Before the department grants an easement under this subpart, the individual applying for the easement shall pay charges as required by the department. The charges shall be the same as those charges required for the granting of an easement under subpart 9. However, the department may charge a fee for an application for the grant of an easement under this subpart. The fee shall not exceed the actual reasonable cost of processing an application for an easement or $300.00, whichever is less.