Dagsboro Schedules Public Hearing To Discuss Permit Cost Increases

The Dagsboro Town Council plans to hold a public hearing on proposed changes to permit fees. 

Building and sign permit fees have been under review by the Dagsboro Town Council for several months.  A cost analysis by town staff reveals associated permit costs lag considerably behind fees.

At the October 19 Council meeting Councilman Bill Chandler addressed the situation with Council who shared his concern that the Town is running in deficit with each permit application processed.  Increased staff, engineering and legal costs necessitated the review.  The fees have not been reviewed in more than a decade.

Mayor Jason Russell accepted Councilman Chandler’s offer to draft an ordinance to amend the building and sign permit fees.

The draft ordinance would amend Chapter 75-9 (A) and (B) and Chapter 275 A. (3) of Dagsboro’s Municipal Code.

The proposed ordinance sets the new construction permit fee at 1.5% of the building valuation.  The rate for all other construction, rebuilding and renovation work would be set at 1.5% of the gross cost with a minimum fee of $500.  The proposed sign permit fee is $500. 

The purpose of the ordinance is to allow the Town to collect sufficient funds to cover the costs to the town for staff and professional fees incurred for these services. 

The public is invited to comment on the proposed changes at the December 21 Dagsboro Town Council meeting to be held at the Bethel Center located at 28307 Clayton Street.  The meeting begins at 6 p.m.