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Beachwood staff proposes modernized permit fees tied to new online permitting portal
Summary
City staff presented ordinance 2025-25 to update permit fees and move to a single building-permit model for many projects, shifting some fees to square-foot bases, cleaning up outdated fixture-based charges and aligning contractor licensing language with the State of Ohio.
Beachwood staff on Sept. 8 presented ordinance 2025-25, a package of code amendments and fee updates tied to a planned launch of new permitting software. The package would modernize fee calculations — replacing archaic outlet- and fixture-based charges with square-foot/flat fees — and simplify permitting by consolidating multiple trade permits into a single building permit for many residential projects.
Staff said the goal is to align fees with the actual cost of inspections and to be roughly revenue neutral over time. "We're trying to make it cover itself," a staff member said, adding that some fees will rise because current charges do not fully cover inspection costs, while others will fall where prior charges proved excessive.
The update also proposes code-language changes to require a "State of Ohio license" for contractors and clarifies reciprocity handled through the state. Staff emphasized the city will continue to register local contractors for tracking and fee collection but that the state issues and manages licenses.
Officials said the permitting portal is scheduled for a Jan. 2 rollout; the fee adjustments and system changes will be phased in so businesses and residents have time to adapt. Staff asked the Committee to review the proposed fee schedule and said they will monitor revenues and return with adjustments if needed.
Next steps: staff will post materials for review and return with any needed edits before the council votes on ordinance 2025-25.
