Rising Sun adopts fee schedule changes to better cover planning, zoning and bulk-trash costs

The Town of Rising Sun on voice vote adopted Resolution 2021-13, which updates the town fee schedule to clarify and better reflect administrative, attorney, engineering and advertising costs associated with planning, zoning and land development processes.

Town administration explained the changes during the meeting, noting many fees predate current costs. The resolution clarifies nonrefundable deposits, reimbursement of town costs for building, land development and zoning services, and aligns some fees with county practices. Key changes discussed included keeping the annexation base fee at $500 but adding $10 per acre for parcels larger than one acre; raising the residential variance fee from $250 to $350 and the commercial variance fee from $500 to $600; maintaining an initial site-plan review fee of $500 for subdivisions under 40 units with a $10 per unit charge for units over 40; and a recordation fee tied to plat processing. The administration also recommended that the bulk-trash charge be represented as the price per the town’s contract with the waste hauler so scheduled contract increases do not require frequent fee-schedule amendments.

The board moved to adopt the resolution, which was seconded and approved by voice vote. The mayor said the updated fee schedule will be posted online. Commissioners noted the adjustments are intended to ensure applicants, rather than all taxpayers, bear costs associated with land-development applications and required advertising.