Planning board backs proposed fee increases and distributes updated handbook

At the April 21 meeting Alton Town Planning Board members reviewed a draft schedule of increased application fees and voted to move the changes to a public hearing next month for formal adoption.

Staff noted increases in mailing and newspaper costs and recommended raising fees to provide a buffer; board members agreed to proceed to a public hearing rather than adopt changes at the meeting. The board also acknowledged receipt of the New Hampshire Planning and Land Use Regulations handbook and the 2025 Planning Board Handbook for Local Officials, copies of which were placed in members' binders.

No formal fee ordinance was adopted at this meeting; the board authorized staff to prepare the public-notice materials and a hearing for the next meeting.