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Home My WebLink AboutPacket Information Page 1 of 1 Will Berg --_.~--_._~--~.,-., ,"".... -'----'---~---_..__.._--~~~~_.m~~_...,.....,.._-~--_._.-.-" --- From: Bruce Freckleton Sent: Friday, March 31, 2006 11 :52 AM To: Sharon Smith; Will Berg Cc: Brent Bjornson Subject: Building Permit Fee Proposal Packet Attachments: Room Count Memo.doc; BCA.3-31-06 Letter on Fees.pdf; hearing notice permit fees updated.doc; Temp Power Pole Memo.doc; Residential Pools Memo.doc; Reinspection Fee Memo.doc; imageOO2.jpg Sharon and Will, Attached is the supporting documentation for our April 18 fee proposal. I have also attached the copy of the new letter that I sent to the BCA. Please let me know if you need anything else. Thanks, Bruce ------------------------------------------------------------------ ~~,.' Bruce Freckleton "1~'¡ . Development Services Manager C>U;'-m '-" t,j'.~, Meridian Public Works Department ~ - 'q -"'", 660 E. Watertower Lane, Suite 200 {~r hliû1'/ ¡..~ \.. Meridian, Idaho 83642 1(.",'-' ! .I' ;. OJ Ph (208) 898-5500 Fax (208) 898-9551 "'~.... r-..,.. ","," .. E-Mail freckleb@meridiancity.org ----------------'-'::'~---_.. L - ----------------------------------------- 3/3112006 'V'J~'f' : CII,...1tiJ!fi c-f;Cridid11 h,;""~ "'."Ii;' ".J .<",....."..".....~.., "-(' Meß1orandum Date: March 31, 2006 To: Mayor DeWeerd and City Council From: Bruce Freckleton, Development Services Manager RE: Residential Electrical Permit Fee Structure Change ~ This proposal effectively eliminates room counts in the electrical discipline of the building department. Currently the counting of each individual room is required to establish correct permit fees. The goal is to have a base fee that is consistent with the State of Idaho and other local jurisdictions. The "room count method" requires our customers submitting for permit to count every room on the building plans and then for inspectors to re-count every room in the field to verify accuracy, and often charging additional fees for rooms that were not counted and not paid. This always creates additional work for inspectors and building department staff. Many electrical sub contractors have asked if we could go to .the State fee ~cAedule, The flat fee would greatly improve customer service, reduce many discrepancies and improve overall staff time. Proposed Fees - the following three categories show the new proposed flat fees consistent with the State electrical and other local jurisdictions. In some cases new permit fee calculations may reflect a slight increase or decrease. The goal is a restructuring of fees - not raising fees. It should immediately prove to be a welcome change by all involved in the process. Residential Electrical Permits: 1. Service equipment up to and including 200 amps = $120.00 Over 200 amps and up to and including 400 amps = $210.00 401 amps and up see wiring costs based on value of project (current fee schedule in use) Example Under Current Fee Structure: 20 room dwelling (Room = any space that has electrical. Closets, attics, pantry, etc.): First room at $5.00 19 rooms at $3.50 ea = $66.50 1 AlC unit = $15.00 1 - 200 amp service = $25.00 ---------- ---- ------ ------ -------- $111.50 2. Multi-Family Dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, & apartments = $120 per building plus $60 per unit 3. Residential Remodels = Base fee of $40 plus $10 for each additional circuit ";:~-¡r!\',y ¡.,' . ,~.!j- "j '! c:::tG;Û¡ ;;'!.t March 31, 2006 " II ), \11(1 i '~~ / r ",r<,,¡¡ ..:-' 'o<!.!¿y~T¡"..", ," v.~'~- "",, ~ 1901 MAYOR [.11111111' Lit, \\l'l'rd CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Keith \ird Chri~titl(' l)olltll'll tî1.1rlr'~ ~:1. Roulltrec' ',I",Wtl IV.Helll' CiTY DEPARTMENTS i rt" '>-W 1.- 1-r.1Ilklitl 1~lhllj ,-':SS-12,-1-./ f<l\ S'!3-0"I)l) 1"\,.k~",-I~I.'('J"l'"tioll II 'leV. Jowl'r Slrl'ct SSS-y:;",cq / 1.1\ WiS. '50 I 1'1.11111 i 1l.1.~ hl,l! F- VV.'krl",vl'J" Lalle ~illill' 202 :-;1'-1-'13'11 i f'1\ t-ISH-hH-I-I 1 '01 it-I' l-1-lH L WdtL-rtO\H'r Lu1l: SHH-h67S / H..J.h-7]llh I'ublic Wlnk-. hhP E- IN,] tl'rtn\\'l'J" L1I11;.' Suitt' 2PD H'!¡i,::'3()() / {,]X H'!S-16" 1 - Building (,hlJ I,:. \V,'krl<lWl'r Lalle ~uil,' 13l1 ,-':S7-22 I I / Î,1\ XH7.1297 - \V,hlt'I,-.ltL'r :\-I()] ,,\, Tc'll "-1ilt- I~ll.ld St-IS-21'i ! 1',1', HS-I-O7-1-1 - \V.1I<,r ::'2Y; "',IV, .'ill] Str<:d ,'--'SH-"2-12/ 1'.]