Prior to approving the changes, language was added to the fee schedule to define an addition as "construction, which adds new air conditioned space to an existing property which has been issued a Certificate of Occupancy." For brand new homes, changes such as adding square footage are not considered residential, so the property would be subject to a permit fee. Fees for new residential homes will be $300 plus 55 cents per square foot of air conditioned space.
Council Member Michael McLeod said the changes are meant to be honest and up front regarding fees.
"If people start to abuse it, we can go back," McLeod said. "The main point is to get people talking to the city, ... because it has to be done right and done to code so it is safe for you, your family, your neighbors and future people who are going to live here."
Current residents wishing to remodel or add to their homes are not charged a fee for building or trade permits from the city. The changes are directed only at new homes within city limits.
The council also chose to waive fees for residential swimming pool additions that cost greater than $100,000.
"I don't think it is a hit to our building department to give the benefit to our residents, especially with all of the commercial construction that is going on around our city," Council Member Ted Fletcher said. "This does not eliminate high density residential projects."
Since January 2019, the city has received notice of two residential pools and four residential editions that meet the criteria of permit fees.
