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Council postpones fee increase

A move to raise building permit fees was postponed by city council at its meeting Monday. An increase of one percent across all construction categories was recommended in a report from the city engineering and planning department.

A move to raise building permit fees was postponed by city council at its meeting Monday.

An increase of one percent across all construction categories was recommended in a report from the city engineering and planning department.

The report stated no objection was raised at a November 5 open house regarding the proposed building permit fee increase, but Ward 3 councillor Matthew Shoemaker said he had heard otherwise.

Jerry Dolcetti, commissioner of engineering and planning, said there were no objections but "there was some discussion with one individual" who he was expecting to attend Monday's council meeting regarding the recommended increase.

That individual, however, was not in attendance.

Shoemaker also said he did not agree with certain figures provided in a city document regarding building permit fees.

Council voted to approve Shoemaker's request for a postponement on the raising of building permit fees.

In the staff report, additional fees were proposed for building projects that are started without a permit.

The report also called for a minimum price for a building permit to be raised to $75 as a fixed fee, for all work not described on the city’s fee schedule.

Permit fees cover the cost of examining building plans and inspection.

The one percent increase was recommended to meet anticipated increased expenditures in 2015, while having minimal impact on the local construction industry.

 

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Darren Taylor

About the Author: Darren Taylor

Darren Taylor is a news reporter and photographer in Sault Ste Marie. He regularly covers community events, political announcements and numerous board meetings. With a background in broadcast journalism, Darren has worked in the media since 1996.
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