CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. The cost of renovating a building in New Castle could be on the rise next year, as the towns planning department is proposing several hikes to its building permit fees.
Town Planner Sabrina Charney Hull said the department is currently undercharging for the permits, and the services provided outweigh the fees paid. By increasing the fees, she hopes to give applicants incentive to move forward on projects and also make better use of the departments time.
We spend a lot of time reviewing the site work aspect where we dont have a permit, Hull said at Tuesday nights Town Board work session.
The proposed fee schedule is still in the early stages, and changes would be voted on at the boards 2013 reorganizational meeting in January.
Town Supervisor Susan Carpenter said New Castles current fee schedule is well below what other municipalities charge.
I think what were looking at right now is making our fee schedule be comparable to fee schedules of other towns, basically, said Carpenter. It reflects a little bit more of the towns work.
Proposed changes to the fee schedule include:
Construction of a single-family residence ?2012: First 2,000 square feet is $1,000 and each additional square foot is $1. Proposed 2013: First 2,000 square feet is $1,500 and each additional square foot is $1.50.
Additions/alterations to a single-family residence ?2012: First $1,000 (cost of the project) is $50 and each additional $1,000 is $10. Proposed 2013: First $1,000 (cost of the project) is $100 and each additional $1,000 is $15.
New construction/alterations/additions for commercial, multifamily, religious and public-assembly buildings 2012: First $1,000 (cost of the project) is $50 and each additional $1,000 is $10. Proposed 2013: First $1,000 (cost of the project) is $100 and each additional $1,000 is $18.
Title searches ?2012: $50 flat fee. Proposed 2013: $100 flat fee.
Filling and grading permits ?2012: $150 flat fee. Proposed 2013: First $1,000 (cost of the project) is $100 and each additional $1,000 is $15.
Wetland permits ?Environmental Review Board, 2012: $125. Proposed 2013: $225.
Planning Board, 2012: $275.?Proposed 2013: $325.
Building permit inspection fees ?2012: $50 per inspection for single-family residences less than 5,000 square feet. Proposed 2013: $100 per inspection for everything other than single-family residences.
Tree permits ?2012: No charge. Proposed 2013: $30 first three trees removed and $10 each additional tree.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Chappaqua and receive free news updates.