HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.F.3. Review of 2015 Fee Schedule General Business 8. F. 3.
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TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kris Wilson, Acting City Administrator
DATE: 01/06/2015
SUBJECT: Review of 2015 Fee Schedule
Action Sought
The Council is asked to review the following information provided in response to
Council's request and, if necessary, provide direction to staff regarding desired next
steps.
Background
At its December 16, 2014 meeting, the Council discussed and ultimately approved
the City's proposed fee schedule for 2015. However, staff was directed to return
with a review of permit fees for projects that could be classified as standard home
maintenance and improvement.
During Council discussion on the 16th, it was suggested that the City should aim to
encourage residential property owners to make such investments and improvements
in their homes, and that the fees being charged for related permits might exceed the
cost of the improvement and serve as a detriment to the investment the City wishes
to encourage. The question was posed as to whether residents shouldn't receive the
necessary inspection services as part of the taxes they already pay rather than being
charged a separate or additional permit fee.
There is a specific section of the fee schedule for "Additions & Remodels", which
begins on page 24. The permits listed under this section include:
Re-Roofing
Re-Siding
Window & Door Replacement
Decks
Fences
Detached Accessory Buildings
Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Ventilation
Gas Piping
Plumbing
Each of these is provided for under the Minnesota State Building Code, as adopted
by the City of Shakopee. The only permit that the City of Shakopee has opted to
require above and beyond those identified in the Code is our fence permit. In every
case, when a building permit of any type is taken out and paid for, the City provides
an on-site inspection by a licensed, professional building inspector.
In response to Council concerns expressed at the December 16 meeting, staff offers
the following information of note:
1. The City does not require a permit or charge a permit fee for simply replacing a
door or installing a storm or screen door, as long as the door frame and supporting
structure remain unchanged. Therefore, staff is confident that permit fees to do
exceed the cost of the permitted improvement.
However, the replacement of the entire door or window structure does require a
permit, inspection and payment of the associated fee as these are critical to health,
safety and welfare. The framing of doors and windows contributes directly to the
structural integrity of a building, provide critical egress in case of an emergency and
their proper installation contributes significantly to the avoidance of water
infiltration and its associated consequences. Furthermore, the fees established for
these services are structured to recover the City's cost for providing the service.
2. The Building Code specifically identifies numerous residential improvements
for which no permit can be required and therefore no fee charged. The City of
Shakopee complies with this mandate. These include painting, tiling, carpeting,
replacing cabinets and counter-tops; the construction of small tool and storage
sheds or playhouses, above ground swimming pools, swings and other playground
equipment.
3. The City's Building Inspections Department serves property owners who contact
us seeking permits and inspection services. There is no pro-active effort to seek out
or identify small residential improvements that have not come in for a permit.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the 2015 Fee Schedule remain in place as adopted at the
December 16 City Council meeting.
Budget Impact
The budget impact of altering the City's fee schedule would have to be calculated if
and when further direction is provided by Council.
Relationship to Vision
Requested Action
The Council is asked to review the above information and, if necessary, provide
direction to staff regarding desired next steps.