AGENDA DATE: 3/1/2023
TITLE:
Title
Resolution of Intent for Community Development Department Fees Structure Update
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Adopt a Resolution of Intent to amend the fees in the Zoning Ordinance and schedule a public hearing to consider amending Community Development fees in Albemarle County Code Chapters 5 (Building Regulations), 7 (Health and Safety), 14 (Subdivision of Land), 17 (Water Protection), and 18 (Zoning Ordinance)
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Rosenberg, Herrick, Filardo, Shifflett
PRESENTER (S): Dave Shifflett
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: Under Chapters 5, 7, 14, 17, and 18 of the County Code, the Department of Community Development (CDD) charges fees in order to recover the cost of providing a number of services. On April 21, 2021, the Board adopted increases in CDD fees consistent with the policy of following Board-approved salary adjustments. In addition, a technology surcharge and fees for several services previously provided without charge were added to the fee schedule.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality Government Operations - Ensure County government’s capacity to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities
DISCUSSION: A CDD fee structure update project would use staff and a consultant to explore best practices regarding fee structures and fee methodologies. The goals of this project would be to:
a) consolidate the fees into one unified fee schedule,
b) simplify fees so they are easier for customers to understand and staff to administer,
c) consolidate and align the fees to be consistent with staff effort required while remaining revenue neutral, and
d) adopt the fees in such a way that they provide the option to amend as needed.
This fee structure update would precede the new Community Development System (CDS) and be implemented as part of that system implementation.
Code amendments would consolidate fees currently found in five different sections of the Code into one. In addition, within each of the fee regulations, the project team would identify opportunities to combine and simplify fees that currently consist of multiple separate fees; compare similar fees charged by six other localities; and conduct stakeholder listening sessions both early in the process and again once a unified fee schedule recommendation was developed. Prior to any public hearings to amend the regulations, staff would conduct a work session with the Board, currently scheduled in June. Public hearings are anticipated in the fall with an effective date of January 1, 2024.
BUDGET IMPACT: There are no budget impacts identified with this item. The consultant services were planned within the FY 23 budget for Community Development. The fee update is intended to be revenue-neutral.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board:
1) Adopt the attached Resolution of Intent (Attachment A) to amend the Community Development Department Fees in the County Code; and
2) Direct staff to schedule public hearing(s) to consider the adoption of any proposed fee ordinance(s).
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Zoning Ordinance Resolution