Whitefish studies fee reductions for small projects

Reduced impact fees for small construction projects may be in the cards for Whitefish.

The City Council tonight will consider revisions to city regulations that would reduce fees for small projects and eliminate the requirement for separate water and sewer connections for accessory apartments. The recommendations were developed by the Public Works Department after the council expressed concerns about the current fees.

The Impact Fee Advisory Committee hasn’t reviewed the proposed changes, but could if the council so chooses.

Currently the minimum fees are $1,563 for water and $1,575 for sewer for projects with 20 or fewer fixture units. A home with 20 water and 14 sewer fixture units, as defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code, typically would have one full bathroom, a kitchen sink, dishwasher, clothes washer, mop/utility sink and two outside hose bibs.

Those same minimum fees apply to a small business with just a toilet and sink, Public Works Director John Wilson pointed out in his staff report.

The recommendation is to charge $78.15 per water fixture and $78.75 per sewer fixture. That way typical homes would match the current minimum but smaller projects would have lower fees.

City regulations also call for an accessory dwelling on the same lot as a primary residence to be serviced by separate water and sewer lines. Relaxing that requirement would reduce construction costs for certain smaller projects.

In other business, the council will consider awarding a contract for the construction of the second phase of the Geddes Avenue street reconstruction project being funded with resort tax revenue. The Public Works Department has recommended awarding the project to LHC Inc., the low bidder, for $765,533.

The council will hold a work session from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to talk about goals for the coming year.

Last year the council’s goals included the U.S. 93 South corridor plan, downtown parking, City Hall planning, downtown restroom improvements; fostering a relationship with BNSF Railway Co. regarding the Railway District, possible amendments to sign code, new cemetery development and Deport Park redevelopment.

Many of those same topics likely will be discussed tonight.

The regular meeting begins at 7:10 p.m.; both the work session and meeting are at Whitefish City Hall.