Proposed Changes to Permitting and Valuation PracticesCity of Dubuque
City Council
ACTION ITEMS # 6.
Copyrighted
November 17, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Proposed Changes to Permitting and Valuation Practices
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approval for the
revised permit valuation model for new construction and fee
proposal change to the permitting fee structure for residential
alterations, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing permits, and
solar and swimming pool permits.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Approve
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. Memo_Proposed Changes to Permitting and Valuation Practices
3. Proposed Permit Fee Structure (2025)_Replaced 11.14.25
4. Proposed Dubuque Building Valuation Data (2025)
5. Consolidated Fee Schedule FY22_Uploaded 11.14.25
6. Presentation -Uploaded 11.17.25
Page 718 of 750
THE CITY OF
DUBE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Proposed Changes to Permitting and Valuation Practices
DATE: November 13, 2025
Dubuque
AI WIN av
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Assistant Housing & Community Development Director Michael Belmont is
recommending City Council approval for the revised permit valuation model for new
construction and fee proposal change to the permitting fee structure for residential
alterations, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing permits, and solar and swimming pool
permits.
The purpose of this proposal is not to increase revenues, but to establish a predictable
and transparent framework for determining construction valuations. We recognize that
some individual project valuations will rise while others may decrease. Overall, our goal
is to achieve a net zero or near net zero impact on total permit revenue.
We propose implementing the new calculated valuation model for new construction on
December 1, 2025, to coincide with the launch of the Citizenserve permitting software.
We have already met with several contractors to discuss the proposed model, and if
approved, we will share detailed information with all registered contractors and builders
prior to implementation
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Sandi Fowler, Interim Housing & Community Development Director
Michael Belmont, Assistant Housing & Community Development Director
Page 719 of 750
THE CITY OF
Dubuque
i
Dub E-E,n
AII-America Cip
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
2002-2013
2017*2019
TO- Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Michael Belmont, Assistant Housing & Community Development Director
DATE- November 10, 2025
RE- Proposed Changes to Permitting and Valuation Practices
Introduction
The Inspection and Construction Services division is proposing a change to the method
of establishing permit valuations for new construction. Additionally, ICS is proposing a
change to the permitting fee structure for residential alterations, Mechanical, Electrical,
and Plumbing permits, and solar and swimming pool permits.
Discussion
Purpose
As part of our implementation of new permitting and inspection software, we have taken
this opportunity to improve the clarity, transparency, and usability of our permitting
process for both contractors and homeowners. Implementation of a new system is a
great opportunity to take a fresh look at long-standing practices and identify where
updates can create a more consistent, fair, and understandable experience.
During this review, two key areas emerged for improvement:
1. The complexity of our Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) permit
applications.
2. The lack of consistency in how project valuations are determined for new
construction.
New Construction Valuation
To promote fairness and predictability for new construction projects, we propose
shifting from a stated valuation model —where applicants provide their own estimates —
to a calculated valuation model based on data published by the International Code
Council (ICC). This model uses ICC's Building Valuation Data (BVD) table, which
establishes a per -square -foot cost by construction type and occupancy classification.
Page 720 of 750
To ensure these valuations reflect our local market conditions, we will apply a local area
adjustment of -20%, recognizing that construction costs in our community are generally
lower than national averages. Additionally, recognizing that we have separate
mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection permits, we will apply an additional
-20% MEP adjustment to the table. Our intention would be to use the annual August
BVD publication, with the adjustments outlined above, to set square foot valuations that
would become effective the following January 1 of each fiscal year. Implementing this
approach will standardize how valuations are calculated and improve transparency for
all applicants.
To establish these proposed reductions to the Building Valuation Data (BVD) tables,
approximately 20 months of commercial new -construction permit data was evaluated
and compared to the corresponding permit costs when using a calculated valuation
based on the BVD values. This analysis showed that on average, with the exception of
occupancy group R, commercial project permit costs were about 20% lower than when
using the published BVD figures to establish valuation. Applying a 20% reduction to the
commercial BVD values brings the table into alignment with historic permit costs.
