Willard adopts 2018 building codes and new permit/connection fee schedule; council selects option C

The Willard Board of Aldermen adopted updated building codes on second reading July 8, approving the International Code Council 2018 codes (as supplemented) and related NEC updates. Council also selected option C from staff’s fee options for building permits and commercial construction fees.

Staff explained the fee framework and a recent fee study. Council debated three fee options (A, B and C) that change how much of the building department budget is recovered through permit and trade fees. Staff outlined proposed charges that will appear in the revised fee schedule: a water capacity fee (presented as $800 per home on the building-permit side), a sewer connection for a standard 3/4" meter ($200), a parks fee (proposed at $400 per home) and a police protection fee ($350 per home). The fees for developers on the subdivision side and the calculation of per-acre capacity fees were also discussed.

Supporters of option C argued it better future-proofs revenue given rising construction costs; opponents urged caution about competitiveness and potential pass-through to homebuyers. After discussion, a motion to adopt option C and accept the ordinance as read was made and passed by the council.

What passed: (1) adoption of the 2018 ICC building codes as supplemented and the related NEC update (second reading); (2) adoption of the new fee schedule using option C, subject to final ordinance language and tabulated fee tables to be included in the code.

Next steps: staff will publish the adopted ordinance and the new fee schedule and will bring back any necessary ministerial corrections to the fee tables. Those charging or collecting fees should review the updated schedule once posted.