Agenda Item #____
Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
September 11, 2007
Agenda Report #_ _
TO: Mayor and Councilors
SUBJECT: Proposed fee schedule for the Planning Department
INITIATED BY: Planning Department
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Recommendation: Approval is requested to assess fees for various Planning
Department operations.
Background: In February, 2007, the Planning Department submitted its Strategic
Action Plan which outlined the department's future needs and objectives. One
of the strategic goals called for the maintaining of a professional staff,
which would require the hiring of additional planning personnel. As part of
our proposed budget for fiscal year 2008, three additional planning positions
were proposed, mainly to help address the potential impact of BRAC and other
developments on the community. Realizing that at this time the General Fund
could not support this request, the department proposed increasing certain fees
to help pay for these positions.
Analysis: The only fee presently being charged is for rezoning applications.
All other items are being performed at the city's cost. Staff has already had
direct conversation with the Greater Columbus Home Builders Association
concerning these proposed fee increases. Attached is a copy of the letter from
the organization in support of this action. The Planning Department is
proposing the adoption of these fees by Council and an implementation date of
November 1, 2007
Financial Considerations: The revenue generated from the proposed fees would
provide for the hiring of this additional personnel, while offsetting the cost
of development review. The collection of these funds would then be placed in a
dedicated account for the sole purpose of funding these positions. As with
other accounts of this type, the hiring of new staff members would only occur
when the funding is made available.
Legal Considerations: The City Attorney has reviewed this action
Recommendations/ Actions: Implement a fee schedule for Planning Department
operations.
Attachments