Proposed fee ordinance ignites heated discussion

A new fee ordinance in Brainerd will get a public hearing in two weeks, but it wasn't without heated debate Monday by Brainerd City Council members.

The council approved the first reading to adopt a fee ordinance for permits for building and planning items by a 4-3 vote, with council members Bob Olson, Mary Koep and Kevin Goedker opposed.

The list of proposed changes in permit fees:

• Billboards - from based on valuation to $75.

• Excavation - an increase from $30 to $35.

• Demolition - an increase from $35 to $50.

• Residential re-roof - an increase from $35 to $100.50.

• Commercial re-roof - from based on valuation with a $250 maximum to based on valuation with a $75 minimum.

• Re-siding - increase from $70 for residential and commercial to $100.50 for residential and based on valuation with a $75.50 minimum for commercial.

• Residential mechanical - increase from $70 to $75.50.

• Commercial mechanical - from based on valuation to based on valuation with a minimum of $75.50.

• Water heater replacement - still $35 for residential but commercial would be based on valuation with a $150.50 minimum.

• Conditional use permit - increase from $190 to $220.

• Preliminary plat -increase from $50 basic plus $2 per lot with a maximum of $200 to $300.

• Final plat - increase from $10 to $100.

New permit fees proposed:

• Residential plumbing - $150.50 based on three inspections. In another section, the fee is based on valuation.

• Commercial plumbing - based on valuation with a $150.50 minimum. In another section, the fee is based on valuation with a minimum of $150.50 based on three inspections.

• Pylon signs, towers, retaining walls, etc. - based on valuation.

• Residential window and door replacement - $50.50 for one unit plus $15 for each additional unit.

• Commercial window and door replacement - based on valuation with a $75.50 minimum.

• Basement finishes - based on valuation.

• Re-inspection - $50 per inspection.

• Investigations - $50 per hour, with a $50 minimum.

• Additional field plans/office time - $50 per hour with a $50 minimum.

• Planned unit development - $500.

• Permanent sign, portable sign, home business, interim use, administrative and lot division/boundary adjustment permits - $25.

• Fence - $15.

• Site plan review - for one and two family new and additions is $25, for multiple family new and additions is $50, and non-residential new and additions is $100.

• Subdivision ordinance - $20.

• Zoning ordinance - $30.

• Zoning maps - large is $15, small is $5.

• Installation or removal of fire suppression systems; fire alarms, monitoring and related systems; above ground tanks for flammable or combustible liquids, gas or any hazardous material - $100.

• Installation of spray booths or spray areas; smoke removal systems; storage of explosives, black powder and blasting agents; use of explosives; firework sales, displays and pyrotechnic special effect materials; carnival and fairs; exhibition and trade shows; and temporary membrane structures, tents and canopies - $100.

Brainerd building official Tim Caughey said the fee increases reflect the amount of staff time needed for inspection and enforcement.

Koep said if the fees were not keeping up with staff's work then the city should be looking at the staff, not changing the fees.

"I can't imagine why we are doing this," Koep said. "There's only one reason and that's to increase revenue and the only place we're getting revenue is from the people who can least afford it. It's wrong."

Council member Bonnie Cumberland said the fees are to generate revenues and come from the people who are deciding to make improvements to their buildings.

She said the permit costs are user fees.

"This is the most fair and appropriate way to do things," Cumberland said.

Goedker said he was not only against increasing the fees but also eliminating building permit fees entirely to encourage people to make improvements.

Council member Anne Nelson Fisher said without the fees the cost of the inspections would fall on all Brainerd taxpayers, not just those who are doing the work.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.