Community Development requests full-time building technician as permits rise; council debates fee increases

Community Development Director Skelton told the council that the department has seen an increased number of building permits and requested authorization for a full-time building technician to help process the higher permit volume. The council discussed the workload pressure and the need to sustain timely plan review and inspections.

The council also considered increasing appeal fees as a revenue and workload-management tool; no fee change was adopted at the meeting pending further staff recommendations. Skelton's overview prompted follow-up requests for more detailed cost and workload data to justify a permanent staffing change.