Atlas Twp. – Development in Atlas Township will see a cost increase this year.
The Atlas Township Planning Commission fees, such as fees for a zoning change or a final plat, are going up.
The raise is due to a $1,200 increase in annual contract fees announced by Wade-Trim of Flint, who provides planning services for the township.
‘Atlas Township is at some critical stages as far as development of our community,? said Atlas Township Supervisor Paul Amman. ‘I don’t think we can afford to change planners.?
The cost increase is being passed on in the form of raising fees, rather than paying the increase out of tax dollars, emphasized Amman.
‘I think it’s only right we pass that on, and not subsidize developers or development,? he said.
According to the 2004 fee schedule, fees have increased by $500 for an individual residential site plan to a $950 commercial fee.
Expect no increase in Atlas Township Zoning Board of Review fees such as obtaining a residential variance, says Tere Onica, Atlas Township clerk.
‘Generally those are residents who live here looking for permission to put up a pole barn or something on their property,? said Onica. ‘They’re not developing anything new.?
‘In parts of Genesee County our fees are high, but if you go to Oakland County, our fees are laughable, so I really don’t think we’re out of line,? said Amman, stressing the township isn’t making money on the fees.