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Council adopts higher building inspection and community development fees; minimum permit fee restored
Summary
Council approved amendments to the Department of Community Development and Building Inspection fee schedules. The minimum inspection permit fee is proposed to rise from $35 back to $60 and several minor fee changes were approved to better cover staff costs.
The Common Council on Dec. 16 approved amendments to building inspection and community development fee schedules, restoring the minimum permit fee to a prior level and adjusting several smaller charges.
City staff said building inspection and community development fees had not been increased since 2012–2013. Todd explained the minimum permit fee was lowered during the recession and the proposed change restores the minimum to $60 from $35 to reflect rising costs for staff time, vehicle operation, inspection tools and continuing education. City staff said their permit fee levels remain at or below many comparable municipalities.
The council approved modest increases to several development fees, including raising minor site plan review from $300 to $400 and technical review fees set to more closely match staff time. Printing and document fees were adjusted to cover per‑page costs.
Alderman Allen asked where West Bend sits compared with other communities; staff said West Bend is around the middle of the municipalities surveyed. Alderman Bergquist asked whether the increases are revenue generators or cost recovery; staff said the intent is to more closely align fees with the cost of services rather than to create general revenue.
Council approved the ordinance amending the fee schedules by voice vote.
