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Temporary permit-fee rebate proposed to encourage storm‑hardening; staff to mail explanatory letters with checks
Summary
Staff proposed a temporary building permit-fee rebate for homesteaded properties retroactive to May 1 through Sept. 15 covering storm-hardening work (doors, windows, reroofs, generators, hurricane shutters and AC change-outs); staff said no application is required and weekly reports will trigger mailed rebate checks accompanied by explanatory letters.
Adam, a city staff member, described a temporary building permit-fee rebate program for homesteaded properties that the commission will consider. The program would be retroactive to May 1 and run until Sept. 15 and is intended to encourage storm-hardening improvements such as door and window changes, reroofs, generators, hurricane shutters and air-conditioning change-outs.
"We're going to retroactively backdate this to May 1st. and we're going to have the program run till September 15th," Adam said. He said staff will not require an application; instead the city will run weekly reports and mail checks for permit fees that are not state-required, and each check will be accompanied by a letter explaining the program and that the rebate was approved by the city commission.
Adam and other staff noted that last year during the same time period the city processed roughly 1,000 of these permits, and staff estimated the rebate could return several hundred thousand dollars to homeowners. Commissioner Kelly asked that the mailed checks include clear explanations so residents do not mistake them for unsolicited payments.
Staff did not provide an exact projected dollar total; the estimated return to homeowners was described as a ballpark figure based on prior permitting volumes. The commission will see the program on the June 2 agenda for formal consideration.