The primary outliers in the above analysis were Occupancy Group R projects (multi-
family and hotels), which showed a high degree of variation in declared valuations for
projects of similar size —emphasizing the need for a standardized valuation approach.
To address this, all Group R permits over the same 20-month period were analyzed
separately. An additional reduction of 17% for Group R was applied because it
produced a neutral overall impact.
For the 20% adjustment applied to mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire
protection (MEP), I reviewed detailed construction cost estimates and relied on
practical experience with project pricing. Permits for these trades are issued separately
from building permits, so this reduction can also be understood as an allowance
ensuring the building valuation accurately reflects only the building -related portion of
total project cost.
Residential Projects:
For residential new construction, the calculated valuation will be further broken down
by area types —including main floor (set by the BVD table), unfinished and finished
basements, upper floors, garages, open decks, and enclosed decks or porches (see
below). This more granular approach allows for a precise estimate of the total
construction value, ensuring that valuations reflect the true scope and character of each
project. Once calculated, the valuation will be applied to our existing fee table to
determine the permit cost.
2
Page 721 of 750
Main Floor
$ 169.09
Unfinished Basement
$
31.50
Finished Basement
$
85.69
2nd & 3rd Floors
$
85.69
Garage
$
66.48
Open Decks
$
30.00
Enclosed Porches
$
40.00
Note: Main Floor Cost per Sq. ft. is taken
unaltered from the ICC Valuation Table for type
VB construction and Occupancy Group R-3.
Alterations:
For alterations, due to their complexity and variance in scope and costs, applicants will
continue to provide stated valuations. For residential alterations, the valuations will be
applied to one of five defined fee ranges or "buckets". For commercial alterations, the
valuation will be applied to the current unchanged fee schedule.
One frequently permitted item, replacement windows, has historically shown significant
variability in stated valuations. An analysis of 75 window permits over the past 20
months revealed a per -window installed valuation ranging from $100 to $3,955 per
window. To provide consistency, we propose using a per -unit permit fee structure of
$50 for the first window and $20 for each additional window.
Residential Fee Ranges or "Buckets"
To simplify the permitting process and enhance predictability for homeowners and
contractors, residential alteration permits would be assessed using defined "fee
ranges or "buckets", based on project valuation ranges. This structure ensures
consistent fees for similar types of work, reduces administrative complexity, and makes
it easier for applicants to understand costs upfront. For example, residential alteration
projects could follow the following tiered structure:
Valuation
• $ 1 —
$5,000:
• $ 5,001 —
$15,000:
• $15,001 —
$30,000:
• $30,001 —
$100,000
• Over $100,000:
Permit Fee
$ 50
$ 150
$ 300
$ 600
$1,200
A similar concept will be applied to residential Mechanical, electrical and plumbing
permit fees, with the following tiered structure:
Valuation Permit Fee
3
Page 722 of 750
• $ 1 — $5,000: $ 50
• $ 5,001 — $15,000: $ 150
• $15,001 — $30,000: $ 300
This approach aligns with the broader goal of establishing clear and easy -to -
communicate fee structures, while maintaining consistency across similar project
types.
This approach provides clarity and predictability for both contractors and
homeowners, allowing them to better estimate permit costs during project planning.
MEP Permits
We are also simplifying the application process for Mechanical, Electrical, and
Plumbing (MEP) permits. These permits will change from a complex application with a
laundry list of items, to using stated valuation. MEP projects, with few exceptions,
require installation by licensed contractors who know what the true valuation of a project
is. We will apply those valuations to a new MEP -specific fee table (see below) for
commercial projects and defined fee ranges or "buckets" for residential projects.
Commerciall.
