Building and planning revenues held steady; permit activity slowed in December, staff flag comp‑plan work due 2026

Cathy Funk Baxter and planning staff presented financial and operational updates for community long‑range planning and the county’s building and planning enterprise fund.

Baxter said community long‑range planning had a small revenue shortfall against a modest $11,328 budget with $10,019 collected through year‑end after accruals post in January and February. Building and planning — an enterprise fund where fees are intended to cover costs — showed 2024 license and permit revenue of $1,447,451, slightly under a $1.688 million budget, and operating expenses below budget in personnel and services, producing a positive operating position when considered against total expenditures.

Operations: Planning staff reported fewer planning applications in December compared with the same period last year — 54 applications this December versus 74 the prior year — and planning clearances (valid for five years) were down (16 this December versus 40 last year), which staff characterized as normal seasonality. On the building side, staff said new construction permits were up while alteration permits declined, consistent with cyclical construction patterns.

Comp plan and staffing: Staff said the county’s comprehensive plan update is due in 2026; Tracy (planning operations) said the department lacks some in‑house expertise and would like the board’s direction on pursuing grant funding or contracting with a consultant to assist with the update. Commissioners expressed caution about grant agreements that impose required outcomes but signaled openness to funding that provides technical assistance without restrictive conditions.

Digital access and third‑party review contracts: Planning staff highlighted improvements to the county website, including an interactive map that links to permits and inspector information so residents can see permits and fees paid for nearby properties. Staff also noted two agenda items (listed as items 6 and 7 on tomorrow’s agenda) that extend third‑party plan review contracts for another year to handle overflow reviews and preserve permitting timelines. Those amendments were described as annual renewals with no out‑of‑pocket cost unless external reviewers perform work.

Ending: Staff told commissioners the building and planning fund remains largely self‑supporting, will continue to monitor permit volumes, and will seek board direction on whether to pursue grant or consultant assistance for the 2026 comprehensive plan update.