Town board cuts planning pre-application fee from $500 to $100 to lower upfront costs

The Town of Washington board voted to lower the planning board's pre-application fee from $500 to $100 to reduce upfront costs for residents seeking early feedback.

Board members said the pre-application is typically a short, question-and-answer meeting and does not usually involve detailed plan review; if substantive consultant work is required after a pre-application, the town will request an escrow that can carry into a full application. A board member summarized the change as "the fee is changed from 500 to 100" when moving the motion.

Supporters said the reduced fee aligns the town with neighboring municipalities and encourages early engagement; no opposition was recorded during the discussion and the motion passed on a voice vote.

The change applies to the planning board's pre-application process only; the application fee and any escrow for detailed review remain in place.