Commissioners deny building-permit fee waiver request from Stillwater Community Chapel

Community Development staff presented a request from the Stillwater Community Chapel in Grand Lake for a building permit fee waiver for a re-roofing project. Planner Hannah Mahorney and Director Kris Manguso reviewed historical waiver practices and noted variances for municipalities, Habitat for Humanity and other governmental entities.

Commissioners debated precedent and parity; Commissioner Merrit Linke moved to deny the fee waiver request for religious organizations to avoid setting a broader precedent, and the motion passed unanimously. Commissioners expressed appreciation for nonprofit work but concluded fee waivers for religious entities would be problematic.