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Council passes emergency change to building permit fee schedule for fire alarms
Summary
Wilmington City Council passed Ordinance 25-31 to revise the building permit fee schedule related to fire alarms, citing concerns that current fees could deter business projects; the measure passed after suspension of the rules.
Wilmington — Wilmington City Council voted to pass Ordinance 25-31 on an emergency basis to revise the building permit fee schedule related to fire alarm inspections.
Councilman Schlebach moved to suspend the rules and give second and third readings; Councilman Knowles seconded. The motion to suspend the rules carried on roll call, and the ordinance passed with a recorded yes vote from all members present.
Council members said the current fee schedule produced “ridiculous” charges for commercial projects and cited an example discussed at the meeting that, for a million-square-foot building, the fee could approach amounts described during debate (discussed in meeting but not attributed to a single speaker). City staff and council said the revision is intended to keep Wilmington competitive for large projects and to avoid creating a barrier to development while ensuring inspections occur.
Ordinance 25-31 amends part 13 of the city building code to revise the building permit fee schedule regarding fire alarm permits and declared an emergency so changes take effect immediately. The ordinance repeals inconsistent legislation as required by the city code language printed in the agenda.
The meeting record shows unanimous roll call passage. Council did not provide detailed cost impacts or a new fee table in the public portion of the meeting; staff indicated they would return with implementation details as needed.
