Lewisburg council trims proposed fees, defers open‑space in‑lieu charge after debate

Lewisburg — The Lewisburg Town Council on Nov. 10 adopted an amended schedule of planning and code‑enforcement fees after narrowing several proposals and postponing a larger developer fee‑in‑lieu for open space.

Town planner Mr. Satterpike told the council the town’s growth has increased workloads in planning, public works and solid waste, and staff proposed a range of adjustments to bring Lewisburg’s charges closer to comparable municipalities. Proposed changes included raising residential zoning permits from $50 to $150, commercial permits from $150 to $250, establishing a $300 multifamily zoning fee, and introducing a $100 residential certificate of appropriateness and $200 commercial certificate for work in Lewisburg’s historic district. Staff also proposed a $2,000 per‑lot fee‑in‑lieu for open space for large developments and new fines for failure to obtain required permits.

Council members pushed back on several items. Councilwoman Woods and others argued a $100 certificate fee would unduly burden homeowners doing modest work; Woods and another councilor said $50 would be more appropriate. Mr. Satterpike replied that routine maintenance and minor works (for example, small fence or driveway changes) do not require a certificate, and the higher fee targeted major projects only, but he agreed the council could choose a lower amount.

A councilor objected to allowing developers to pay a fee rather than provide on‑site green space, saying it encourages 'developments that are nothing' and urging the council to require green space. Staff said state law may permit fee‑in‑lieu options and pledged to research statutory limits.

After discussion the council voted to adopt the overall fee package with two changes: the certificate of appropriateness fee reduced to $50 for residential projects, and the proposed fee‑in‑lieu for open space was held (deferred) so staff can research statutory authority and report back. The motion carried by voice vote; precise roll‑call counts were not recorded in the meeting transcript.

The fee revisions also add or increase charges for preliminary plats ($100), final plats ($250 to $450 plus $20 per lot), sign‑permit failures ($100), temporary/special event permits ($50), and certain zoning verification letters ($50). Staff said new sign‑disposal fees and postage costs reflect rising costs for certified mailings and physical signage removal.

Council directed staff to return with any legal clarifications on fee‑in‑lieu authority and with a final ordinance text for formal adoption at a future meeting.