Stark County commissioners on Thursday approved a revised county road permitting fee schedule that raises several fees and establishes fines for unauthorized work in county rights of way.

Roads operations staff told commissioners the county’s existing approach permit fee (previously $25) has been insufficient and does not align with neighboring counties. The board voted to raise the permanent approach permit fee to $250; a temporary approach permit will cost $100. Unauthorized approach activity will be subject to administrative fines; the board agreed to a $1,000 base fine for an unauthorized approach and set a $2,500 fine for unauthorized utility installations or repeated violations (the board changed an initial draft that had proposed a $7,500 fine for those occurrences).

County staff said the change will bring Stark County consistent with neighboring counties’ practices, give staff tools to manage unauthorized encroachments, and help cover inspection and enforcement costs. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the revised fee schedule; staff will post the fee schedule on the county website and update permit forms accordingly.

Commissioners and staff noted fines could be revisited if stakeholders raise concerns; staff said the county would include clarifying language so both approaches and utility installations are covered under the unauthorized‑work provisions.