The Bonners Ferry City Council unanimously approved changes to planning and zoning fee applications during the council’s Oct. 21 meeting. 

The change is not intended to generate revenue, Bonners Ferry City Administrator Mike Klaus said. Instead, the fees are designed to cover the cost of staff time spent by city employees and the city’s consultants, Ruen Yeager & Associates, on P&Z matters.   

Several fee changes were approved by the council, including zone changes regarding land use applications. Professional services fees will now be charged if more than three hours of staff time are used. The same would apply to subdivision development agreements and site plan reviews.  

Stormwater, erosion and drainage land use applications now include residential areas, whereas before it was only commercial and industrial properties. 

For planned unit developments, mixed-use development fees will be reduced from $1,500 to $1,000, while residential fees will increase from $500 to $1,000 as both involve similar processing by planning, engineers, legal and city clerical staff.  

Floodplain development permits and mapping now include a $100 fee. Previously, there was no charge. 

There is also a $100 fee for review and processing modifications to approved building permits. Demolition permits now also require a fee of $100. Previously, neither had fees attached.