Platteville directs staff to develop grant program for hail‑related permit fees after council hears permit data

City staff told the Platteville Common Council on May 27 that 368 building permits related to the April 18 hailstorm have been issued: 25 (7%) were taken out by property owners and 343 (93%) were issued to contractors. Staff said insurance adjusters generally include permit fees in settlements, so refunds would most often go to contractors who paid the fee. Because refunds are administratively complex, staff recommended creating a targeted assistance program rather than waiving fees across the board.

Council discussed options including a grant pool that property owners could apply for if their insurance did not cover the permit fee, and considered a small flat rebate as an alternative. The motion approved by council directs staff to develop a grant program allowing property owners to apply for reimbursement of permit fees not covered in insurance settlements related to the April 18, 2025 storm. The motion includes a one‑year application window; council specified applications must be filed by June 1, 2026, and applicants must show that insurance did not cover the permit fee.

Council members emphasized the difficulty of refunding previously paid permits (which may have been paid by contractors) and the administrative burden of retroactive refunds. Staff said the city would post information and links to available assistance programs online and work with local partners to identify eligible residents.

Sources: staff presentation and council discussion during the May 27 council meeting.