Title
Vote to amendment the FY27 Building Inspections Fee Schedule Related to Building Valuation Data and Residential Swimming Pools and add the International Code Council (ICC) Building Valuation Data (BVD) description page to the website for interpretation and clarification
Abstract
Introduction & Background: As part of the FY27 Building Inspections Fee Schedule, the County adopted the International Code Council (ICC) Building Valuation Data (BVD) as a tool for establishing the cost of construction used in calculating building permit fees. Since implementation, staff have identified several areas where clarification and modification are necessary to ensure consistent application of the adopted fee schedule and equitable fee assessment.
The proposed amendments address three specific issues.
Item 1: Building Valuation Data Description and Regional Multiplier:
The current fee schedule references the ICC Building Valuation Data but does not specify the regional multiplier intended to be applied to the published valuation figures. As adopted, the schedule could be interpreted as requiring use of 100 percent of the ICC valuation tables.
Item 2: Clarification for Permit Types Not Represented in the ICC BVD:
Staff has determined that certain permit and project types cannot be accurately categorized within the ICC BVD because they do not align with the occupancy classifications or construction types represented in the valuation tables.
Examples include, but are not limited to, swimming pools, retaining walls, prefabricated buildings, pump stations, and wastewater treatment facilities. The ICC BVD is designed primarily for site-constructed buildings and does not adequately address many specialty structures or projects that are partially constructed, prefabricated, or otherwise outside the scope of traditional building classifications.
Item 3: Residential Swimming Pool Permit Fees:
Residential swimming pools are currently included within the commercial fee structure utilizing ICC Building Valuation Data; however, swimming pools do not fit within the ICC BVD occupancy classifications, making valuation-based fee calculations inconsistent and difficult to administer.
Discussion & Analysis: Item 1: Staff proposes adding a Building Valuation Data description page to the fee schedule that explains the purpose and methodology of the ICC BVD and formally establishes an 80 percent regional multiplier. The proposed multiplier reflects local construction costs, which are generally below national averages, and is consistent with methodologies used by neighboring jurisdictions that utilize the ICC BVD for permit fee calculations.
The description page would also establish that the most recently published ICC BVD table, which is released annually in February, will be adopted for use beginning July 1 following publication.
Item 2:
Staff proposes adding language to the Building Valuation Data description page clarifying that when a permit or project type cannot reasonably be classified within the ICC BVD tables, the declared cost of construction will be used to calculate permit fees rather than applying ICC valuation data.
Item 3:
Staff propose establishing a flat-rate permit fee for residential swimming pools based on the number of required inspections rather than the cost of construction. A standard residential swimming pool typically requires six inspections. Based on the adopted inspection trip fee of $75 per inspection, the proposed base permit fee would be $450.
When additional trade permits are required, such as for a gas-fired pool heater, an additional $100 fee would be assessed, consistent with the methodology used for other building permits requiring additional trade inspections. Under this structure, a residential swimming pool permit with a gas pool heater would total $550.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: This action supports the Comprehensive Plan's goals of providing efficient, transparent, and fiscally responsible government services. The proposed amendments clarify permit fee calculations, improve consistency in fee administration, and enhance customer service by providing clear guidance for applicants and staff while supporting responsible growth and development throughout the county.
Budgetary Impact: Item 1: There is no budgetary impact associated with this amendment, as the original intent during fee schedule development was to utilize 80 percent of the published ICC valuation figures; however, that assumption was not explicitly stated within the adopted fee schedule.
Item 2: This amendment is considered budget neutral because permit valuations for these project types are currently based on the applicant's reported cost of construction when ICC classifications cannot be applied.
Item 3: Using FY26 permit activity as an example, staff estimates the proposed fee structure would reduce annual permit revenue by approximately $25,000. However, analysis indicates that residential swimming pool permits currently generate a significantly higher rate of return when compared to the inspection resources required.
Unlike residential dwellings, where inspection complexity and duration generally increase with project size and construction value, the number and duration of swimming pool inspections remain relatively consistent regardless of pool size or construction cost.
The proposed fee methodology creates a more equitable relationship between permit fees and inspection services provided while maintaining consistency with the department's overall cost recovery approach.
Recommendation/Motion:
Motion to approve the amendments to the FY27 Building Inspections Fee Schedule, including: (1) adoption of a Building Valuation Data description page establishing an 80 percent regional multiplier and annual update methodology; (2) clarification of fee calculation procedures for project types not represented within the ICC Building Valuation Data; and (3) establishment of a flat-rate permit fee structure for residential swimming pools based on required inspections and associated trade permits.