\ SS-I-1159 Jayson Ronk Building Contractors Association 6206 N. Discovery Way, Suite A Boise, Idaho 83713 RE: City of Meridian Building Department Fee Update Proposals Dear Jayson: We recently completed our proposals for updating a few of the permit fees that we currently issue through the Building Department. My proposal includes four items: a modification to the methodology for calculating residential electrical permit fees; an increase in the re-inspection fees for the structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical disciplines; an Increase for residential spa, hot tub, hydro massage, and swimming pool electrical permits; and a rate increase for temporary construction power pole permits. I am forwarding our proposed fee updates to you for your review and comment. With Mayor De Weerd's permission, I hope to have City Council hold a public hearing on these fees April 18, 2006 at their regularly scheduled meeting. All other permit fees associated with building permits are not a subject of this letter. We are currently evaluating those fees and will notify you as soon as that analysis is complete and a proposal formulated. Residential Electrical Permit Fee Structure Change Proposal: This proposal effectively eliminates room counts in the electrical discipline of the building department. Currently the counting of each individual room is required to establish correct permit fees. The goal is to have a base fee that is consistent with the State of Idaho and other local jurisdictions. The "room count method" requires our customers submitting for permit to count every room on the building plans and then for inspectors to re.count every room in the field to verify accuracy, and often charging additional fees for rooms that were not counted and not paid. This always creates additional work for inspectors and building department staff. Many electrical sub contractors have asked if we could go to the State fee schedule. The flat fee would greatly improve customer service, reduce many discrepancies and improve overall staff time. Proposed Fees - the following three categories show the new proposed flat fees consistent with the State electrical and other local jurisdictions. In some cases new permit fee calculations may reflect a slight increase or decrease. The goal is a restructuring of fees - not raising fees. It should immediately prove to be a welcome change by all involved in the process. Residential Electrical Permits: 1. Service equipment up to and including 200 amps = $120.00 Over 200 amps and up to and including 400 amps = $210.00 CITY HALL 33 EAST IDAHO A VENUE MERIDIAN, IDAHO 83642 (208) 888-4433 CITY CLERK - FAX HRR--t21H CITY ATTORNEY I HR - FAX HH-t.Hn3 FINANCE & UTILITY BILLING - FAX HH7--tH13 MAYOR'S OFFICE - FAX H84-8119 Prinlt." on "'cycled p<'p"r 401 amps and up see wiring costs based on value of project (current fee schedule in use) Example Under Current Fee Structure: 20 room dwelling (Room = any space that has electrical. Example: Closets, attics, pantry, etc.): First room at $5.00 19 rooms at $3.50 ea = $66.50 1 AlC unit = $15.00 1 - 200 amp service = $25.00 -------._- ----------- ------- -- n_n_- - - ------- $111.50 2. Multi-Family Dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, & apartments = $120 per building plus $60 per unit 3. Residential Remodels = Base fee of $40 plus $10 for each additional circuit Re-Inspection Fees ProDosal: This proposal effectively raises the Building Department re-inspection fees. The total average re- inspection fee in all inspection categories (structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical) in six municipalities is an average of $43.25. The City of Meridian total average is $34.31. (See Attached Exhibit A) Our inspectors are spending unnecessary time and fuel with wasted trips. Many contractors are calling in for re-inspection and when the inspectors arrive they find that the corrections have not been peñormed. The Building Department staff then is tasked with the additional phone calls for the respective inspections, duplicate processing and inspector dispatch. This proposal essentially will position the City of Meridian Building Department consistent with the other municipalities. It does not raise building permit fees. The intent is to reduce the number of wasted trips