Valuation Range
MEP
Fee
Table
Base
Added Amount
per 1,000
$
1
- $
5,000
$
50.00
$
5,001
- $
25,000
$
50.00
$
9.00
$
25,001
- $
50,000
$
225.00
$
7.00
$
50,001
- $
100,000
$
432.00
$
5.00
$
100,001
- $
500,000
$
682.00
$
4.00
$
500,001
- $
1,000,000
$
2,282.00
$
3.50
$
1,000,001
+
$
4,032.00
$
2.50
(Rev 10-30-2025)
The primary goal of this MEP change is to increase clarity and ease of use for
contractors. Our current process collects a significant amount of unnecessary —and
often inaccurately reported —data. For example, electrical permits currently require
contractors to report the number of receptacles, even though inspectors do not count
them in the field. An electrical Inspection would focus on proper wiring materials and
methods, clearances, and compliance with applicable codes, not item counts.
0
Page 723 of 750
Additionally, for frequently permitted items, such as like -for -like equipment
replacements and water and sewer lateral replacements, we will establish simple per
unit fee of $50 for the first unit, and $25 for each additional. These standardized fees
will provide additional clarity for both contractors and homeowners on permit costs,
allowing for faster estimates and reducing uncertainty in the permitting process. An
example would be a residential furnace and A/C change out. In this proposed process,
this project would simply count as 2 units, with a permit fee of $50 for the first unit, and
$25 for the second. This $75 permit fee aligns with the current cost of a typical furnace
and A/C change out.
Streamlining the MEP permitting process will reduce confusion and administrative
burden for both contractors and staff while maintaining compliance oversight.
Solar Permits
Solar permits will be charged a flat fee of $50 for the solar, and $35 if a new service is
included with the installation. This aligns with current permit fees.
Swimming Pool Permits
Residential Swimming pool permits will be grouped by pool type and size: see below.
Pool Type and Size Flat Fee
Above Ground $ 50
Above Ground 48" or Larger $ 100
In Ground $ 250
(Rev 10-30-2025)
Commercial Swimming pool permits are taken out infrequently as they are typically part
of a larger project. Commercial pool valuations will be established by stated valuation
and assigned to our current building permit fee table.
Intended Outcomes and Potential Impacts
The purpose of this proposal is not to increase revenues, but to establish a
predictable and transparent framework for determining construction valuations.
We recognize that some individual project valuations will rise while others may
decrease. Overall, our goal is to achieve a net zero or near net zero impact on total
permit revenue.
Projected Impact of Calculated Valuations for New Construction:
Page 724 of 750
Impacts of the proposed calculated valuations:
• Residential single-family homes: -8% average change in valuation
• Residential multi -family (apartments, hotels, assisted living): +0.8% average
change after additional adjustment (detailed below)
• Commercial/industrial projects: +3% average change in valuation
One area that requires particular attention is commercial group R construction, which
includes apartments, hotels, and assisted living facilities. Initial analysis showed that
valuations for these project types would have increased modestly under the calculated
valuation model even after the 20% local area adjustment. One potential reason for this
higher ICC valuation is the increased number of areas such as kitchens and bathrooms
with much higher cost finishes. Finishes are excluded in permit valuation.
To maintain continuity with past valuations, we propose applying an additional -17%
adjustment (reduction) to valuations in Occupancy Classifications R-1, R-2, R-3, and
R-4. After this adjustment, the net impact on these projects would fall within ±1 % of
historic average valuations.
Stakeholder Feedback:
• The proposed valuation model was taken to the October 30t" Building Code
Advisory and Appeals board. At that meeting, a board member questioned
whether a particular occupancy group was impacted more than others by this
change, which prompted further review of the impacts to group R occupancy
classifications. This further review resulted in the proposed additional -17%
reduction for group R occupancies. Ultimately the board unanimously approved
a recommendation to take the revised valuation methodology and proposed fee
changes to City Council. This recommendation for approval was prior to the
proposed additional -17% Group R reduction, and the change from a -15% MEP
adjustment to a -20% MEP adjustment
• Several meetings were held with Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing contractors
to discuss proposed changes. All expressed appreciation for the simplification
of the permitting process.
