Rum River consultant explains $41-per-square-foot valuation as council debates deck-permit fees

The Committee of the Whole heard an extended discussion about building-permit valuation after several council members questioned why small residential decks are charged permit fees based on a valuation that may overstate the actual cost for do-it-yourself projects.

Andy Schroeder, chief building official with Rum River Consultants, told the council that the city uses a uniform valuation of $41 per square foot to calculate project valuation for fee purposes and that the valuation accounts for typical materials and labor across both wood and composite decks. "What we utilize is a price per square foot, $41," Schroeder said, adding that the rule helps jurisdictions apply fees consistently rather than relying on varying applicant-provided valuations.

Council members argued the fee structure can be a disincentive to pull permits for small projects and urged a tiered approach based on likely inspection needs. One council member described paying hundreds of dollars for a permit on a simple 10-by-10 deck as unreasonable if the work will require only one inspection. Schroeder acknowledged there are many variables but offered to return with a report showing sample projects (decks, fences, roofing, windows) and the expected permit fees and inspection counts.

Schroeder also clarified technical code issues: diamond piers are allowable in certain circumstances but frost-protected foundations are required by state code when attaching structures to a house. He offered to follow up on a specific address to determine whether diamond piers would be appropriate for a neighbor’s staircase.

Next step: Rum River Consultants will prepare sample permit-fee scenarios and return to the council with a short report to help the council consider possible fee adjustments or tiering.