Port Colborne may be looking to jack up building permit fees

The fact that Port Colborne is having a public meeting isn’t big news. They have those all the time.

However, the subject matter should certainly be of some concern to both developers within the city and homeowners looking to build everything from decks to expansions on their house.

The city is holding a public meeting on May 17 at 6:30 pm because they plan on adopting a proposed new Building Permit Fee By-law.

To be certain, they’re not looking to reduce fees. If the bylaw goes through, they might even be adding new ones.

The city said, “The effect (of the bylaw change) will be to increase the existing fee structure and introduce new fees.”

Residents and developers will be able to see the proposed fee increase when the city releases its public meeting agenda package on their website on May 12.

Alternatively, residents can subscribe to have meeting packages sent directly to their email inbox on May 12.

Anyone who wants to participate in the meeting is asked to submit a written submission that will be circulated to City Councillors prior to the meeting.

Written submissions and virtual participation requests must be received by noon on May 17 by emailing [email protected] or calling 905-835-2900 x115.

Written submissions can also be submitted to the mail slot, located at the front-left of City Hall, 66 Charlotte Street.