The exterior of Saint John City Hall is pictured in this file photo. (Staff photo)
Saint John council has approved the first two readings of a bylaw that would raise fees for zoning bylaws and heritage fees.
The changes were identified under last year’s financial sustainability report, and would make up $17,000 of a total $100,000 council hopes to recoup annually through increased fees.
Fee adjustments were chosen for several factors, including cost-recovery and to maintain competitiveness with other New Brunswick municipalities.
The zoning bylaw changes include increases for development permits, zoning bylaw amendments, and temporary approvals.
Fees increases for heritage conservation areas will include a doubling of the cost for heritage demolition permits to $2,000 and a $1,000 research fee to request for designation removal.
The bylaw will come back before council for a third and final reading on March 22.
Further fees relating to the Peddlers and Hawkers bylaw, and Use of Sidewalks bylaw will come before council over the coming months.
