Higher Fees for Zoning Permits Possible

Sometimes the fees residents and builders pay for zoning permits doesn't cover the cost associated with reviewing them, so the town is left to foot the bill.

This was the case most recently with a dual application for the parcel at 100 Miller Road, according to information discussed during a Bethany Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Wednesday. The cost to publish a state statute-mandated legal notice in a local newspaper runs $300 alone, a zoning official said.

“It’s time to get that situation fixed,” said Commission Chairman Sharon Huxley.

And so, the zoning department is working on a new fee structure that could increase the amount people pay when pulling a permit. Exactly what the new fees would be remains to be seen.

Once the draft of new fees is complete, it will be reviewed by the zoning commission. From there, if approved, it would head to the Board of Selectmen and, ultimately, to the Town Council - since the fees are dictated by town ordinance, not the zoning regulations.

Here's a rundown of the fees for permits as it stands now:

Residential

• A - New Construction: $100
• B - Addition: $50
• C - Modification to Existing Permit: $25
• D - Site Plan Review: $150

Business

• A - New Construction: $200
• B - Addition: $100
• C - Modification to Existing Permit: $100
• D - Site Plan Review: $300
• E - Change of Use: $100

Special Exception with Public Hearing: $300

Subdivision/Re-Subdivision

• 1 - Subdivision/Re-subdivision: $300
• 2 - Per Lot Fee for Sub/Resub with Public Hearing: $300
• 3 - Special Exception Rear Lot with Public Hearing: $300
• 4 - Per Lot for Special Exception Rear Lot: $100
• 5 - New Road Fee: $50 per 100 feet

Other

• Zone Change with Public Hearing: $500
• Home Business or Roadside Stand to Sell Fruit/Vegetables: $10
• Sign: $25

Certificate of Zoning Compliance

• Residential: $25
• Business and Industrial: $50