Consultant outlines proposed subdivision review fee updates for Ballard

Jeff Baker, representing Jones & DeMille, presented a proposed fee schedule for subdivision review and inspection at Ballard's Combined City/Zoning work meeting on March 18, 2026. He compared Ballard's current fees with those of other entities and identified which fees the consultant recommended holding steady and which could be adjusted.

The discussion focused on ensuring fee levels are comparable to neighboring jurisdictions and on which line items should change to better recover review and inspection costs. The transcript records that "various items were discussed, detailing which fees would remain unchanged and which were proposed for adjustments, particularly concerning fees for subdivisions," but it does not report specific dollar amounts or the exact fee categories recommended for change.

Council members and staff continued the discussion later in the meeting, asking about fairness and budget implications. The transcript does not show any formal motion, vote, or final decision on specific fee changes; next steps were not recorded in the transcript.