• Meetings were held with building contractors. One who builds primarily multi-
family residential projects. They expressed concerns focused on ensuring the
model does not overstate valuations for housing related projects, but expressed
that they understand the need for a consistent valuation model.
Attached is a summary of all proposed changes. Also attached is the valuation data
table, with the adjustments discussed.
0
Page 725 of 750
If the new model is approved, staff will closely monitor valuation trends and permit
revenue throughout the first year. If the data shows a meaningful deviation from prior -
year revenues that can be attributed to valuations, either higher or lower, we will return
to the Council with recommendations for adjustments to ensure that the intent to remain
revenue neutral is maintained.
Timing
We propose implementing the new calculated valuation model for new construction
on December 1, 2025, to coincide with the launch of the Citizenserve permitting
software. We have already met with several contractors to discuss the proposed model,
and if approved, we will share detailed information with all registered contractors and
builders prior to implementation.
Recommendation
We respectfully request City Council Approval for the revised valuation model and fee
proposal.
CC: Sandi Fowler, Interim Housing & Community Development Director
7
Page 726 of 750
Type
Proposed Fee Structure
Subtype Fee Based On
Fees
Plan Review
% of Permit Cost
*** BUILDING ***
Commercial
New Structure
Calculated Valuation
Building Fee Table
20%
Addition
Calculated Valuation
Building Fee Table
20%
Addition with Alteration/Remodel
Stated Valuation
Building Fee Table
20%
Alteration / Remodel
Stated Valuation
Building Fee Table
20%
Foundation Only
Flat Fee - to Cover Admin
$200 Non -Refundable
20%
Residential
New Structure
Calculated Valuation
Building Fee Table
20%
Addition
Calculated Valuation
Building Fee Table
20%
Addition with Alteration/Remodel
(Calculated Valuation for
Addition) + (Total Stated
Valuation - Calculated
Valuation for Addition)
0 - 5,000 = $ 50
5,001 - 15,000 = $ 150
15,001 - 30,000 = $ 300
30,001 - 100,000 = $ 600
100,001 + = $ 1,200
20%
Alteration / Remodel
Stated Valuation
0 - 5,000 = $ 50
5,001 - 15,000 = $ 150
15,001 - 30,000 = $ 300
30,001 - 100,000 = $ 600
100,001 + = $ 1,200
20%
Window Replacement
Quantity
$50 for first, $20 each additional
20%
Foundation Only Flat Fee -to Cover Admin
*** DEMOLITION ***
$200 Non -Refundable
20%
Commercial
Accessory Structure
Flat Fee
Flat Fee
$75
$250
Commercial Building
Other
Flat Fee
$150
Residential
Accessory Structure
Flat Fee
$50
One and Two Family Dwelling
Flat Fee
$150
*** FIRE PROTECTION
***
Fire Suppression
Stated Valuation
Building Fee Table
20%
Fire Alarm
IStated Valuation
Building Fee Table
20%
*** SOLAR ***
Ground Mount
Flat Fee
$50
Add Fee for New Service
$35
Roof Mount
Flat Fee
$50
20%
Add Fee for New Service
$35
Flag e of 750
Proposed Fee Structure
Type Subtype Fee Based On
Plan Review
% of Permit Cost
*** MECHANICAL ***
Commercial
All Except Items Below
Stated Valuation
MEP Fee Table
Equipment Replacement
Fee Per Unit
$75 per Unit
Gas Pressure Test
Flat Fee
$50
Residential
All Except Items Below
Stated Valuation
0.00 - $5,000 = $50
$5,000.01- $25,000 = $150
$25,000.01 and over = $300
$50 for first Unit