and staff time while promoting accountability and efficiency throughout. Permits Fee Increase ProDosal for Residential SDa. Hot Tub. Hydro Massaae. and Swimming Pools: Currently the City of Meridian charges $25.00 for a permit and electrical inspections of spas, hot tubs, hydro massage, and swimming pools, The life safety and relevant electrical codes and changes regarding pools, water, and electricity have necessitated lengthy and repeated inspection. This proposal effectively raises the City of Meridian permit fee to $40.00 plus $40.00 for any grounding grid where applicable. This fee increase will be consistent with the State of Idaho fees. New Language: Residential SDas. Hot Tubs. Hydro Massage Tubs. Swimming Pools: Basic permit fee of $40.00 plus an additional $40.00 for any grounding grid where applicable. (Other than residential, use existing fee section for commercial, industrial, and other permit fees not listed.) Permit Fee Increase Proposal for Temporary Construction Power Poles: Currently the City of Meridian charges $20.00 for a temporary power pole permit. The installed pole is required to meet life safety code criteria, as it is the sole power supply source during the majority of the construction, for all workers in all weather conditions. Currently an inspection of these power pole installations is not performed on residential construction. This proposal effectively raises the fee to $40.00 which is consistent with the State of Idaho fee. This fee increase will allow the City of Meridian to perform inspections of all temporary power poles before power is energized at the pole. New Language: Temporary Construction Services: To be installed for construction purposes only, for a period not to exceed one (1) year. a. b. Two hundred (200) amps or less, one (1) location.................................. ..$40.00 All others to be calculated using the existing section for commercial, industrial, and other permit fees not listed. I hope to have City Council hold a public hearing on these fees April 18, 2006. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this proposal further or need additional information. 8 r leton evelopment Services Manager cc: Mayor De Weerd City Council City Clerk Enclosures EXHIBIT A McriùÎan Aù;I C()unf~- Ea~lc Current Re-insoection Fees Structural $30.00 $45.,00 $50.00 Electrical $25.00 $40.,00 $40.00 Plumbing $38.00 $38.00 $38.00 Mechanical $44.25 $45.00 $51.00 Average 534.31 $42.00 $44.75 ßUiSl' Nampa Star Mitlùlclon $44.10 $45.00 $45.00 $40.00 $46.31 $45.00 $40.00 $40.00 $44.00 $45.00 $38.00 $38.00 $44. 10 $45.00 $51.00 $47.00 $44.62 $45.00 $43.50 $41.25 Pro Dosed Fees for all re-insoections of residential --nd commercial orQÍects Double Fees if re-insnection is scheduled and corrections have not been made. (Wasted trio & staff time.) $90,00 Structural $45.00 Electrical $45.00 Plumbing $45.00 Mechanical $45.00 $90.00 $90.00 $90.00 CITY OF MERIDIAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Ordinances of the City of Meridian and the Laws of the State of Idaho, that the City Council of the City of Meridian will hold a public hearing at the Meridian City Hall, 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. on April 18, 2006, for the purpose of reviewing and considering fee changes authorized in Title 10, Chapter 1 Building Codes of Meridian City Code. The public hearing for proposed updated fees includes a modification in the methodology for calculating electrical permit fees for residential, an increase in electrical permit fees for temporary construction power poles, an increase in electrical permit fees for spas, hot tubs, hydro massage, and swimming pools, and an increase in re- inspection fees for the Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical disciplines. A more particular and specific description of the above proposed amendments and new and updated fees is on file in the City Clerk's office at Meridian City Hall, 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho and is available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any and all interested persons shall be heard at said public hearing, and the public is welcome and invited to submit testimony. Oral testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes per person. Written materials may be submitted seven (7) days prior to the above hearing date so that all interested parties may examine them prior to the hearing. DATED this 31 sl day of March, 2006. WILLIAM G. BERG, JR., CITY CLERK PUBLISH: The 3rd and 10th of April, 2006. ~ 0 /"".