Gatlinburg staff propose higher building, recreation and parking fees; commissioners ask for examples

Janice, the building and planning director, outlined a package of proposed fee increases across several city departments at a workshop meeting, saying staff wants to bring many fees more in line with neighboring jurisdictions and to recover administrative and inspection costs.

The proposals include raising several valuation-tier fees (for example, moving a current $20 base evaluation fee for a lower valuation tier toward $100 and increasing per-thousand valuation increments), adding a $75 initial building inspection fee for all permits, and introducing rereview fees (proposed examples: $150 for re-reviews over one hour and $250 for commercial projects). Janice said, "I am looking to increase across the board going from a base fee of $20 for evaluations from 2,001 to 15,000 to 100," and noted the city performed 1,760 building inspections last fiscal year.

Why it matters: Staff and commissioners said the changes aim to recoup costs tied to multiple inspections, failed inspections and the administrative time spent on plan reviews. Janice said an initial inspection fee and rereview charges would capture costs the city currently absorbs and align Gatlinburg more closely with Sevier County and nearby cities.

Key building and trade proposals

- Initial building inspection fee: $75 per building permit (new). - Rereview fees: a proposed $150 for re-reviews…