The Woodlands Township moves forward on new covenant administration fees

The new fees will be applicable to enhanced services to recover extra cost and time for:

• Additional resources and technical review
• Committee review and variances
• Third-party code inspections

Most of the changes to fees will affect commercial properties with minor changes to residential property requirements. Modifications to commercial land will include fees for:

• Tree removal
• Signs
• Cell towers
• Lighting

The fee increase would also affect commercial and residential for a variance and rehearing request.

What they’re saying

The township also discussed resident questions about tree removal and its consequences. In the new fee proposal, there will now be a cost for tree removal without covenant administration approval of $150 per tree.

“We encourage individuals to contact us first so we can help them in regards to tree removal. We acknowledge it’s often because it’s hazardous or dead and that that’s something we place priority on, but in the instance there’s a live tree that’s been removed and has not been permitted to do so, we move forward with enforcement action,” McKenna said.

The bottom line

McKenna said the administration is working on a multi-package permit fee schedule for larger home remodel. However, there is a required permit for new home construction for items such as generators, fences and driveways.

During the public hearing, residents will be able to ask questions regarding the fee changes before they are formally adopted by the township board. If approved, the fees would go into effect July 1.