Council reviews code and permit‑fee changes, flags water‑connection charge as likely too low

Interlaken Town staff outlined a set of proposed code revisions and fee‑schedule changes at the March 3 meeting, including new permit categories and a reassessment of the town’s water‑connection charge.

Staff member S1 proposed separating demolition permits from new‑building permits, carving out site‑disturbance and flat‑work permits for landscaping and driveway work, and adding clearer enforcement language in the town’s fee resolution. S1 said this will let the town set distinct deposits and fees tied to the work and oversight required.

On water connections, S1 said the current new‑connection fee of $2,300 understates typical installation costs in many scenarios and suggested the town adopt a base charge with additional variable fees depending on complexity (for example, whether a lateral is under asphalt and whether a hot tap is required). "Our new water connection fee is $2,300," S1 said, and staff recommended reviewing material and labor cost tables before finalizing the schedule.

Council members discussed options, agreed the town should avoid subsidizing private installations, and asked staff to bring detailed cost estimates and a proposed fee matrix to the budget discussions in April and May.