Staff proposes new electrical permits and flags state rules for fee justifications over $250

At the April 9 workshop, staff told the board that permits revenue year-to-date was about $722,000 versus a budgeted $441,000 and that the codes department plans to add electrical permits to the fee schedule this year.

Danielle said the electrical permit fees would be set next week and then presented with the fee schedule at the third budget workshop. "These fees will be determined hopefully sometime next week and we'll be added to the fee schedule and we will present that fee schedule to you at the third budget workshop," she told the board.

Board members also discussed a new state rule taking effect July 1 that requires a written justification for any municipal fee over $250. "If any fee is over 250, you're going to have to provide justification," a staff member said, and several members noted building-permit and inspection fees that exceed that threshold will need supporting documentation tied to the cost basis.

Impact fees were also raised: staff reminded the board an ordinance permits an annual index adjustment tied to construction-cost inflation; staff said a resolution would be needed to apply any change at the board's May meeting if the board wants to act this year.

On code enforcement, staff said food-truck permit expirations are being enforced and letters plus in-person contacts have been used to ask operators outside approved zones to relocate, with a 10-day courtesy period for voluntary compliance before escalating to legal remedies.

Next steps: staff will finalize electrical-permit rates, add them to the fee schedule, and present justification materials for any fees above the state threshold as required by law.