County Invites Public Comment on Proposed Administrative Fee Updates
Published on September 16, 2025
Helena, MT – Lewis and Clark County is inviting public input on proposed updates to the Schedule of Administrative Fees for services provided by the Community Development and Planning Department and the Public Works Department. Comments will be accepted until Monday, September 29, 2025, at 4:00 P.M.
The proposed fee schedule is designed to help offset—but not fully cover—the costs associated with reviewing various applications. These updates support the County’s goal of fostering responsible growth while ensuring fairness to taxpayers.
The revised fees apply to services related to:
- Subdivision exemptions
- Buildings for lease or rent
- Zoning
- Floodplain ordinance
- Encroachment permits
- Growth policy amendments
- Excavation permits
- Overweight permits
- Approach permits
- Address assignments and plaques
- Road adjustments
- Weed management
County staff developed the proposed schedule by assessing current review costs and comparing fees with those in similar Montana counties. This approach aims to balance cost recovery with fairness and transparency.
The last major update to the fee schedule occurred in 2009, with a targeted revision in 2014 to include the Buildings for Lease or Rent process. Since then, administrative costs have risen significantly. At the same time, project reviews have become more complex due to evolving regulations, new case types, and increased public involvement.
The proposed Schedule of Administrative Fees for the Lewis and Clark County Community Development and Planning and Public Works Department is available to view online at [insert link] or at the Lewis and Clark County Clerk and Recorder’s Office.
Written comments may be submitted until 4:00 P.M. on Monday, September 29, 2025, in person at the Lewis and Clark County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, Room 113, 316 North Park Avenue, Helena, MT 59623.
Comments may also be emailed to: planning@lccountymt.gov
The Lewis and Clark County Commission will hold a public hearing to consider adopting the proposed fee schedule on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. in Room 330, third floor of the City-County Building, 316 North Park Avenue, Helena, MT.
For more information, contact Greg McNally at 406-447-8394 or gmcnally@lccountymt.gov.
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