Understanding User Fees – Part 1: Planning & Building Services

Last week I mentioned that I'd be taking a closer look at Norfolk County's proposed user fees.

Rather than trying to cover hundreds of different fees in one article, I've decided to break this topic into a short series. Today, I'm starting with Planning and Building Services.

When people hear the words "user fees," the first reaction is often, "Here we go again... another increase."

After researching this topic, I came away with a different perspective.

The better question isn't simply "How much are the fees?"

The better question is:

What kind of planning system do we want for Norfolk County?

When I began researching this article, I assumed Norfolk's planning fees would be significantly higher than neighbouring municipalities.

I was surprised.

After comparing Norfolk with both Haldimand County and Oxford County, I found that many of Norfolk's planning fees are actually quite competitive. Some are lower, some are similar and a few are higher depending on the application.

I also went back through historical fee schedules to see how planning fees have changed over time.

Like most municipal costs, they have increased over the past decade. That's not unexpected as municipalities continue moving toward recovering the true cost of providing specialized planning services.

To put these fees into perspective, imagine a business looking to build or expand in Norfolk County. Before construction even begins, they may need planning applications, engineering, surveying, environmental studies and legal advice. Those costs can quickly add up before the first shovel even enters the ground.

That's why I believe the conversation has to be bigger than simply asking whether a fee is too high or too low. We should also be asking whether the overall process encourages investment.

Municipalities rely on three primary sources of revenue: property taxes, grants and user fees. User fees help recover the cost of services that primarily benefit a specific person, property owner, business or group rather than the community as a whole. I support that principle. If someone receives a service specific to their project, it's reasonable that they contribute toward the cost.

As a member of Council, I had the opportunity to serve on Norfolk County's Official Plan Review Committee. I also served on the Policy Committee at the Long Point Region Conservation Authority.

Clear policies create better decisions.

During my time at the Conservation Authority, we recognized that applicants and consultants needed greater certainty. A committee was formed to develop clearer policies so everyone understood the expectations before investing significant time and money.

I believe the same philosophy applies to Norfolk County today.

Last week, while attending Council, I spoke with the planning consultant representing one of the applications before Council. They mentioned that the application had taken years to work through the planning process.

Planning isn't simply about issuing permits. It often involves years of technical studies, revisions, agency comments and policy interpretation before Council ever votes on an application.

This discussion is especially timely because Norfolk County is in the process of updating its Official Plan to reflect Ontario's new Provincial Planning Statement.

An Official Plan isn't just a planning document. It becomes the policy framework that guides development decisions for years to come.

As those policies are reviewed and updated, we have an opportunity to ask an important question:

Can we create policies that continue to protect our communities while also making Norfolk County easier to invest in?

I believe we can.

Good policy doesn't remove discretion.
It reduces uncertainty.

One thing I found encouraging during my research was that Planning staff weren't simply recommending fee increases.

They were also looking at the applicant's experience.

Recent recommendations included creating a lower-cost Routine Minor Variance category for simpler applications, reducing fees for smaller Site Plan applications, and bringing back reimbursement of pre-consultation fees to encourage applicants to meet with staff early in the process.

That tells me Planning staff are thinking about the applicant's experience as well as cost recovery.

Planning fees are only one part of the cost of investing in Norfolk County.

Businesses also invest in engineering, surveying, environmental studies, architects, legal services, financing and construction long before they open their doors.

If we want to attract investment and create more local jobs, we need more than competitive fees.

We need competitive processes.

One comment shared with me during this campaign has really stuck with me.

Our goal should be to create a culture that helps people succeed in their endeavours rather than beginning with reasons why something can't be done.

Helping people succeed doesn't mean lowering standards. It doesn't mean ignoring good planning. It means creating clear policies, consistent expectations and modern processes that protect the public interest while making Norfolk County an attractive place to invest.

Throughout my career as a systems analyst, I've spent decades improving business processes.

Technology doesn't replace good people.
It gives them better tools.

Imagine being able to submit applications online, track their progress, receive automatic notifications, understand exactly where your application stands, and access the information you need without unnecessary delays.

Technology won't replace professional planning judgment. But it can make government easier to navigate.

I believe the role of municipal government is to help people succeed in their endeavours while protecting the public interest.

When our policies are clear, our processes are predictable and our technology supports both residents and staff, everyone benefits.

That's the kind of planning culture I'd like to help build in Norfolk County.

Next Week

Understanding User Fees – Part 2: Development Charges

Where does the money go?
How much has it increased?
How does Norfolk compare with neighbouring municipalities?

And perhaps most importantly...

Are we delivering the infrastructure that growth is paying for?