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Council told of proposed revision to large‑tent inspection fees; staff to return redline next week
Summary
Finance staff explained a recently enacted membrane‑structure permit fee (about $225 per tent) and recommended a revision: charge a base fee for the first tent and a reduced fee (proposed $50) for additional tents installed and permitted together; staff will present a fee‑resolution amendment next week.
City staff told the Port Orchard council that the finance committee has recommended a targeted change to the city's permit fee for large membrane tents used at special events.
Nick Bond briefed the council that the fee resolution adopted last spring set a per‑tent permit charge (currently $225) for larger temporary membrane structures that require inspection because of wind‑load and anchoring concerns. "When we have special events... those things have a pretty high wind load... we want to inspect those and make sure that they are assembled in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions," he said, explaining staff time and after‑hours inspections drove the initial fee.
At the finance committee, staff proposed keeping the base fee for the first tent and charging a reduced additional amount (a $50 add‑on was discussed) for subsequent tents erected and permitted at the same time to reflect economies of scale. Council members asked clarifying questions about applicability (these are not small vendor pop‑up tents but larger event structures) and technology fees that are charged separately.
Staff will return a redlined amendment to the fee resolution at the next council meeting for formal consideration. No vote was taken at the work study.
