minhpd 10-25-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Parmelee stated that his department charges a flat$200 fee for commercial plan review plus an additional $5 for every 100 sq. ft. The city uses a 3rd parry examiner who charges it, which ends in a wash. Residential plan reviews are currently done at no cost and are done for projects such as garage builds, decks, new builds, etc. He is proposing that a $25 fee be imposed on the residential plan review process so that the Building and Housing Department can cover its costs. He provided examples of surrounding communities that charge similar or higher rates. The department currently has 560 residential plan reviews and 3,200 total plans. He noted his part time plans reviewer and other staff are having a hard time keeping up with the rate of work. Chairman Shachner asked if there were ever a case where the department would ever go beyond a$25 residential plan review fee. Commissioner Parmelee indicated that anything 3 family or below would stay in his department and would receive a$25 flat fee. Councilmember Kepple asked for examples of projects where plan review isn't necessary. Commissioner Parmelee indicated new hot water tanks, handrails, furnace installation, cabinet replacement, roof replacement, and other minor repairs do not need plan review. She also asked whether the $25 fee was to make sure a project was professional and within code. The commissioner indicated that the department is doing it for free right now, but that Cleveland charges between $100-$150 for the same service, and that Westlake charges $150-$200 because every plan goes out to a 3rd parry reviewer. He stated that he is a big advocate of keeping plan review in house. Councilmember Rader asked why this wasn't done sooner. Commissioner Parmelee stated that it was because he was not commissioner at that time. Councilmember Kepple asked whether the rate of plans received will remain as high and whether the city should expand hours for the part time plan reviewer. The commissioner indicated that he does not foresee it slowing down, however that the market will have to flatten out eventually. The part time plan reviewer is a retired building official who wants to be done in a couple years. Mr. Parmelee indicated that he would entertain that being made a full-time position if the volume of plans continues to be high. Motion by Chairman Shachner, seconded by Councilmember Rader to recommend Ordinance 36-2021 to the full Council for adoption. All members voted in favor. Motion passed. Ordinance 36-2021 was recommended for adoption. Chairman Shachner adjourned the meeting without objection. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.