11/10/1975 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Betty Niven, 3940 Hilyard Street, member of the Fee Review Committee previously established to determine allocation of planning fees between the general public and applicants, expressed concern about attempting to ensure a developer was bear- e ing his share of planning services requested when in reality it would be borne by the consumer. She thought the aggregate of fees charged to the developer - build- ing permits, sidewalk permits, etc., as well as planning fees - would have an impact on the cost of housing, particularly for "modest-income" people. She continued that the Fee Review Committee spent considerable time determining how much benefit really went to the consumer and how much to the general public She urged the Council not to make a change in the existing allocation of planning fees until after the Plan- ning Commission has adopted new pun regulations now under consideration. That con- sideration, she said, includes the possibility of shifting away from use of pun procedures for small projects to site review procedures and outright zoning. If that happens, she thought it would have a bearing on this particular fee schedule. Referring the matter to the Budget Committee now, she said, wluld take just as much time as spent by the Fee Review Committee and would not result in anything drastically different from the existing apportionment of fees. John Boyer, Associated General Contractos, 1445 Willamette Street, expresed surprise that a change was being considered in the percentage allocation of fees for plan- ning services. He endorsed Mrs. Niven's testimony and asked that any proposed in- crease not take effect at least until May I, 1976. He didn't think any increase for housing to the consumer would be of benefit to the community, especially at tqis time when builders were starting into a "tough winter." . Randy Cuddeback, 2205 Lorane Highway, supported thetffitimony of both Mrs. Niven and Mr. Boyer. e Councilman Murray for clarification explained that Council action was to approve the fee schedule as drawn up. but with the additional intent to restudy the plan- ning fee issue. He said that did not imply the earlier fee schedule necessarily was wrong, but did question perhaps whether it was the best that could be developed. He agreed it was discouraging to think of increasing the cost of housing; yet it was difficult to be concerned about the impact of relative minor fees as compared to the increase of housing at a degree that financially outdistances the capacity of all. Councilman Haws pointed out a correction he thought was needed in the November 5 committee minutes with regard to the vote on motion to refer the planning fees to the budget committee revenue subcommittee. He said he thought Councilman Williams voted against the motion and that Councilman Hamel voted aye. Mayor Anderson thought the members of the Fee Review Committee were entitled to see the schedule they developed utilized through at least more than one building season. He asked the Council to table the issue .until the Planning Commission had acted on new pun regulations which would have a definite bearing on any new formula that might be developed. He said he would not support any suggested increase that would change the existing formula, either from the revenue subcommittee or from the Council. Mr. Hamel moved second by Mr. Keller to table the issue of fees for planning processes. Councilman Bradley called for a point of order. He asked if it was appropriate to e ask for reconsideration rather than a tabling action. Mayor Anderson replied that the action taken in committee was not official at this point. Councilwoman Shirey asked then if the action on approving a fee schedule was separate from committee action. The Mayor replied that the tabling issue involved only the formula for the planning fees. Vote was taken on the motion to table. Motion defeated - Council members Keller and Hamel voting aye; Council members Murray, Beal, Bradley, Haws, and Shirey voti~g uo. 594- 11/10/75 - 19