$25 for ea. additional
(note Furnace and AC = $75)
Equipment Replacement
Fee Per Unit
Gas Pressure Test
Flat Fee
$50
*** ELECTRICAL ***
Commercial
Everything
Stated Valuation MEP Fee Table
Residential
Everything
Stated Valuation
0.00 - $5,000 = $50
$5,000.01- $25,000 = $150
$25,000.01 and over = $300
*** PLUMBING ***
Commercial
Everything Except Equipment
Replacement
Stated Valuation MEP Fee Table
Equipment Replacement
Fee Per Unit $75/equipment
Residential
Everything Except Like for Like
Equipment replacement and Gas
Pressure Tests
Stated Valuation
0.00 - $5,000 = $50
$5,000.01- $25,000 = $150
$25,000.01 and over = $300
$50 for first Unit
$25 for ea. additional
Equipment Replacement
Fee Per Unit
Sewer or Water Lateral
(Repair or Replace)
Fee Per Unit
$50 for first Unit
$25 for ea. additional
Gas Pressure Test
Flat Fee $50
Page 728 of 750
Type Subtype
Proposed Fee Structure
Fee Based On
Fees
Plan Review
% of Permit Cost
*** SWIMMING POOL
***
Commercial
Stated Valuation
Building Fee Table
20%
Residential Above Ground
Flat Fee - Pool Type / Size
Flat Fee - Pool Type / Size
$50
$100
Above Ground 48" or Larger
In Ground
Flat Fee - Pool Type / Size
$250
(Rev.11/13/2025)
Page 729 of 750
Dubuque Building Valuation Data (DBVD)
Adjustment Percentage from ICC BVD table
Resulting Valuation
Occupancy Group (2021 IBC)
-20%
80% of published ICC BVD Table
Construction Type (2021 IBC)
IA IB IIA
IIB
IIIA
1116
IV
VA
VB
A-1 Assembly, theaters, with stage
269.92
260.32
252.64
242.68
226.76
220.19
234.39
211.31
203.23
A-1 Assembly, theaters, without stage
247.82
238.21
230.53
220.57
204.85
198.28
212.28
189.40
181.32
A-2 Assembly, nightclubs
215.53
209.21
202.64
194.92
182.56
177.60
188.23
166.02
159.72
A-2 Assembly, restaurants, bars, banquet halls
214.73
208.41
201.04
194.12
180.96
176.80
187.43
164.42
158.92
A-3 Assembly, churches
251.52
241.92
234.24
224.28
208.66
202.09
215.98
193.21
185.12
A-3 Assembly, general, community halls, libraries, museums
211.23
201.62
193.14
183.98
167.46
161.69
175.69
152.01
144.73
A-4 Assembly, arenas
247.02
237.41
228.93
219.77
203.25
197.48
211.48
187.80
180.52
B Business
238.74
230.26
222.00
212.61
194.16
187.25
204.44
173.52
165.57
E Educational
225.65
217.81
210.92
202.19
188.70
179.05
195.24
165.32
160.02
F-1 Factory and industrial, moderate hazard
131.34
125.00
117.13
112.72
100.36
95.49
107.46
83.22
77.49
F-2 Factory and industrial, low hazard
130.54
124.20
117.13
111.92
100.36
94.69
106.66
83.22
76.69
H-1 High Hazard, explosives
122.53
116.20
109.12
103.91
92.60
86.93
98.66
75.47
0.00
H2-3-4 High Hazard
122.53
116.20
109.12
103.91
92.60
86.93
98.66
75.47
68.94
H-5 HPM
238.74
230.26
222.00
212.61
194.16
187.25
204.44
173.52
165.57
1-1 Institutional, supervised environment
219.98
212.10
204.53
196.80
180.14
175.30
196.39
162.24
156.45
1-2 Institutional, hospitals
375.34
366.86
358.60
349.21
329.16
0.00
341.04
308.52
0.00
1-2 Institutional, nursing homes
258.94
250.46
242.20
232.81
215.56
0.00
224.64
194.92
0.00
1-3 Institutional, restrained
251.94
243.46
235.20
225.81
209.36
201.65
217.64
204.44
179.17
1-4 Institutional, day care facilities
219.98
212.10
204.53
196.80
180.14
175.30
196.39
162.24
156.45
M Mercantile
160.86
154.54
147.17
140.24
127.61
123.45
133.56
111.07
105.57
R-1 Residential, hotels
222.51
214.63
207.06
199.33
182.27
177.43
198.91
164.37
158.58
