Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves inspection‑fee ordinance recommendation to council, endorses reinspection fees and appeal process
Summary
Portales Planning and Zoning Commission approved forwarding a draft inspection‑fee ordinance to City Council that would recover reinspection costs (first three inspections free), set reinspection fees at $50 residential and $65 commercial, and provide an appeal process and mechanism for Council to adjust fees by resolution.
The Portales Planning and Zoning Commission voted to forward a draft inspection‑fee ordinance to City Council that would allow the city to recover costs for repeated property inspections. The draft is intended as reimbursement rather than a civil penalty and includes an appeal process.
Planning staff explained the proposal: the first three inspections — initial visit, a follow‑up and the certified‑letter inspection — would be free; reinspection fees would begin if a property remains out of compliance after the certified‑letter step. Staff proposed a $50 reinspection fee for residential properties and $65 for commercial properties, with monthly certified‑letter charges accruing until compliance. "Not civil penalties, not fines," staff said, describing the proposal as reimbursement for staff time and mailing and as an incentive to encourage compliance.
Commissioners expressed concern about fee volatility because costs such as postage, vehicle use, and salaries can change. Staff said the ordinance allows Council to revise fees by resolution without reworking the ordinance and that language can be added to permit an annual inflation adjustment subject to legal review.
Commission discussion also covered habitual offenders and collection mechanisms. Staff said the city gives property owners reasonable time to comply (door tags typically provide 5–7 days and certified letters set a later deadline), and if liens are necessary the city may seek reimbursement through lien processes after a year of nonpayment for abandoned or unresponsive properties. Commissioners reiterated the goal is to recoup costs, not to generate profit.
After debate, a motion to recommend the inspection‑fee ordinance and forward it to City Council passed on roll call. The ordinance includes an appeal process to Planning & Zoning and allows Council to adjust fees by resolution; staff recommended bringing the draft to Council for public hearings and potential adoption steps.
