(a) The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, for the efficient conduct of the business of the department. The commissioner may delegate (1) to the Deputy Commissioner of Transportation any of the commissioner’s duties and responsibilities; (2) to the bureau chief for an operating bureau any of the commissioner’s duties and responsibilities which relate to the functions to be performed by that bureau; and (3) to other officers, employees and agents of the department any of the commissioner’s duties and responsibilities that the commissioner deems appropriate, to be exercised under the commissioner’s supervision and direction.

(b) The commissioner may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 establishing reasonable fees for any application submitted to the Department of Transportation or the Office of the State Traffic Administration for (1) a state highway right-of-way encroachment permit, or (2) a certificate of operation for an open air theater, shopping center or other development generating large volumes of traffic pursuant to § 14-311, provided the fees so established shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five per cent of the estimated administrative costs related to such applications. The commissioner may exempt municipalities from any fees imposed pursuant to this subsection.

(c) Not later than January 1, 2018, the commissioner shall establish fees for any application submitted to the Department of Transportation or the Office of the State Traffic Administration for a state highway right-of-way encroachment permit for an open air theater, shopping center or other development generating large volumes of traffic pursuant to § 14-311. Such fees shall mirror the amounts charged for such permits by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.