R-2 Residential, multiple family
185.81
177.93
170.36
162.63
146.56
141.72
162.21
128.66
122.87
R-3 Residential, one- and two-family
172.72
168.13
164.09
160.59
155.22
149.69
163.83
144.33
135.27
R-4 Residential, care/assisted living facilities
219.98
212.10
204.53
196.80
180.14
175.30
196.39
162.24
156.45
S-1 Storage, moderate hazard
121.73
115.40
107.52
103.11
91.00
86.13
97.86
73.87
68.14
S-2 Storage, low hazard
120.93
114.60
107.52
102.31
91.00
85.33
97.06
73.87
67.34
U Utility, miscellaneous
94.12
88.57
82.40
78.86
70.23
65.61
75.06
55.59
52.96
(Rev. 10-29-2025)
Page 730 of 750
FY21 Consolidated (Residential & Commercial) Fee Schedule
(Rev. 7-1-2024)
VALUATION ($)
FEE
VALUATION ($)
FEE
VALUATION ($)
FEE
Up to $500
$29
$24,001- $25,000
$301
$62,001- $63,000
$567
$501- $600
$30
$25,001- $26,000
$308
$63,001- $64,000
$573
$601- $700
$32
$26,001- $27,000
$316
$64,001- $65,000
$578
$701- $800
$33
$27,001- $28,000
$324
$65,001- $66,000
$584
$801- $900
$35
$28,001- $29,000
$332
$66,001- $67,000
$590
$901- $1000
$36
$29,001- $30,000
$339
$67,001- $68,000
$595
$1001- $1100
$39
$30,001- $31,000
$346
$68,001- $69,000
$601
$1101- $1200
$41
$31,001- $32,000
$355
$69,001- $70,000
$606
$1201- $1300
$44
$32,001- $33,000
$363
$70,001- $71,000
$612
$1301- $1400
$46
$33,001- $34,000
$370
$71,001- $72,000
$617
$1401- $1500
$48
$34,001- $35,000
$378
$72,001- $73,000
$623
$1501- $1600
$50
$35,001- $36,000
$386
$73,001- $74,000
$629
$1601- $1700
$52
$36,001- $37,000
$394
$74,001- $75,000
$634
$1701- $1800
$54
$37,001- $38,000
$401
$75,001- $76,000
$640
$1801- $1900
$56
$38,001- $39,000
$409
$76,001- $77,000
$645
$1901- $2000
$58
$39,001- $40,000
$417
$77,001- $78,000
$651
$2001- $3000
$69
$40,001- $41,000
$425
$78,001- $79,000
$657
$3001- $4000
$79
$41,001- $42,000
$432
$79,001- $80,000
$662
$4001- $5000
$90
$42,001- $43,000
$440
$80,001- $81,000
$668
$5001- $6000
$100
$43,001- $44,000
$448
$81,001- $82,000
$673
$6001- $7000
$111
$44,001- $45,000
$456
$82,001- $83,000
$679
$7001- $8000
$121
$45,001- $46,000
$463
$83,001- $84,000
$685
$8001- $9000
$132
$46,001- $47,000
$471
$84,001- $85,000
$690
$9001- $10,000
$143
$47,001- $48,000
$479
$85,001- $86,000
$696
$10,001- $11,000
$153
$48,001- $49,000
$487
$86,001- $87,000
$701
$11,001- $12,000
$164
$49,001- $50,000
$494
$87,001- $88,000
$707
$12,001- $13,000
$174
$50,001- $51,000
$500
$88,001- $89,000
$712
$13,001- $14,000
$185
$51,001- $52,000
$506
$89,001- $90,000
$718
$14,001- $15,000
$195
$52,001- $53,000
$511
$90,001- $91,000
$724
$15,001- $16,000
$206
$53,001- $54,000
$517
$91,001- $92,000
$729
$16,001- $17,000
$216
$54,001- $55,000
$522
$92,001- $93,000
$735
$17,001- $18,000
$227
$55,001- $56,000
$528
$93,001- $94,000
$741
$18,001- $19,000
$238
$56,001- $57,000
$534
$94,001- $95,000
$746
$19,001- $20,000
$248
$57,001- $58,000
$539
$95,001- $96,000
$752
$20,001- $21,000
$259
$58,001- $59,000
$545
$96,001- $97,000
$757
$21,001- $22,000
$269
$59,001- $60,000
$550
$97,001- $98,000
$763
$22,001- $23,000
$280
$60,001- $61,000
$556
$98,001- $99,000
$768
$23,001- $24,000
$290
$61,001- $62,000
$562
1$99,001- $100,000
$774
Note - Effective July 1, 2024 Min. Permit Cost (including issuance fee) = $50.00
VALUATION ($)
BASE
INCREMENT-$10K ABOVE 100K
$100,001- $500,000
$847
$48
VALUATION ($)
BASE
INCREMENT-$10K ABOVE 500K
Over $500,001
$2,771
$40
