Building and zoning report: permits steady, new hires and elevator modernization noted

Terry Palmer, the countys building and zoning planner, reported Sept. 20 that permit activity for 2025 is roughly in line with recent years, several new staff hires were completed, and the county expects additional costs for elevator modernization in the courthouse building.

Palmer said year-to-date regular permits in 2025 are close to 2024 totals (2024 recorded as 416; 2025 recorded as 406), and commercial permit activity is higher year-over-year (2025 commercial permits were reported as 40). The planning office has completed roughly 450 plan reviews so far in 2025, Palmer said. He highlighted several staffing changes: Crystal (last name not given) has taken on additional reporting responsibilities; Ellie Navarro was hired as a part-time administrative assistant effective Aug. 1 and is digitizing older files; a new code-enforcement officer, Riley Westwood, started Sept. 2; and Brett Hamilton joined the planning staff to help bring the department into compliance with new state rules.

Palmer also reported training and certification progress for inspection staff and said Trent and Nate are completing residential and commercial inspection certifications that will expand in-house capabilities. On facilities, Palmer said the county has discovered additional required work for the courthouse elevator that was not disclosed earlier by the elevator vendor; parts have been ordered, about half the cost has been paid and county staff expect parts to arrive by the end of the month. The total remaining cost was not known at the time of the meeting and Palmer said the elevator work will likely be the department's largest budget issue for the year.

Palmer thanked his staff for extra work completed amid staffing transitions and noted maintenance projects across county buildings and the fairgrounds.