Collier County has announced plans to cut development fees and to hire 16 new staff to handle the increased number of applications from developers and builders. The County commissioners agreed to lower fees for development-related applications, processing reviews and inspection by 3.5% as well as a minor reduction to engineering re-inspection fees. The county estimates that the reduction will save developers approximately $401,000 per year.
The payroll for the 16 new full-time positions will be funded by current user-fee reserves and will have no impact on the general fund. The Growth Management Department will hire four senior building inspectors, a fire plans reviewer, a permitting supervisor, planners, technicians and other professionals. “Our goal is to promote a business-friendly environment and we believe that lowering fees and hiring more people to serve the increase in customers helps us achieve that goal,” says Growth Management Department Head David Wilkison in a statement.
