Taylor County waives December storm-related permit fees as building official prepares to leave; department faces backlog

Chair brought forward a request from Commissioner Newman to waive storm-related building permit fees for December to assist residents still working through storm recovery. "The recovery process is continuing," Newman said, and staff recommended the short, time-limited waiver to give affected residents time to secure insurance, contractors and inspections.

County staff reported the county’s temporary building official has indicated he will be available only through Dec. 31. The building department has received several applications but no candidates with the required licensure; staff said the department will likely need to contract building-official services and obtain quotes from contractors. The county manager said contracting is likely necessary because the department currently lacks a certified candidate and the workload includes floodplain, Florida Building Code and Agency for Health Care Administration questions for larger projects.

Staff warned that contracting could add unbudgeted costs; an example figure mentioned in the meeting was up to about $4,000 per week for external building-official services, and staff noted the department is budgeted for approximately $180,000 in permit-fee revenue for the year and expected reimbursements from the city (~$50,000 budgeted as a separate line). Staff said they will return to the board with a sustainable solution and may include permit-fee changes in next year’s budget discussions.

The board approved the December waiver. Staff asked residents to submit permit applications and said permits are typically valid for about six months with extensions available; however, attempting to create a rush before possible fee changes could add to office congestion. Staff committed to providing updates and to request quotes for contracted building-official coverage so the county can maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.

During public comment several Keaton Beach business owners and residents raised concerns about post-storm building requirements, including questions about whether the Florida Building Code or National Electrical Code requires elevated electrical service and permanent stairs for coastal meters. Staff said the electrical-service elevation requirement is in local floodplain ordinance and may also be reflected in the Florida Building Code and National Electrical Code; staff committed to re-checking the technical citation and to provide clearer guidance to affected businesses.