HomeMy WebLinkAbout3G - Building Permit Fees
CONSENT AGENDA:
PREPARED BY:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
INTRODUCTION:
BACKGROUND:
DISCUSSION:
CENSUS '90
.
3(g)
HORST GRASER, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
COUNCIL APPROVAL OF REVISED BUILDING PERMIT
FEES AND SCHEDULE
JANUARY 16, 1990
On January 2, 1990, the Council adopted a 1990
fee schedule. These items in this Agenda
Report were withheld pending final details
and reseach on a Staff level.
Staff is initiating several changes in fee
structure and permit procedure requiring
Council approval. These changes will result
in slightly higher fees but greater protection
and securitr to the consumer and efficiency
and respons1bility by the Planning Department
and ultimately, the City.
As the cornmunitr 9rows, so does the need for
greater specif1c1ty and efficiency in the
process of issuing permits on a local
government level. Some of the impetus for
changes that have been implemented over the
years have come from both the private and
public sectors. The newly recommended plan
registration system, for example, was a
request by a local builder that will benefit a
number of area builders. The other proposed
changes are Staff initiated and made possible
in part due to City Hall's computer integrated
work place.
The proposed changes to the current system of
permits are as follows:
A. Plan Registration System: If
implemented, would reduce the plan review
fee for identical or "mirrored"
structures for the same contractor in the
same calendar year. Under such a system
the building plans would not be reviewed
for duplicating structures but all other
elements of the building permit would
still be reviewed such as setbacks,
drainage, and grading. Staff has
suggested a reduction in the review fee
from 50% of the building permit fee to
25% of the building permit fee. On a
4629 Dakota St. S.E., Prior Lake, Minnesota 55372 I Ph. (612) 447-4230 I Fax (612) 447-4245
typical $80,000.00 house a contractor
would save $220.00 on his second house
if identical to a previous ~lan on file
in the office of the build1ng official.
staff supports this request because the
revised 25% fee is legitimate for the
work involved and the fact that this idea
will be a positive City action to assist
local builders.
staff does not believe that this new fee
will result in an increase in similar
homes being built in Prior Lake. This
small fee reduction will not be a major
factor in the type of home a contractor
will build. Rather, only on occassion
will this fee even apply.
To compensate for the loss of revenue,
Staff is suggesting that the plan review
fee be increased from 50% of the building
permit fee to 65% of the building permit
fee. The 15% increase in the plan review
fee will amount to $83.00 on a typical
$80,000.00 home. On a net basis, the
dollars increased from the 65% fee will
far outweigh the dollars lost on the
newly proposed reduction in some pIan
review fees. Neighboring jurisdictions,
including Scott County, are already
charging the 65% fee.
B. Additions to Plumbing Permit: The
objective of the additions are to
delineate fixtures and receive proper
charges for them and also to initiate an
inspection program for lawn sprinkler
systems. All plumbing fees are scheduled
to remain the same with the exception of
rough in fixtures which are suggested to
be raised from $2.00 to $4.00 and the
lawn sprinkler system inspection set at
$20.00. These additions will result in
an increase of $4.00 to $6.00 per typical
home.
C. Establish a Separate outside Sewer and
Water Connection Permit: Currently the
building permit application duplicates as
the outside sewer and water connection
~ermit too. The objectives here are to
1dentify the contractor doing the work;
improve the record keeping function;
establish better communication; and
increase the inspection fee from $26.00
to $35.00. The inspection fee has been
at $26.00 since 1976. The increase to
any single family home will be $10.00.
IMPLEMENTATION:
staff objective is to amend the
appropriate permit forms and fee
schedules and mail documentation to the
contractors and builders doing business
in Prior Lake. The recommended
implementation date is Monday, February
26, 1990. Those individuals affected by
these changes will have an opportunity to
discuss the issues with staff at the
upcoming Builders and Developers Forum at
the Hollywood Inn on Friday, January 26,
1990. The meeting is scheduled for noon
and coincides with one of the Council's
objectives which is to improve relations
with our local contractors and builders.
An agenda for this meeting is still being
prepared. This forum will give staff an
opportunity to discuss and listen to
pertinent and upcoming issues, practices
and policies from the public and private
sectors. The implementation date of
February 26 also provides for ample time
for reaction, comments, and
recommendations on our proposed charges.
The alternatives are as follows:
ALTERNATIVES:
1.
Approve the
system, fee
implementation
by Staff.
Deny all or part of
recommended fee increases and
registration system.
plan registration
increases and
plan as recommended
2.
staff
plan
3.
continue the item
information or data.
for
further
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends alternative number 1.
ACTION REQUIRED:
A motion as part of the Consent Agenda to
approve a building ~lan registration
system, and to establ1sh the following
fees to be implemented on February 26,
1990.
Re9istered building pIan review - 25% of
bU1lding permit.
Building plan review - 65% of building
permit.
Outside sewer & water inspection-$35.00
Rough-in fixtures
Sprinkler system inspection -
$4.00
$20.00