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Debate over Union County permit-fee bill ends with committee rejecting the proposal
Summary
House Bill 14-30, a Union County local bill proposing permit fees of 50¢ per square foot, drew a question about whether it constituted a tax, failed a motion to go to summer study, and did not advance after a committee vote (4-6, 7 present not voting).
House Bill 14-30, introduced April 16, 2025, as a local measure for Union County, proposed changing building permit charges from a flat fee to a rate of 50¢ per square foot for both residential and commercial structures. The sponsor told the committee the last time Union County increased permitting fees was in 2005.
Representative Warner asked whether the change should be considered a tax increase; the sponsor, identified as Chairman Powers, responded, “No … this is a fee increase, though, for permitting fees.” After discussion, Representative Warner moved to send the bill to summer study; the motion did not receive sufficient support and failed. Representative McCallum then moved the previous question and the committee voted on whether to move HB 14-30 to calendar and rules. The clerk reported 4 ayes, 6 nays and 7 present not voting; the chair announced the bill failed to advance in committee.
The exchange centered on the distinction between a fee and a tax and whether the rate change merited further study. No amendments were recorded for this item and the committee did not adopt any direction to staff at the meeting.