~' '-/YLeritli,m .." \. :\, ID"..-' ß """'~. "-'",.. 'M" , ;( Date: March 31, 2006 To: Mayor DeWeerd and City Council ~ From: Bruce Freckleton, Development Services Manager ~ RE: Proposed Rate Increase for Temporary Construction Power Pole Permits Meß1orand u m Currently the City of Meridian charges $20.00 for a temporary power pole permit. The installed pole is required to meet life safety code criteria, as it is the sole power supply source during the majority of the construction, for all workers in all weather conditions. Currently an inspection of these power pole installations is not performed on residential construction. This proposal effectively raises the fee to $40.00 which is consistent with the State of Idaho fee. This fee increase will allow the City of Meridian to perform inspections of all temporary power poles before power is energized at the pole. New Language: Temporary Construction Services: To be installed for construction purposes only, for a period not to exceed one (1) year. a. Two hundred (200) amps or less, one (1) location.... ................... ........ ...$40.00 b. All others to be calculated using the existing section for commercial, industrial, and other permit fees not listed. '"~ðl c-f;C;~ I; ;;~,~¿".., """"" .~ " ,\" '. """"",~,.,,~'" ( Meß1orandum Date: March 31, 2006 To: Mayor DeWeerd and City Council From: Bruce Freckleton, Development Services Manager RE: Proposed Rate Increase for Residential Spa, Hot Tub, Hydro Massage, and Swimming Pool Electrical Permits ~ Currently the City of Meridian charges $25.00 for a permit and electrical inspections of spas, hot tubs, hydro massage, and swimming pools. The life safety and relevant electrical codes and changes regarding pools, water, and electricity have necessitated lengthy and repeated inspection. This proposal effectively raises the City of Meridian permit fee to $40.00 plus $40.00 for any grounding grid where applicable. This fee increase will be consistent with the State of Idaho fees. New Language: Residential Spas. Hot Tubs. Hydro Massaae Tubs. Swimmina Pools: Basic permit fee of $40.00 plus an additional $40.00 for any grounding grid where applicable. (Other than residential, use existing fee section for commercial, industrial, and other permit fees not listed.) ý>¡\,¡2 '"'- 0 ./"""... ftt~f~.. "-./'Yl(Jridiãn ,"" ~"",-, 1- '"'0,'" Memoranduß1 Date: March 31, 2006 To: Mayor DeWeerd and City Council From: Bruce Freckleton, Development Services Manager RE: Re-Inspection Fee Proposal ~ This proposal effectively raises the Building Department re-inspection fees. The total average re-inspection fee in all inspection categories (structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical) in six municipalities is an average of $43.25. The City of Meridian total average is $34.31. The inspectors are spending unnecessary time and fuel with wasted trips. Many contractors are calling in for re-inspection and when the inspectors arrive they find that the corrections have not been performed. The Building Department staff then is tasked with the additional phone calls for the respective inspections, duplicate processing and inspector dispatch. This proposal essentially will position the City of Meridian Building Department consistent with the other municipalities. It does not raise building permit fees. The intent is to reduce the number of wasted trips and staff time while promoting accountability and efficiency throughout. Meridian Ada County Eagle Boise Nampa Star Middleton Current Re-inspection Fees Structural $30J}0 $45.00 $50.00 $44.10 $45.00 $45.00 $40.,00 Electrical $25.00 $40.00 $40.00 $46.31 $45.00 $40.00 $40.00 Plumbing $38.00 $38.00 $38.00 $44.,00 $45.00 $38.00 $38.00 Mechanical $44.25 $45.00 $51.00 $44.10 $45.00 $51.00 $47.00 Average $34.31 $42.00 $44.75 $44.62 $45.00 $43.50 $41.25 Proposed Fees for all re- inspections of residential and commercial projects Double Fees if re-inspection is scheduled and corrections have not been made. (Wasted trip & staff time.) Structural $45.00 Electrical $45.00 Plumbing $45.00 Mechanical $45.00 $90.00 $90.00 $90.00 $90.00 Will Berq From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: -Ätti:l_çhm~nts: Will Berg Friday, March 31, 2006 11 :08 AM 'Frank Thomason (historydoc@qwestnet)' Sharon Smith; Tara Green NOTICE OF HEARING for PW 2006 PW misc electrical fees updated 4-18-06 vtdoc -,--"~ ~ 2006 PW misc electrical fees Un. please publish April 3 and 10 - thanks. - -'----'---,' -- , 1 CITY OF MERIDIAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Ordinances of the City of Meridian and the Laws of the State of Idaho, that the City Council of the City of Meridian will hold a public hearing at the Meridian City Hall, 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, for the purpose of reviewing and considering fee changes authorized in Title 10, Chapter 1 Building Codes of Meridian City Code. The public hearing for proposed updated fees includes a modification in the methodology for calculating electrical permit fees for residential, an increase in electrical permit fees for temporary construction power poles, an increase in electrical permit fees for spas, hot tubs, hydro massage, and swimming pools, and an increase in re- inspection fees for the Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical disciplines. A more particular and specific description of the above proposed amendments and new and updated fees is on file in the City Clerk's office at Meridian City Hall, 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho and is available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any and all interested persons shall be heard at said public hearing, and the public is welcome and invited to submit testimony. Oral testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes per person. Written materials may be submitted seven (7) days prior to the above hearing date so that all interested parties may examine them prior to the hearing. DATED this 31 st day of March, 2006. WILLIAM G. BERG, JR., CITY CLERK PUBLISH: The 3rd and 10th of April, 2006. CITY OF MERIDIAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Ordinances of the City of Meridian and the Laws of the State of Idaho, that the City Council of the City of Meridian will hold a public hearing at the Meridian City Hall, 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2006, for the purpose of reviewing and considering fee changes authorized in Title 10, Chapter 1 Building Codes of Meridian City Code. The public hearing for proposed updated fees includes a modification in the methodology for calculating electrical permit fees for residential, an increase in electrical permit fees for temporary construction power poles, an increase in electrical permit fees for spas, hot tubs, hydro massage, and swimming pools, and an increase in re- inspection fees for the Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical disciplines. A more particular and specific description of the above proposed amendments and new and updated fees is on file in the City Clerk's office at Meridian City Hall, 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho and is available for inspection during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Any and all interested persons shall be heard at said public hearing, and the public is welcome and invited to submit testimony. Oral testimony may be limited to three (3) minutes per person. Written materials may be submitted seven (7) days prior to the above hearing date so that all interested parties may examine them prior to the hearing. DATED this 31st day of March, 2006. PUBLISH: The 3rd and 10th of April, 2006. Mel11oranduß1 To: Mayor DeWeerd and City Council From: Bruce Freckleton, Development Services Manager RE: Re-Inspection Fee Proposal ~ This proposal effectively raises the Building Department re-inspection fees. The total average re-inspection fee in all inspection categories (structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical) in six municipalities is an average of $43.25. The City of Meridian total average is $34.31. The inspectors are spending unnecessary time and fuel with wasted trips. Many contractors are calling in for re-inspection and when the inspectors arrive they find that the corrections have not been performed. The Building Department staff then is tasked with the additional phone calls for the respective inspections, duplicate processing and inspector dispatch. This proposal essentially will position the City of Meridian Building Department consistent with the other municipalities. It does not raise building permit fees. The intent is to reduce the number of wasted trips and staff time while promoting accountability and efficiency throughout. Meridian Ada County Eagle Boise Nampa Star Middleton Current Re-inspection Fees Structural ...