Council tables proposed building permit inspection fee increase for further study

The Washington Terrace City Council on April 17, 2026 voted to table Resolution 26-03, a staff proposal to amend building permit inspection fees that included a new $50 reinspection/no‑show fee and adjustments to reflect actual service costs.

"Staff are proposing for the fee to reflect the total actual service cost," Finance Director Shari' Garrett said during the discussion, and she described the proposed reinspection/no‑show fee as a new charge of $50. Garrett told the council that specialized inspections required by law can involve a minimum of two inspections.

Council Member Zunayid Z. Zishan raised concerns about the timing and impact on residents and asked whether a surrounding‑city comparison had been completed; Garrett said the Building Inspector had spoken to comparisons in the work session but she was unsure whether written results had been provided. Zishan proposed a four‑year phase‑in; Mayor Mark C. Allen favored a two‑year phase‑in; Council Member Jeff West suggested postponing the effective date until August to give residents notice.

After discussion, Council Member Zishan moved to table Resolution 26-03 for additional review and a follow-up work session; Council Member Cheryl Parkinson seconded. The motion carried 4–0. A tentative work session was scheduled for April 21 pending completion of the surrounding‑city comparison report.

The record shows council emphasized that staff could set an effective date of council's choosing and that staff will return with comparative data and phased‑implementation options. No new fees were implemented at the April 17 meeting.