Adams Increases Permit, Parking Fees
ADAMS, Mass. – The Selectmen voted to increase building inspection fees, parking fees and town clerk fees.
The vote on Wednesday was to update fees throughout town after reviewing and comparing them to other communities last month.
"I don't like to make the rates go up but it has been a long time and it is long overdue because we are getting behind other communities," Selectman Joseph Nowak said.
Some of the biggest changes come in the building permit fees, where Adams has been historically lower that surrounding communities.
Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco said the bulk of the increases will affect those undergoing new construction.
"We haven't updated these in over a decade so we have fallen a little behind, and you will see an increase for new construction but certificates of inspections are coming down a little bit and small renovations will be a little more affordable," Mazzucco said. "So I think that is helpful for our community."
Selectman Richard Blanchard said he was in favor of the increase because by making the department cost neutral, taxpayers will not be subsidizing it.
"I should not have to pay because someone wants to build an addition on their house," Blanchard said. "The way the fees are now, we all have to pitch in."
The Selectmen also agreed to change the structure of the new construction permits. Fees will no longer be based on the square footage of a project but the total estimated cost. This allows larger permit fees for more complicated projects that may take more of the inspector's time.
These new fees will go into effect Jan. 1 and the new fees will be posted on the website.
The Selectmen also voted to make increases to the parking fee structure so that it is more in line with other towns.
The biggest increase will be for obstructing an emergency vehicle, which will increase from $25 to $250.
Meter violation fees will increase from $5 to $15 and the overtime meter fee from $5 to $25
"Currently they are only $5 so we are going to send out police officers down Park Street writing tickets for $50?" Selectman John Duval said. "That makes no sense to me and $15 is still pretty low."
These fees will come into effect April 1.
The board also voted for a small fee increase in the town clerk's office. These changes were mostly made to allow the town clerk to make change easier. These will go into effect Jan. 1.
Also, downtown parking will be free from Nov. 25 to Jan. 1 for the holidays.
Tags: fees, parking tickets, permitting,