~ $45.00 $50.00 $44.10 $45.00 $45.00 $40.00 - ., ."Y-: -.," . Electrical $25.00 $40.00 $40.,00 $46.31 $45.00 $40.00 $40.00 Plumbing $38.00 $38.00 $38.00 $44.00 $45.00 $38.00 $38.00 Mechanical $44.25 $45.00 $51.,00 $44., 1 0 $45.00 $51.00 $47.,00 Average $34.31 $42.00 $44.75 $44.62 $45.00 $43.50 $41.25 Proposed Fees for all re- inspections of residential and commercial ÐLojects Double Fees if re-insDection is scheduled and corrections have not been made. (Wasted trip & staff time.) Structural $45.00 Electrical $45.00 Plumbing $45.00 Mechanical $45.00 $90.00 $90.00 $90.00 $90.00 Mel11oranduß1 Date: March 30, 2006 To: Mayor DeWeerd and City Council ~ From: Bruce Freckleton, Development Services Manager ~ RE: Residential Electrical Permit Fee Structure Change This proposal effectively eliminates room counts in the electrical discipline of the building department. Currently the counting of each individual room is required to establish correct permit fees. The goal is to have a base fee that is consistent with the State of Idaho and other local jurisdictions. The "room count method" requires our customers submitting for permit to count every room on the building plans and then for inspectors to re-count every room in the field to verify accuracy, and often charging additional fees for rooms that were not counted and not paid. This always creates additional work for inspectors and building department staff. Many electrical sub contractors have asked if we could go to the State fee schedule. The flat fee would greatly improve customer service, reduce many discrepancies and improve overall staff time. Proposed Fees - the following three categories show the new proposed flat fees consistent with the State electrical and other local jurisdictions. In some cases new permit fee calculations may reflect a slight increase or decrease. The goal is a restructuring of fees - not raising fees. It should immediately prove to be a welcome change by all involved in the process. Residential Electrical Permits: 1. Service equipment up to and including 200 amps = $120.00 Over 200 amps and up to and including 400 amps = $210.00 401 amps and up see wiring costs based on value of project (current fee schedule in use) Example Under Current Fee Structure: 20 room dwelling (Room = any space that has electrical. Closets, attics, pantry, etc.): First room at $5.00 19 rooms at $3.50 ea = $66.50 1 NC unit = $15.00 1 - 200 amp service = $25.00 ---------- ------------ ------ $111.50 2. Multi-Family Dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, & apartments = $120 per building plus $60 per unit 3. Residential Remodels = Base fee of $40 plus $10 for each additional circuit \' :'}-~;/J{ clfe; /d,; ~"c~,\~ M,\H1I, '1~1JllJllV ck \\h'rd CITY COL.'\ClI ML'~mERS William L M, j\iHY Kl'ith Bird Charles 1\1. Rountree ~h,1uJl \-\'.lI"dk 01 ì OU',\I(I \'1fJ\ I:, Fire 540 E- Fr,lnklin Roild Hf!8-12J-'I/ f.1O\ H93-UJ'JO ['arJ,;s & r(l'çrl..1tion 1] E. Bnwer Strl'C't 1-;88.3::;79/(,1'\ 89H-,"i3()] Plimning & Zoning (,60 E. Wall'rto\\'l'r Lime Suit,. 202 HS-'l~5533;' (n,\ 888-6834 T'ulicl' 1401 E. W,l(I::'rto\\'er Llnl' 81:!8.667R/fax 8-'16-7366 Public Worb (',60 E- Watertower LlIll' SlIite 200 898-5500/ (il x 891:\-9551 - BlIilding 660 E. Waterto\\'l.'r Lane Suite ¡ 50 SR7-nil/fax 887-1297 - Se\\'er (WWTP) 3-'101 N. Ten Mile l{(hld 881:\-21<)1 ¡ fax 8f>-'I-O744 - Water 2235 i\:, W. Hth Strl'd 1'1811-52421 felx RtH-1159 March 29, 2006 II ),\111 I ,.. ," ..""..