Plan Review Fee-20% of Permit Fee
Code Appeal Fee - $150
Permit Issuance Fee - $20
Page 731 of 750
Proposed updates to permitting application)
processes and associated valuations and fees
Page 732 of 750
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
• Implementation of the Citizenserve Software
citizenset ve
w CREATE PERMIT PROJECT
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11/16/2025
Page 733 of 750
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Challenges Identified:
1. Inconsistent new construction project valuations
2. Complexity of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
permit applications
Page 734 of 750
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
Challenge 1: Inconsistent project valuations are determined for new
construction projects
• Adopt a calculated valuation model using the International Code
Council's (ICC) Building Valuation Data (BVD) as a basis, which
establishes a per -square -foot valuation that factors in construction
type and occupancy classification.
• Reductions included for local market conditions, mechanical, electrical, and
plumbing (MEP), and fire suppression. These valuations are captured in
separate MEP and fire suppression permit valuations.
• Further breakdowns included for residential permit valuations by area types
• Additional reduction for commercial group R construction with intent of
retaining values within +/-1% of historic average valuations
Page 735 of 750
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
Challenge 1: Inconsistent project valuations are determined for new
construction projects
• Alterations will continue to use "stated valuations"
• Fee structure for commercial projects will continue to use the
existing fee tables.
• Fee structure for residential will be simplified by using defined fee
ranges or "buckets"
• Frequently permitted items such as replacement windows, solar, and
pools will have a flat fee for clarity and predictability
Page 736 of 750
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
Challenge 2: Complexity of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
permit applications
• Valuations based on stated values.
• New MEP specific fee table for commercial projects
• New defined fee ranges "buckets" for residential MEP permitting
• Flat rate for high frequency equipment replacements such as
furnace & AC change outs, and water and sewer line replacments or
repairs.
Page 737 of 750
63
DI n
Building Code Advisory and Appeals
Board — reviewed proposed changes on
two occasions including at the October
30t" meeting. Changes were made to the
recommendations based on feedback
from those meetings.
Several meetings were held with various
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
contractors to discuss proposed changes.
The proposed changes were well
received and overwhelmingly supported.
Page 738 of 750
Clear and consistent permitting application
processes
Consistent permitting fees for similar
projects
Overall revenue neutral
Improved customer experience
Page 739 of 750
MEASURING OUTCOMES
Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)
• First submittal permitting / reduction in pre -application questions
• Consistent and fair permitting costs for similar projects
• Customer feedback
• Revenue neutrality
Page 740 of 750
THANK YOU!
Questions?
Page 741 of 750