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Dunn County to waive county portion of building-permit fees up to $2,000 to encourage residential construction
Summary
The commission agreed to reduce the county share of residential building-permit fees and to cover that county portion up to $2,000, as a short-term incentive for homebuilding. Building inspections remain required.
The Dunn County Commission voted to waive the county’s portion of the building‑permit fee for residential construction and to cover that waived amount up to $2,000 per permit to encourage building in the county.
Building-inspection staff explained the permit fee structure: permit fees are a percentage of a building valuation (based on standardized valuation tables) and the county retains 25% of the fee while the inspection contractor keeps 75% to cover inspection services. The county’s action reduces the homeowner’s out-of-pocket cost for the county portion; inspections and certificate-of-occupancy requirements remain in place.
The county’s building inspector and planning staff stressed the value of inspections as protective for homeowners and for future marketability of homes, including bank requirements for certificates of occupancy. The commission’s motion applies to residential building permits only; commercial permits were not included in the waiver.
Commissioners directed staff to apply the reduction at point of payment and to track the fiscal effect. Staff said the county issues varying numbers of permits each year; recent years have shown increased residential activity under the county’s housing program.
Outcome: Motion passed by roll call; the county will waive its 25% portion of the building permit fee and fund the waived amount up to $2,000 per residential permit. Inspections and related administration continue as before.
