City Council approves raising building permit fees
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

The City Council last week approved a proposal to increase fees for services rendered by the Building and Safety Department. The changes will affect building, electrical and plumbing permits and related items.

The changes will take effect this summer.

The average building permit fees will increase by about 28 percent with some noted exceptions, said Barry Hogan, deputy city manager.

However, some fees will go up more significantly. Appeal hearing costs will increase from $120 to $805. Permits to set up a pre-manufactured building will go from $84 to $224. Demolition work where inspection is required will cost $112, up from $30.

"It's not like it's a big moneymaker for the city. The fees don't generate income to the city; they just recover costs," said Councilmember Keith Millhouse.

Building and planning charges have not been updated for a long time, so the change was overdue, he said. A city report indicated that fees had not been raised since 1992.

"We should be able to recover what it costs the city for services and time to look over projects. It's not fair for taxpayers to pay for costs for applicants who are building projects in the city," said Millhouse.

Homeowners who wish to make home improvements will also be affected by the changes, but they have until July 1 to get things done without extra cost, Millhouse said.

The report suggested that prices should be raised in midMarch, but the City Council extended the deadline to July 1 to give builders and developers more advance notice before rates are changed.