The core of the meeting revolved around discussions of adjusting land use fees to align with those of neighboring Alpha, with a focus on the implications for homeowners and the town’s financial stability. Members debated whether to set fees higher than Alpha’s to ensure the town’s departments operate without resorting to a tax increase. The subcommittee underscored the urgency of revising the zoning ordinance and highlighted the distinction between fees for new constructions versus existing buildings.

A significant portion of the board’s time was dedicated to the possibility of changing variance fees. Currently, the town charges a flat rate of $100 for a variance without regard to the number required. The board examined practices from other municipalities that charge per variance, potentially increasing fees for applicants with multiple variances. The introduction of a square footage model for fee calculation was also on the table. Members engaged in a debate over the impact of such changes on smaller projects and discussed the contrasts between building and zoning permits, as well as the cost and frequency of inspections.

Further, the board scrutinized the classification and determination of fees associated with site plan applications. The conversation entailed a member raising concerns about the necessity for the board to make decisions on application classifications and the need to update the fee schedule to reflect the varying types of applications. Deliberations ensued about whether to charge separate fees for preliminary and final applications, with the aim of devising a more comprehensive fee structure. The board examined practices from other communities, including Manville, which employs a square foot-based fee schedule.

To address these issues, the board resolved to form a committee to consider and potentially propose a new fee structure. The need for further collaboration and research to determine specific numbers for the fee schedule was acknowledged. A public comment period allowed for a resident to inquire about the status of these discussions. The board clarified that while no decisions had been finalized, they were diligently working on recommendations to be presented to the Town Council and preparations for a report with specific numbers and fees to be ready for the following month.

The discussion of site plan applications and their fees was another focal point. The board considered examples from other communities and reiterated the need to ensure that fees adequately cover the costs involved in reviewing applications. Concerns about outstanding bills were also addressed, with the intention of ensuring that fees are not only fair but also fiscally responsible.