Welcome to Skagit County

February 14th, 2007

SKAGIT COUNTY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO RECOVER 100 PERCENT OF PERMIT COSTS WITH NEW FEE STRUCTURE

SKAGIT COUNTY – In response to a budget request from the Skagit County Board of Commissioners, the Planning and Development Services Department is introducing a new fee structure, effective April 1, 2007, that provides funding for 100 percent of current planning and building services.

In February, 2006, the Commissioners assembled a citizen’s advisory board whose mission was to assist with the development of priorities and strategies for the development of a five-year budget forecast and goals and objectives for the 2007 county budget. The advisory board recommended some actions that directly affect the department. The board implemented the advisory board’s recommendations in Resolution R20060226. Goal #5 giving direction to the Planning & Development Services 2007 revenue budget as follows:

“Planning and Development Services shall prepare and submit an updated fee schedule that will provide 100 percent funding for current planning and building services, including direct and indirect overhead costs. “

The department responded by updating the revenue schedule which is reflected in the attached proposed fee schedule. The planning fee schedule was based in part on staff timesheets for the year and on institutional knowledge of planning practices, regulatory requirements, and customer service objectives.

With this fee schedule, the department expects to meet the goal of 100 percent cost recovery for services provided, excluding comprehensive planning.

For further information, contact:
Bill Dowe
Skagit County Building Official
360-9410