An increase in fees for commercial construction projects is raising concerns from local developers who say the industry already faces rising costs to build in the city.
Pittsburgh developers are calling an increase in zoning review fees for commercial properties “egregious and excessive” and an “unreasonable burden” that is driving up the cost of building in the city, reports Mark Belko for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
According to Brandon Mendoza, executive director of an association representing developers and other real estate professionals, the new fee of $3 per $1,000 of commercial project “amounts to a twenty-fold increase over what developers were charged last year for the same zoning review.” Developers argue the new fees will have a chilling effect on construction in the city, drive builders away, and undermine efforts to boost affordable housing production. Belko notes that fees for residential permits are $1 per $1,000 of project, “not as hefty as for commercial but still substantial.”
Some developers argue the new fee schedule is “borderline illegal” because “Pennsylvania law does not allow municipalities to use their power to charge fees ‘for issuing licenses or permits for the purpose of raising revenue.’” A lawyer for Walnut Capital said any fees above and beyond the costs associated with issuing the permit are an “unauthorized tax” and not permitted by state law. Developers are asking the city to suspend and review the new fee schedule.
FULL STORY: ‘Bordering on illegal’: Pittsburgh’s new zoning review fees draw wrath from developers
San Francisco Must Streamline Permitting Process
After failing to meet state targets for housing production, the city must create a shorter permitting process under a 2023 state law.
Seattle Council Rejects Transportation Impact Fee
Councilmembers who opposed the proposal say the fee would have slowed housing development and raised housing costs.
How Cities Can Support ADU Production
Although state-level laws are making it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units, high impact and development fees remain a major barrier for many prospective ADU builders.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits
Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.
For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits
Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.
New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place
The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners