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Council pushes consultant to lower some 2025 permit fees, seeks lower deck and basement costs
Summary
Council members criticized proposed 30–50% permit fee increases from the consultant, argued high maintenance/repair fees (water heaters, windows) could discourage permit pulls, and directed staff to negotiate a middle ground while pressing for a flat $150+plan‑review deck permit and Big Lake‑comparable basement fees; staff will also advertise for a possible in‑house building inspector.
City staff and consultant Rum River Consultants presented proposed 2025 building‑permit fee increases and comparisons with peer cities. Council members challenged many of the increases as higher than state averages and urged limiting the hikes on maintenance and small permits so residents will continue to pull permits.
One council member said the consultant's deck…
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