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

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie