WATERVILLE – The state agency that regulates development in Maine’s 10.5 million-acre unorganized territory wants to revamp fees for building and development permits for the first time in decades.

The Land Use Regulation Commission is proposing charging a flat fee for a range of development permits instead of tying the fees to the amount of money spent on a particular project.

The new system is described as fairer to applicants and easier to administer. It also would mean an estimated $60,000 more a year in revenue, said Peggy Dwyer, resource administrator.

Under the system, the fee for a service drop or advisory ruling would carry a $25 fee; building permits would carry a $75 fee; and development or utility line applications would cost $325.

The agency is taking public comment on the proposal until Nov. 1. The new system could go into effect early next year.

The fees now are based largely on the cost of the building or development.

Under the current system, a developer who plans to spend up to $29,999 on a project will pay a permit fee of $50; a project costing between $30,000 and $44,999 would pay $75; and so on. Developments costing $300,000 or more would pay a fee equal to a quarter of a percent of the total cost.

That sort of system, which was created in the early 1970s, is problematic because it’s often hard to estimate building costs, Dwyer said.

“It’s difficult for the public to accurately estimate the cost of their projects, and it’s impossible for the staff to verify these,” she said.

Development permits cover a variety of projects, including gravel pits, stores, businesses and campgrounds.

For major projects exceeding $500,000, the agency would retain the right to levy a fee of up to a quarter of a percent of the estimated development cost, Dwyer said.

Public comments can be mailed to: Maine Land Use Regulation Commission, 22 State House Station, Augusta 04333