Planning commission recommends raising minor‑repairs permit waiver to $2,500 in building-code amendment

The City Planning Commission on Sept. 3 recommended that City Council adopt an amendment to the building code (Chapter 14.05) to increase the threshold for the building inspector’s minor‑repairs permit waiver from $500 to $2,500 and to clarify how the ceiling should be calculated (market value of materials and labor). The ordinance will be forwarded as ordinance 12‑20‑25.

Planning staff said the change reflects current construction costs and will allow the building inspector to authorize minor repairs without a formal building-permit application when the market value of materials and labor is at or below the new $2,500 threshold and when written authorization from the building inspector is obtained.

Commissioners said the change will reduce administrative burden on the building inspector and streamline permitting for small jobs such as door replacements that previously required permits under the lower ceiling.

Action: the commission recommended the amendment to City Council; council will consider the ordinance in its upcoming sessions. After council approval, work below the new threshold will proceed under inspector authorization without a separate permit application.