building permit

City Council voted 5-3 to table a proposed ordinance updating the city fee schedule, including restructuring building permit fee calculations and other fee changes.

City Council revisited the fee schedule discussion; building permit fees were a central issue, including a draft percentage-based approach that would increase costs for new construction and large commercial projects.

Council members raised concerns about potential large increases in building permit fees and asked staff to bring back alternative models, including caps and square-footage approaches.

City Council adopted Ordinance 25-252 creating an annual “weights and measures” license for devices used to calculate charges by weight/measure, with operators paying the city’s actual inspection costs.

City Council adopted Ordinance 25-228 updating the city’s master fee schedule, including restructuring building permit fees.

As part of adopting Ordinance 25-228, City Council added an amendment capping inspection fees at $2,500 for residential projects and $100,000 for commercial projects.

Public Works Committee discussed recurring narrow-lot redevelopment work-zone issues where dumpsters, trailers, materials staging, and worker parking can reduce street parking and constrain traffic flow and driveway access; staff noted at least one sidewalk closure had been allowed and still left a tight corridor.

Staff scheduled a multi-department meeting with Jim Reif Builders for Jan. 29 to set clearer expectations intended to protect pedestrian access and neighborhood function during small-property redevelopments.

City Council approved Resolution 26-106 waiving city building permit fees for eligible storm-related repairs through June 30, 2026, including retroactive coverage for permits issued after May 18.