Building Department to Increase Fees
For the first time in three years, Geauga County building inspection fees are set to increase, Assistant Building Official Daniel Spada told Geauga County Commissioenrs at a hearing during their meeting April 9.
For the first time in three years, Geauga County building inspection fees are set to increase, Assistant Building Official Daniel Spada told Geauga County Commissioners at a hearing during their meeting April 9.
“It’s been about three years since we’ve done any kind of increase,” Spada said. “It’s actually keeping the base fees about the same, it’s just increasing the price per square footage (for inspections).”
The problem his department faces is that large construction projects require multiple inspections over multiple trips, adding up to higher costs for the county.
Spada said the increased time on inspections led to a small shortfall in revenue, which the changed rates should cover.
Increasing the fees based on square footage and leaving the base fees about the same also means the changes will have less impact on small business owners.
“(The new rate) allows for a small business person to come into a shopping plaza and not be hammered with permit fees,” Spada said.
A second hearing on the raise in fees will be held next Tuesday, April 16, at 9:15am in commissioners’ chambers.
