After allowing the schedule to sit dormant since 1994, the Independence Township Building Department took time to review the residential building, planning and zoning fees ? with rate increases approved for both residential and commercial at the Jan. 10 board meeting.
According to Building Department Director Dave Belcher, officials checked with nearby townships to ensure numbers remain within reason.
‘This will help offset some of the expenses in the general fund,? Belcher told the board. He elaborated that even though the township can not make a profit on the fees, bringing the rates up will help to bring the department closer to the edge of the red zone.
Some of the changes include:
? Rezoning from $495 plus $10 per acre to $600 plus $25 per acre.
? Preliminary PUD/PRD Review increased from $300 to $450.
? Conceptual site plan reviews: for any project from $200 plus $10 per acre to $350 plus $25 per acre; commercial or industrial the same; and multiple/single family homes from $300 plus $10 to $450 plus $25 per acre.
? Zoning Board of Appeals: residential from $65 and $90 to $125 and $200, and third party to $400; commercial from $135 to $500; and special ZBA meeting from $350 to $500.
The new fee schedule will take effect on March 1. Residents should stop by the building department to review the complete fee schedule. Please contact the building department at 248-625-8111 with any questions or for more information.