~,.c'_:-'-- ,-- ",(¡ ';1":' Jayson Ronk Building Contractors Association 6206 N, Discovery Way, Suite A Boise, Idaho 83713 RE: City of Meridian Building Department Fee Update Proposals Dear Jayson: We recently completed our proposals for updating a couple of the permit fees that we currently issue through the Building Department. The first is a modification to the methodology for calculating electrical permit fees, and the second is an increase in the re-inspection fees for the Structural, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical disciplines. I am forwarding our proposed fee updates to you for your review and comment. With Mayor De Weerd's permission, I hope to have City Council hold a public hearing on these fees April 18, 2006 at their regularly scheduled meeting. All other permit fees associated with building permits are not a subject of this letter. We are currently evaluating those fees and will notify you as soon as that analysis is complete and a proposal formulated. Residential Electrical Pennit Fee Structure Chanøe ProPosal: This proposal effectively eliminates room counts in the electrical discipline of the building department. Currently the counting of each individual room is required to establish correct permit fees. The goal is to have a base fee that is consistent with the State of Idaho and other local jurisdictions. The "room count method" requires our customers submitting for permit to count every room on the building plans and then for inspectors to re-count every room in the field to verify accuracy, and often charging additional fees for rooms that were not counted and not paid. This always creates additional work for inspectors and building department staff. Many electrical sub contractors have asked if we could go to the State fee schedule. The flat fee would greatly improve customer service, reduce many discrepancies and improve overall staff time. Proposed Fees - the following three categories show the new proposed flat fees consistent with the State electrical and other local jurisdictions. In some cases new permit fee calculations may reflect a slight increase or decrease. The goal is a restructuring of fees - not raising fees. It should immediately prove to be a welcome change by all involved in the process, ReSidential Electrical Permits: 1. Service equipment up to and including 200 amps = $120.00 Over 200 amps and up to and including 400 amps = $210.00 401 amps and up see wiring costs based on value of project (current fee schedule in use) I 11\ , I 11(1; -1\\ Ni'ii'i-.j.21 i'i CITY 11.\1.1. :U E,\ST 1l).\JIO .\\'L.\l-E \1\\III!'SIIl'IIII,-i:\.\¡";¡";-f.K111) \IEI{I>I.\,\, Il).\IIO ~n()4~ (20Ri RRR-4433 III \1\'\ HI,~I",(I 1";-1\\ NK..-N,2J 11'\\'\I"IIIII\lill,II'\I;-I\\N:-;,--'lKLJ Example Under Current Fee Structure: 20 room dwelling (Room = any space that has electrical. Example: Closets, attics, pantry, etc.): First room at $5.00 19 rooms at $3.50 ea = $66.50 1 AlC unit::; $15.00 1 - 200 amp service::; $25.00 - ._-------. ----- ----------------------- -- --- $111.50 2. Multi-Family Dwellings, duplexes, triplexes. & apartments = $120 per building plus $60 per unit 3. Residential Remodels = Base fee of $40 plus $10 for each additional circuit Re..fnsøection Fees Proposal: This proposal effectively raises the Building Department re-inspection fees. The total average re-inspection fee in all inspection categories (structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical) in six municipalities is an av$rage of $43.25. The City of Meridian total average is $34.31. (See Attached Exhibit A) Our inspectors are spending unnecessary time and fuel with wasted trips. Many contractors are calling in for re-inspection and when the inspectors arrive they find that the corrections have not been performed. The Building Department staff then is tasked with the additional phone calls for the respective inspections, duplicate processing and inspector dispatch. This proposal essentially will position the City of Meridian Building Department consistent with the other municipalities. It does not raise building permit fees. The intent is to reduce the number of wasted trips and staff time while promoting accountability and efficiency throughout I hope to have City Council hold a public hearing on these fees April 18, 2006. