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Planning director outlines proposed permit and hearing fee increases; vote set for next month
Summary
Erin Ladd presented a comprehensive update to Planning & Zoning fees—raising building permit bases, introducing demolition and temporary-structure fees, and adding per-abutter hearing fees—with board discussion and a plan to vote at a future meeting for July 1 implementation.
Erin Ladd told the board April saw strong planning activity and that zoning and administrative fees have not kept pace with workload; she proposed substantial increases to building-permit fees (example: single-family residence base fee from $165 to $450 plus $0.15/SF), higher public-hearing bases with a per-abutter charge, new demolition and temporary-structure fees, and a fee for residential solar projects. Ladd said some costs—mailing notices to abutters, staff time—are currently subsidized by the town and the new schedule aims to recoup administrative expenses.
Board members asked about details and timing; George Tucker, Jr. suggested escrow for large commercial projects to cover future liabilities, and Justin Hyjek asked about temporary-tent permits. Penny Wu and staff plan to return with the final proposal for a vote next month with an intended effective date of July 1, 2026. No vote was taken tonight; the board requested additional materials and implementation planning before adoption.
