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Town building official outlines fee schedule changes after new state law; commission orders public education
Summary
Building Official Jeff Parsons presented a preliminary fee schedule to comply with recent state laws that limit valuation‑based permit fees and introduce a $7,500 exemption for some small projects; the commission directed staff and the attorney to educate residents and contractors about the changes.
The town’s building official warned the commission that state legislative changes taking effect this year will force Melbourne Beach to overhaul how it charges building‑permit fees.
Jeff Parsons told the commission that valuation‑based permit fees will no longer be permitted under the new laws (including HB803 and companion bills), so Melbourne Beach must adopt a new fee schedule — his preliminary recommendation uses square footage and inspection counts with plan‑review and inspection fees to reflect staff time. Parsons said the change will shift costs away from very large projects and increase fees for many smaller permits; he also flagged new code obligations such as 3‑year permit validity and required owner notifications when permits approach expiration.
Parsons noted a $7,500 exemption in HB803 for certain small projects but said the exemption excludes mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas and structural work — a nuance that will require careful public education. Commissioners and the building official agreed contractors and residents have been circulating inaccurate summaries on social media; the commission voted to direct the town manager and attorney to produce plain‑language guidance (Q&A, social posts and contractor outreach) explaining who still needs permits, the exemption’s limits and enforcement consequences.
No fee schedule was adopted at the meeting; Parsons asked commissioners to review the draft and provide feedback so staff can present an ordinance or resolution before the statutory effective dates.