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this proposal further or need additional information. cc: Mayor De Weerd Enclosures EXHIBIT A Meridian Ad.. Cuunt~' F.a!:te Current Re-insoection Fees Structural $30.00 $45.00 $50.00 Electrical $25.00 $40.00 $40.00 Plumbing $38.00 $38.00 $38.00 Mechanical $44.25 $45.00 $5 LOO Average 534.31 $42.00 $44.75 Brtisl' Namla Star Middlelon $44.10 $45.00 $45.00 $40.00 $46.31 $45.00 $40.00 $40.00 $44.00 $45.,00 $38.00 $38.00 $44.10 $45.00 $51.00 $47.00 $44.62 $45.00 $43.50 $41.25 Proposed Fees for all re-insDedions of remdentialandconunercialpr~cu Double Fees if re-inspection is scheduled and corrections have not been made.lWasted trip & staft'time.) $90.00 Structural $45.00 Electrical $45,00 Plumbing $45.00 Mechanical $45.00 $90.00 $90.00 $90.00 63-1311A. ADVERTISEMENT OF AND HEARING ON FEE INCREASES. No taxing district may make a decision approving a fee increase that exceeds one hundred five per cent (105%) ofthe amount ofthe fee last collected or a decision imposing a new fee, unless it first holds a hearing upon such proposed fee increase or fee imposition at a regular or special meeting of the district's governing body and after it gives public notice of such hearing in the manner provided in this section. Any taxing district that is required to hold a hearing and give public notice of the hearing as provided in this section, and which fails to do so, shall have the validity of all or a portion of the fee increase that it collects be voidable. The taxing district shall give public notice of its intent to make a decision on a proposed fee increase, that exceeds one hundred five per cent (105%) of the amount of fees last collected prior to such decision, or a decision to impose a new fee by giving public notice either by advertising in at least one (1) newspaper as defined in section 60-106, Idaho Code, or by holding three (3) public meetings in three (3) different locations in the district or by a single mailing notice to all district residents, providing that the same information is given and providing the meeting shall be held not less than seven (7) days after mailing of the notice. An advertisement used to satisfY the requirements ofthis section shall be run once each week for the two (2) weeks preceding the week during which the hearing required by this section will be held. The advertisement shall state that the taxing district will meet on a certain day, time and place fixed in the advertisement, for the purpose of hearing public comments regarding any proposed fee increase beyond the limits prescribed by this section, or imposition of a new fee and to explain the reasons for such action. Notice of New/Increased City Fees The City Council must provide public notice and hearing prior to adoption of a fee increase of more than 5 percent, or imposition of a new fee. Public notice for new/increased fees is satisfied by choosing one of the alternate methods listed below: );> Advertising in a newspaper of general interest, published in the State of Idaho (as defined in 60-106, Idaho Code), or .> Holding three public meetings in three different locations in the city, or );> By a single mailing notice to all city residents, providing that the same information is given and providing the meeting will be held not less than seven days after mailing of the notice. To satisfY the requirements of this section, an advertisement must be run once each week for the two weeks preceding the week ofthe public hearing. The advertisement must state: );> The date, time and place of the hearing. );> That the purpose of the hearing is to take public testimony regarding the new/increased fee and to explain the reasons for the new/increased fee. At the public hearing, citizens must be allowed to provide testimony on the new/increased fee. Anv new/increased fee that is adoDted without Dublic notice and hearine: is invalid and void. Page 1 of 1 Will Berg ----"----""-...mm. --"....-----.,-..-. _m__, From: Bruce Freckleton Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 11 :51 AM To: Sharon Smith; Will Berg; Tara Green Subject: Building Dept. Fee Proposals for 4/18/06 Attachments: imageO02.jpg; BCA.3-29-06 Letter on Fees.pdf; Reinspection Fee Memo.doc; Room Count Memo.doc Sharon, Will and Tara, Attached are the two proposals for permit fee modifications for the Building Department. I sent the Hearing Notice over yesterday. Also attached is a PDF file of a letter I sent to the Building Contractors Association to solicit their input on my proposals. I want to make sure that this letter also gets included in the packets for the Mayor and Council. Thanks a bunch, Bruce ------------------------------------------------------------------ ~" Bruce Freckleton 'f"1,}", Development Services Manager C>U:~m ~ t,j!", Meridian Public Works Department ~ ,.. ,., -"" 660 E. Watertower Lane, Suite 200 .,rhlitffl J.I 'Co Meridian, Idaho 83642 II.".~., ¿ ----~~':::::=:=- , , . --~~~;!;;;;~..~;:~~~~~::~-- 3/30/2006