Ithaca council approves revised housing inspection fees after split vote

The Ithaca Common Council voted 6-4 on March 5 to adopt an ordinance that adjusts housing inspection fees citywide, the first substantial revision the council has approved since 2009.

Council members said the ordinance updates fees to reflect new software, modest increases in some categories, and a revised fee model intended to better align charges with inspection activity. The vote followed more than an hour of debate focused on whether the new schedule shifts costs onto small property owners while lowering or holding flat fees for some large properties and dormitories.

Supporters said the city needs updated fees after a long pause in adjustments and noted the Building Division flagged the need for cost recovery. Opponents argued the schedule is inequitable in its current form and urged delay or a broader fee study conducted by an outside consultant. "If you are a small property owner, this year after we pass this today ... you will get a bill in the mail for more than your COC cost last time," said Alderperson Kiel, who opposed the ordinance. Several council members and public speakers urged the city to…