Board approves fast-track surcharge option; members raise equity and queueing concerns

The adopted schedule adds a 'fast-track' surcharge intended to accelerate permit review times for applicants that need quicker turnaround, department staff said. The department described the fast-track as an option to pay for prioritization; local professionals had requested it to meet weather windows or mortgage deadlines.

"The fast track is to speed up the process," Gina James said, describing the option for applicants who need permit review in less than the department's preferred lead time. Staff told the board the fast-track can move a review ahead in scheduling but that they do not intend to delay other applicants who followed the normal timeline. One board member said, “I don't it's not right to affect somebody else just because somebody's willing to give you an extra $100,” urging staff to be cognizant of fairness when prioritizing work.

Staff and board members discussed septic-plan reviews specifically: staff said general turnaround for septic plan review is usually under two weeks and that the fast-track was proposed to shorten some reviews to around four days for a doubled permit fee, a change requested by local professionals to meet time-sensitive project needs. The board requested staff be careful to avoid creating inequities between individual homeowners and larger developers.