Covering the cost of development April 21, 2004
Consultation will begin on a revised schedule of fees and charges for consents, animal control and environmental
protection after North Shore City Council's strategy and finance committee approved them yesterday for public comment.
The revision of these fees occurs yearly and takes into consideration their latest costs and projected service
levels.
Committee chairperson, Tony Holman, says the proposal's main increase is in fees to cover the costs of
processing consents, which could rise by 16 per cent.
"A major aspect of the new changes is to move the cost of processing consents onto developers rather than
ratepayers.
"At the moment ratepayers are heavily subsidising these costs, which is inappropriate," Councillor Holman says.
"Those who are undertaking the development and making the profits need to be responsible for their costs, not
the general ratepayer."
The increase in charges will vary depending on whether they are for land use, building or subdivision consents.
Other smaller fee increases covered in the schedule and open for consultation are animal control and managing
food hygiene.
Public consultation on the revision of the fees and charges will begin this Friday April 23, and end May 24.
Hearings will then take place before they are adopted on July 1.
A schedule of the revised fees and charges and a submission form will be available on the council's website
www.northshorecity.govt.nz, in all council area offices, libraries and level 1, 521 Lake Rd or calling Actionline on 486
8600.
Under the Local Government Act 2002 the council is obliged to consult the public on matters of significance such
as fee changes.
"We encourage all residents and ratepayers to take this opportunity to provide us with feedback on our proposed
fee changes," Councillor Holman says.
ENDS