Ada County adopts conservative update to Development Services fee schedule; staff reports outreach to builders

The Ada County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution No. 3149 on Nov. 21, adopting an update to the Development Services fee schedule that staff described as a conservative adjustment intended not to 'price people out.'

Richard Beck of Development Services told the board the last comprehensive fee review was in 2008 and that staff presented draft changes to the building contractors association to solicit feedback; Beck said contractors 'shrugged' at the proposed changes and staff had not received public comments opposing the update. The department noted some partner jurisdictions have higher fees while the county’s fees generally remain lower.

Commissioners said they had reviewed the staff recommendation as part of budget deliberations and that the adjustments were reasonable in light of the time since the last review. The board moved, seconded and adopted Resolution 3149 by voice vote. Staff will apply the updated fee schedule in upcoming budget work and publication sequences.