Taylor County extends storm-related permit fee waivers for replacement site-built homes through January
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Summary
The board voted to extend a waiver of building permit fees through the end of January for site-built homes being replaced after storm damage; commissioners debated whether to expand the waiver to pole barns, RVs and other storm-related permits.
Taylor County commissioners voted to extend a waiver of building permit fees through the end of January for replacement site-built homes damaged in the recent storm, a temporary measure county staff and commissioners said is intended to help homeowners who remain unable to obtain engineering or architectural documents in time to meet prior deadlines.
The request, introduced by Commissioner Lockwood, responded to multiple homeowners who told commissioners they were delayed by contractor and engineer availability rather than a lack of effort. County building official LaWanda (last name not specified) told the board the department had not stopped issuing permits but was behind in some administrative areas; she reported the department had collected about $26,000 in permit revenue through Dec. 23 and estimated the fiscal impact of waiving fees for site-built home permits for January at about $12,000.
County Attorney Conrad provided legal guidance on the limits of county authority and on administrability; commissioners discussed whether the waiver should be broader and include pole barns, RVs and other storm-related permits. Several commissioners argued for a broader approach for residents with fewer means; others cited revenue shortfalls and administrative limits.
A motion to extend the fee waiver for replacement site-built homes through the end of January passed with a motion and second (mover and seconder not specified on the record) and a recorded vote of "all in favor". Commissioners also instructed staff to revisit the issue at the board's first February meeting to determine whether further extension is needed.
Resident Natalie Collins addressed the board during public comment, saying she has been unable to secure a structural engineer appointment and asked the county to revisit the waiver if residents remain unable to get required documentation. Staff said they would attempt to identify residents still awaiting engineering services and consider case-by-case extensions if needed.
Staff noted the county is tracking permit revenue and said extending waivers could widen the fiscal shortfall; commissioners and staff said they would monitor revenue and revisit the extension at the February meeting.