Building Fees Reduced, Development Review Fees Increased as of May 1

MANATEE-County commissioners approved an 8 percent reduction in building fees and a 94 percent increase in development fees as part of its consent agenda at Tuesday’s regular meeting in county chambers.

The county’s recent consolidation of the building and planning department coupled with a streamlined process will benefit homeowners planning renovations with a lower and more inclusive building fee structure.

Conversely, development fees are being raised to cover the county’s work costs. It has been over twenty years since a cost or fee study has been done on development review fees. Maximus, a consultant working with the county, conducted a cost study which was initially presented to the board of county commissioners in a March 1, 2011 work session.

The fees will go into effect May 1, 2011.