Union County building-permit fee bill fails in committee amid affordability concerns

Chairman Powers presented House Bill 1465 as a local Union County private act to recalculate building permit fees from a flat fee to $0.50 per square foot for residential and commercial permits.

"This is not an impact fee," Chairman Powers said, adding the change is confined to Union County and is intended to update a rate last changed in 1972.

Representative Warner said such fees are effectively passed on to buyers and raised concerns about housing affordability. Several members cited a committee practice of avoiding new taxes or fees in this committee.

When the committee voted, the clerk announced the result: 4 "Aye," 14 "No," and three present but not voting. House Bill 1465 failed and will not advance to the Calendar and Rules stage.

Next steps: The bill failed in committee; proponents may pursue local alternatives but the committee did not forward the private act.