Council authorizes one-year fee waiver for tornado-damaged property repairs

The Brownsburg Town Council voted April 10 to authorize the town manager to direct Development Services to waive certain building and fire review fees for property repairs stemming from the April 2 tornado, for a one-year period.

Town manager request and council action

Town Manager Deb Cook told the council staff recommended waiving building and fire review fees for repairs directly attributable to the April 2 tornado, while continuing to require standard inspections, permitting and certificate-of-completion processes. Deb said the town would apply the waiver for qualifying work when the applicant demonstrates loss tied to the tornado and recommended a one-year waiver window to allow time for insurance settlements. The council moved, seconded and approved the authorization by voice vote.

Details and limits

The motion as moved and seconded at the meeting authorized Deb Cook to direct Development Services to waive building and fire review fees for remodel projects on sites impacted by the April 2, 2025 tornado upon sufficient showing of loss; all normal permitting and inspection processes remain in force. The authorization expires on April 10, 2026, unless the council votes to extend it.

Implementation

Staff said inspections and normal permitting timelines would still apply, and that waivers would be granted on demonstrated tornado-related loss at the discretion of the town manager or the development services director. Council members framed the vote as a measure to help property owners complete repairs in a timely fashion while ensuring safety through required inspections.