Shelton staff propose 6% permit surcharge, new fees and updates to fire and public-works permits

City staff presented the proposed 2026 master fee schedule, which includes housekeeping edits and several new or clarified fees.

Interim Finance Director Terry Schnitzer and community development staff said the schedule anticipates a new mobile business license and consolidates permit-related transaction charges by adding a 4% technology fee along with a 2% credit-card processing fee (a 6% addition to permit fees). Staff described this as an administrative simplification to avoid separate line items and to capture costs currently absorbed by the city. The council was told the changes would be effective Jan. 1, 2026, if adopted.

Staff also noted new or clarified fire marshal permit categories (alarm, hazardous operations, suppression permits, biannual inspections), and public-works items such as a sign-and-barricade rental option. Council members discussed implementation timing and the need to coordinate updates with permitting software vendors to ensure accurate invoicing.

Council moved Resolution 1408-1025 forwarding the master fee schedule and related ordinance updates to the Dec. 2 action agenda for final consideration.