Commissioners approve first reading of building-permit fee increases; second reading set for Dec. 15

The Tippecanoe County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 17 approved Ordinance 2025‑40 on first reading, a package of increases to the county building-code fee schedule.

County building department staff explained the schedule had not been updated since 2019 and recommended increases using a fixed-percentage methodology: an example cited was a $50 fee increasing to $75, and a 0.14 cents per square foot rate increasing to 0.20 cents per square foot; other permit fees are similarly adjusted and set out in the ordinance language. The staff member said the building industry association had been notified and staff can follow up with additional outreach if needed.

Commissioners voted to approve the ordinance on its first reading by voice vote. The board discussed timing and agreed to return the ordinance for a second reading during the Dec. 15 (12:15 p.m.) meeting.

Because this was a first-reading action, final adoption will require a subsequent vote. The board indicated the increases were intended to update fees to current cost levels rather than to create new regulatory requirements.

Sources: Staff explanation of fee changes and commissioners' voice vote at the Nov. 17 meeting.