County staff proposes sliding-scale zoning-fee schedule; board asks for resolution

County planning staff presented a proposed overhaul of the zoning-fee schedule, recommending a sliding-scale, valuation-based fee structure to replace fees set nearly a decade ago.

Mr. Whitaker walked the board through the current fee table, sample calculations tied to structure valuation and comparisons with neighboring counties. He recommended moving from fixed small-dollar permits to a sliding scale tied to construction valuation (examples discussed included $90,000, $250,000 and $2 million construction values) and suggested eliminating small or rarely collected annual fees.

Board members pressed on exemptions for agricultural structures, permit-processing costs, and whether the changes should take effect July 1. Mr. Whitaker and the assessor’s office said the sliding scale would better capture true permitting costs and simplify administration. Members directed staff to draft a resolution for formal adoption at a future meeting and to set an effective date aligned with the fiscal year.

Next steps: staff will prepare a resolution and draft fee schedule language and present it to the board for consideration and possible adoption.