90-day moratorium on new subdivisions

Commissioners imposed a 90-day moratorium on any new major and minor subdivisions and any related building permits and approved a new fee schedule for the planning and zoning department at their Wednesday, Dec. 14 meeting.

During district reports, commissioner Jason Proctor noted that the planning and zoning is upside down on fees and the amount they charge in permits does not cover the amount it costs for inspections.
One example given by planning and zoning director Jeremy Gilbert is that the county has a $100 flat fee for repair/remodel and he’s had projects where inspectors have been required to visit the work site six times or more.

“The way it’s set up right now, we can’t afford the growth that’s coming and the burden falls on taxpaying citizens,” said commissioner Proctor.

County manager Rogers said three or four years ago the estimates recommended for impacts fees were from $5,000 to $6,000 and the county’s impact fees are currently set at $2,400.

Chairman Johnson said surrounding counties’ impact fees are around $3,500 and will be going up soon.
Commissioners approved an updated fee scheduled that was altered by the planning and zoning director and commissioner Jason Proctor and was to go into effect as soon as the chairman signed and authorizes it.

Commissioner Proctor also made a motion to place a 90-day moratorium on any new major and minor subdivisions until the impact fee schedule can be altered.

“We’re not trying to stop building because we can’t stop it by law, but we are trying to protect our citizens who live here,” said Proctor.