The Brentwood City Commission approved on first reading Ordinance 2025-9, a code amendment that increases the valuation used to calculate building-permit fees from $165 to $170 per square foot of habitable area.

"This is a $5 increase to habitable area," said Todd Petrowski, a city subject-matter expert, adding that the last increase took effect in 2023. Petrowski said the valuation is tied to the International Code Council's valuation table, which most cities use to update permit-fee calculations annually.

Vice Mayor Little moved to approve the ordinance on first reading; commissioners discussed outreach and notification for local contractors. Commissioner Dunn asked whether a public hearing would be required and whether builders and realtors had been notified. Petrowski and City Manager Jason said the indexing approach is standard and that the item will return for a second reading, giving staff time to notify stakeholders before final action.

Commissioners expressed concern about timing given recent county fee changes and requested staff make outreach efforts to the Builders Association and local realtors. The commission approved the motion by voice vote with all commissioners present voting in favor; the ordinance will come back for a second reading before final adoption.

Next steps: staff will notify local contractors and trade groups and place the ordinance on the agenda for a second reading, at which time the commission will consider final adoption.