local code by July 1
Summary
Staff told council that state law increases erosion and stormwater management fees by roughly 35–40% effective July 1; Lynchburg will retain 70% of the fee (remit 30% to state) and staff recommended in-house review will speed permits compared with DEQ timelines.
Planning and permit staff warned council on June 23 that the state has revised statute and that localities must adopt updated erosion and stormwater management fees effective July 1.
Tom Martin briefed the council and said the fee increase is statewide — roughly a 35–40% adjustment — and that the city will retain 70% of collected fees and remit 30% to the state. He said permit review done by the city typically takes 15 days to a month, while review done by the state agency can take 2–12 months. He and council members discussed whether local fees or other local charges could be adjusted to offset higher development costs passed on to developers and ultimately to renters or homeowners.
Staff said the ordinance amendment to adopt state-mandated fees will be scheduled for a public hearing on July 14. Council members asked staff to consider whether local development fees could be adjusted to keep Lynchburg comparatively affordable for development.
