Chaska — The Chaska City Council on Nov. 17 adopted Ordinance 2025-1073 to set 2026 development, planning application, building inspection and fire fees.

City staff described the annual, largely housekeeping ordinance as intended to keep fees aligned with the cost of providing services. The proposed adjustments use an inflationary factor of 3.44% consistent with the city's general fund budgeting practice.

Council members asked for clarifications: one member noted some line items appeared to be combined (application fee plus processing fee) and staff confirmed the consolidation where appropriate to improve clarity. Questions were raised about rental dwelling-related penalty and reinstatement fees; staff said those fees have appeared in prior years and were included to address compliance problems when necessary.

The council opened the required public hearing; no members of the public spoke. Council Member Shevlin moved to adopt Ordinance 2025-1073 to establish the 2026 fees; Council Member Graf seconded and the ordinance was adopted by voice vote.

Staff said they will review application language for rental-dwelling notices and consider clarifying mailing/postmark requirements if council directs further edits at a future meeting.