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Council reviews building permit fee update designed to recover development‑service costs, proposes changes taking effect June 1
Summary
City staff proposed updates to building and sub‑permit fees to reflect higher operating costs, a 3% technology fee, a flat $75 fence permit and an estimated $720,000 in additional revenue; staff recommended the changes be effective June 1.
Director Jones presented a comprehensive update to the city’s building permit fee schedule on March 5, saying residential, commercial and electrical permit fees have not been updated consistently since 2014–2018 and that rising operating costs necessitate adjustments.
Key elements included a 3% technology fee assessed on permits issued through the new permitting software, an average $600 increase per new dwelling when combining building and sub‑permits, increases of $15–$75 for sub‑permits (plumbing, mechanical, electrical, gas), a flat $75 fence permit replacing a value‑based charge, reduced fees for educational occupancies reviewed by the state fire marshal, and elimination of some deposit and temporary service entrance agreements. Staff estimated the changes would recover roughly $720,000 in permit and technology fees.
Director Jones said the fee changes had been reviewed with the Construction Board, Electrical Board, homebuilders and other stakeholders and were previously discussed with council at a retreat. The resolution was presented for council action with a proposed effective date of June 1.
Next steps: council voted on the resolution; if approved, staff will implement the fee schedule changes and update permitting materials and online systems.
