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Blair council sets $2,000 fee for conditional-use and rezoning applications amid business concerns
Summary
The Blair Common Council voted June 1 to set a $2,000 fee for conditional-use permits and rezoning applications despite objections that the cost could deter small businesses; the vote followed committee review of conflicting ordinance language.
The Blair Common Council voted June 1 to set the annual conditional-use permit and rezoning application fee at $2,000, a figure councilors said resolves conflicting ordinance language but drew objections about its impact on small startups.
Council member J. Anderson moved the fee ordinance change after the Police & Ordinance Committee flagged contradictory provisions in municipal code sections 46.03(5)(A) and (B) and 46.04(5)(C)(2). Attorney Mark Radcliffe previously reviewed the ordinance language, and the clerk noted authority in ordinance 46.05(E) when the council discussed fee-setting options.
Council member Tyler Palkowski said the $2,000 fee “is a lot of money for someone to try and start a business,” arguing it could discourage entrepreneurs seeking to operate from home. Clerk/Treasurer Debi Fremstad responded that businesses locating in established Business/Commercial Districts do not require conditional-use permits and that the fee targets home-occupation requests. The motion carried on a roll vote with one recorded no (T. Palkowski).
Councilors said the change aims to align fee practice with the city’s ordinance framework and to place the costs of zoning review on applicants rather than general taxpayers. The council directed the Police & Ordinance Committee to reconcile the conflicting code sections noted in the discussion.
The council’s approval takes effect as recorded in the meeting minutes; no immediate exemptions for specific applicants were announced.
