Bel Air Fees Increase to Cover Costs

Several fee increases were approved at Monday's Bel Air  . 

Costs to add residential driveway markings, access sign permits and review new building plans all rose to help the town keep up with costs. The resolution was passed unanimously.

The "driveway fee," which previously cost $15, will now be included as a utility permit for $50.

“Driveways we do under utility permits, so we just included driveways [in utility permits],” Director of Public Works Randy Robertson said at last Tuesday's work session.

Commissioner Bob Preston questioned whether the fee was too high for properties that already had curbs cut. Town Administrator Chris Schlehr said Robertson could use discretion to lower costs in those situations.

Additional fees to review site building plans or subdivision revision nearly doubled in price. Costs for residential site plans rose from $50 to $100, and review of institutional and commercial plans increased from $5 to $25 a lot or acre. (See attached document.)

Signage costs also rose, with permits for residential signs or others less than 25 square feet increasing from $15 to $25. Permits for other signs could increase from $40 to $50. 

The system development fee increased by 6 percent, which is a standard annual measure, Schlehr said.