County staff recommends adopting ICC evaluation table; board signals support

County building‑permit staff presented the board with a proposal to adopt the ICC evaluation table at 90% for new construction permit valuation. Staff said the table applies to new construction only (not remodels), and that it would not change gross fee revenue significantly but would provide a more realistic uniform evaluation for new builds.

Staff described the ICC table as a commonly used tool that most neighboring counties use in some form; the proposal would keep Holmes County aligned with current construction cost averages and the tax assessor's replacement valuation methods. Commissioners asked how the table interacts with contractor vs. owner valuations, and staff said that when owners self‑build, the county could request an itemized material list and multiply materials to derive a realistic budget if needed.

Board members voiced support for updating the county's evaluation method for consistency and administrative clarity and moved to adopt the ICC table at the recommended level. The motion passed with commissioners present approving the change; staff will return with the necessary code updates and implementation steps.