Halifax's planning process to get major restructuring, fees may increase

Major changes are proposed for Halifax's planning and developmentdepartment including restructuring,streamlining approval processesand increases to the fees chargedfor building and development permits.

"It's a combination of cost recovery and making our operations as efficient aspossible." said planning directorBob Bjerke.

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Bjerkehas asked for a $350,000increase tothe department's budget for2016-2017 .

About a dozen newpeople will also be hired over the next 18 months to two years.

But most of the increased costs will not come from propertytaxes but from higher fees.

Bjerkesays Halifax's fees are low compared to other places in the regionand other cities of the same size across Canada.

Application fees don't reflect cost

"There's quite a discrepancy between the fees that we charge and the costto process the applications,"Bjerkesaid.

Restructuring plans include creating a rural planning team dedicated todevelopment in areas outside the urban core, a new research group, a new team focused oninfrastructure and transportation and another one set up to simplify planningby-laws.

Bjerkehopes the changes will reduce the amount of time it takesfor a development proposal to get through the process.

"People are frustrated with the timelines." saidCoun.Steve Adams.

'Time costs a lot'

"Whether the answer is yes or no is not as important as getting an answer.Time costs a lot."

A number ofcouncillorsthink developers would be willing to pay more ifthey got faster, better service.But not everyone is convinced.

"I'm not a strong supporter of increasing those fees." saidCoun.RussellWalker.

TheCBC'sPam Berman live bloggedfrom city hall.