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Building official asks board to advertise public hearing on permit fee increases to fund staffing and new software
Summary
Nicholas Bowles, the county's building official, told supervisors he plans to move a permit technician into the building inspections department and to ask for fee increases so that permit revenue covers the position; he also described a planned IGIS permit‑software integration to provide a public-facing application portal.
Nicholas Bowles, the county’s building official, briefed the board that permit administration is moving toward a trade‑specific permitting structure to verify licensure and fund a reclassified permit technician position. Bowles said the proposed fee adjustments are expected to pay for the new position and that the county will add a charge for work begun without a permit. He cited Title 54.1, chapter 11, noting that state law requires license or certificate information when permits are issued.
Bowles described ongoing work with IGIS to add a front‑facing permit submission and scheduling function to the county’s GIS system that would allow customers to submit applications and documents, then schedule inspections without multiple phone calls. The board agreed there should be a public hearing next month on the fee changes; a motion was made to advertise a July public hearing and carried. Members asked staff to add expected revenue projections to the packet prior to the hearing so the board can assess whether the fee changes will sustainably fund the position.
No final fee schedule was adopted at the meeting; staff will return with specific numbers and revenue projections at the advertised public hearing.
