Council moves forward with proposed changes to building-permit rules and fees

Council members discussed proposed amendments to Chapter 155.07 of the Melbourne Code of Ordinances governing restricted residential district building/use permits.

Under the changes presented, the minimum fee would become a flat $25 regardless of structure value; completed applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. on the Thursday before the regular meeting (replacing the previous Friday 4:30 p.m. deadline); and requests for special meetings would be charged the actual cost of attendance by the mayor, five council members, the city clerk and one public-works employee (recorded as $325.45 at the July 13 meeting and to be adjusted with wage changes). Failure to obtain a building permit before beginning construction would carry an additional $25 penalty. The motion to present the ordinance amendment was made by Lucas Hauser and seconded by Beth Opperman; the vote was all ayes. The Clerk will prepare the ordinance-format changes for the first reading at the Aug. 10 meeting, with an option to waive second and third readings.