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Commissioners hold first reading of Resolution 26-14 to amend development services fee schedule
Summary
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on June 16 advanced Resolution 26-14, a first reading to revise fees tied to a new online permitting system, including a cap on change-of-use fees, a new foundation-only fee and a permit category for EV chargers. The board scheduled a second reading in two weeks.
Columbia County commissioners on June 16 held a first reading of Resolution 26-14 to amend the county’s development services fee schedule, part of an effort to support a new online permitting system.
Commissioner Malier moved to approve the first reading and staff explained several changes to make permit types clearer in the online application. A staff member said the draft changes include “a cap on a change of use fee,” noting, “Right now, we it could cost, for example, Amazon could pay an $80,000 fee. He's putting a cap at 24,000, on that.” The staff member also described a new “foundation only” fee, saying, “So if you're building a building, you can come in and pay 5% of the of the fee upfront to get your foundation approved while you're designing the rest of your building.” The package also adds a fee line for EV charging stations and other cosmetic updates to clarify which permit applies to an activity.
Commissioner Malier asked about timing. The staff member responded, “I would say as soon as you adopt it, it goes into effect,” indicating the board could make the changes operative immediately upon formal adoption. Commissioners discussed whether the changes would be effective the next day or the first of the month; staff advised immediate effect at adoption.
The motion was seconded and the board proceeded with the first-reading action; the item is scheduled for a second reading in two weeks. The first reading establishes the proposed changes for formal adoption on a subsequent vote and does not itself finalize the ordinance.
The changes aim to reduce large, unexpected change-of-use fees for major developments, provide a mechanism to approve foundational work earlier in project timelines, and clarify permit categories for applicants using the county’s forthcoming online system. The staff presentation cited examples and said some items are cosmetic clarifications while others are fee adjustments.
The board did not finalize adoption at first reading; a second reading and formal adoption are expected at the next meeting.
