Building official presents permit fee increases; commissioners table changes for legal review and vote on May 7

Heather, a building-department official, presented a proposed revision to Owen County’s building-permit fee schedule aimed at reducing a department shortfall. Her proposal included lowering the square-foot baseline to align with ordinance minimums, raising renewal fees from 40% to 50% of the original fee for a six-month extension, and modest per-square-foot increases for unfinished porches and decks.

Heather told commissioners she compared neighboring counties' fee schedules and adjusted line items to be consistent with county ordinances and common practice; she also recommended caution on inspection fees because the county presently combines inspection responsibilities rather than charging per-inspection fees. Commissioners discussed commercial demolition permits, contractor registration as a potential revenue source and options for posting a contractor list on the county website.

The county attorney must draft a new ordinance for any fee changes; commissioners asked staff and the attorney to review the proposed schedule and return the matter for approval at the May 7 meeting. Commissioners emphasized the goal of balancing reasonable fees for citizens and contractors while addressing the building department’s budget shortfall.