Crockett council adopts consolidated permit‑fee ordinance and moves to use third‑party plan review

Crockett’s City Council approved an ordinance to consolidate permit‑fee schedules across mechanical, gas, plumbing, electrical and fire codes into a single, readable schedule and to establish fees for plan review and related services.

City staff told the council the consolidated schedule, to be codified under a new Section 5‑600, will make it easier for builders and residents to see expected fees and will allow the city to hire third‑party plan reviewers when specialized expertise is needed. “What we’re trying to do is consolidate our schedule fee … so it’s understandable,” a city staff member said during the presentation.

Staff said the city previously lacked a formal fee schedule for plan acceptance and review and did not have personnel with certifications across all trades, which exposed the city to liability. The ordinance creates a fee to cover third‑party review costs so the expense will not fall on the city’s general fund.

A representative from AOCA, the consultant recommended to provide building inspections and plan‑review services, told the council the firm’s inspectors are licensed and that its master‑level reviewers would be available to the city. “Every single one of our inspectors are licensed,” said Steven Encino, an AOCA representative, describing the vendor’s qualifications and its virtual inspection options to reduce travel and speed sign‑offs.

Council members asked staff to preserve local relationships and to ensure the contractor represents the city when on site; staff said they would design the program so contracted inspectors act as the city’s representatives and remain accountable to local officials.

The council moved and approved the ordinance and directed staff to finalize contracting steps for third‑party plan review and inspection services. The ordinance includes a severability clause and an effective date to be published in the final code amendment.

Next steps: staff will finalize the contract with the selected firm, post required notices and implement the consolidated fee schedule in the municipal code.