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Commission backs building-code rewrite, raises permit fees and modernizes processes
Summary
A text study to reorganize and update Chapter 18 (building regulations), Chapter 102 (vegetation) and Appendix B was recommended to the City Council; the rewrite raises inspection fees, aligns local code with model building codes and clarifies administrative and enforcement processes.
The Covington Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend a text study that streamlines and updates building standards, permit processes and related administrative rules.
Alex Carter of Desire Alliance presented the second phase of the land development code update packet, which focuses on reorganizing Chapter 18 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Chapter 102 (Vegetation) and Appendix B (Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance) to reflect industry standards and current city practices. Carter said much of the added language reflects model language from the International Building Code and International Residential Code; other changes include reorganizing definitions, clarifying adjudication timelines and updating document-submission requirements to account for electronic filing.
Significant policy and administrative items discussed included:
• Proposed inspection fee increases: the draft raises inspection fees that had been $25 for residential and $60 for commercial inspections to $75 for each inspection. Staff explained that the higher fee reflects the city’s use of third-party inspection vendors and is intended to cover inspection costs rather than generate revenue.
• Contractor licensing: the draft requires general contractors and subcontractors to show proof of a current state license when the work requires a license; staff said the city’s permitting system relies on state licensing to register contractors.
• Clarifications on what work requires permits and exemptions (including guidance for electric vehicle chargers and scope of repairs versus new installations), final inspections versus certificate of occupancy paperwork, and minimum slab elevation alternatives for properties abutting state highways.
• Administrative clarifications for land-clearing, fill regulation placement, adjudication timelines (discussion noted a six-month discontinuance timeframe in the draft) and emergency authority allowing state resources, such as National Guard assistance, under declared emergencies.
Commissioners and local builders asked detailed questions about practical permitting issues, exemptions, fees and enforcement timelines. Staff noted many changes are organizational relocations of existing language (moved text) and that some redlined deletions represent the prior location of moved language.
The commission carried a motion to recommend the text study with language adjustments discussed at the meeting; the roll-call vote recorded a majority in favor with one commissioner voting no.
Votes and formal outcome
• Motion to recommend approval of text study to amend Chapter 18 (Buildings) Chapter 102 (Vegetation) and Appendix B (Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance) for streamlining and alignment with industry standards (Case No. 25-08-02): recommended to council by roll call.
