City Board Proposes Changes to Commercial Inspection Fees and Processes

The City Council of Indianapolis has taken significant steps to streamline the commercial inspection process, as discussed in their recent meeting. A key decision was made to eliminate the plan review commercial accelerated fee from the proposal, with plans to revisit this fee before the end of the year. This change aims to better align the fee structure with third-party reviewer contracts, facilitating a more efficient contracting process.

Additionally, the council proposed amendments to the fees for accelerated inspections of commercial structures. Instead of a flat fee, a new hourly rate will be introduced for more complex projects that require additional time. Most inspections typically take about two hours, but larger projects, such as hotels needing urgent inspections for events, may demand more resources. The new fee structure includes an additional $250 per hour for same-day inspections, $150 for next-day services, and $2.50 per hour for inspections scheduled after 4:30 PM on weekdays or during weekends.

These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and are part of a broader effort to enhance the efficiency of the city's business and neighborhood services. The council's focus on adapting fees to reflect the realities of service contracts is expected to improve the overall inspection process for commercial entities in Indianapolis.