Belleville is making some changes that will assist builders with their budgeting when building homes in the city.
For several years the Quinte Homebuilders’ Association has been asking the city for some flexibility regarding the payment of development charges its members have to pay at the construction of new housing.
The value of these development charges has increased over the years and now sits at $11,135 per residential building.
Builders have wanted the payment to be deferred until a new house is complete and the sale is underway.
President Tony Engelsdorfer told council this week the Association has 150 members, providing more than 3,100 jobs, who are affected by these payments.
City council decided this week that staff should prepare a bylaw for an agreement with the builders allowing the deferment.
A staff report to council indicates the agreement will assist builders manage the cost of new development and ensure the city receives the development charge payments necessary to accommodate new growth.
The option to defer payment would apply to all residential building permits with the exception of condominium buildings.
If a builder fails to make the payment, the Association would have 30 days to ensure the payment is made.
The new bylaw will come before council at a later date.
