It will be costlier to develop in the City of Red Deer as several kinds of permit fees will rise on April 1.
City council approved on Monday a policy to increase permit fees annually by the consumer price index. They further approved a bylaw with the fee increases.
The changes in costs vary.
For instance, a development permit fee for a 500-square-metre new commercial development is $425 instead of the $65 cost before. A building permit reinspection fee is now $110 instead of $100.
A staff report says the city has lagged behind compared to other cities.
Now the city is in the middle of the pack.
For example, Calgary charges $1,273 for a 500-square-metre commercial building while Grande Prairie charges $550.
Council was further told the changes are needed to better offset municipal costs.
Councillor Tara Veer was the sole one to vote against the fee increases, saying she would have preferred them staggered over a period of time.
“To push it all on the industry, particularly during these economic times, is punitive,” Veer said.
City Inspections and Licensing Department manager Paul Meyette said the fees haven’t changed in about 10 years.
He said the development industry was informed that changes would be forthcoming as of April 1 and the city hasn’t received any negative feedback.
“No one responded to the changes so then let’s go for it,” said Councillor Lynne Mulder.
Council then unanimously supported the new policy.
Contact Laura Tester at ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com