[1]
Note: Prior legislation: Ords. 20263, 21902, 22885, 23087, 23585, 23747, 24221, 24264, 24286, 24819, 24984, 25105, 25150, 25211, 25438, 25651, 25673, 25829, 26411, 26557.
The purpose of this section is to establish the fee code for permit services provided by Planning and Development Services (“PDS”) and shall be herein referred to as the Fee Code. This Fee Code establishes the types of fees to be charged for providing these services and methodology for calculating those fees. Fee amounts shall be ratified by Resolution, or approved by the City Manager, or designee, under the limited authority granted in TMC § 2.09.020, and shall be calculated pursuant to the PDS Fee Schedule (on file in Tacomapermits.org). The fee schedule includes administrative/processing fees, permit and plan review fees, and inspection fees as applicable for building/mechanical/plumbing permits, land use permits, site development and right-of-way permits, and preapplication and other special permit services.
The payment of fees pursuant to this Chapter does not preclude the assessment of other applicable fees. Permit fees for fire permits are in TMC Chapter 3.09, and permit fees for electrical and water service permits are on file in the Customer Service Policies for Power and Water.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 1, 2002-11-19; repealed and reenacted by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10; Ord. 28561 Ex. A, 2018-11-27)
Fees will be evaluated and adjusted as needed on an annual basis in accordance with the PDS Financial Policy. The City Manager, or designee, is delegated limited authority to approve the following:
1. 
Annual adjustments to the PDS Fee Schedule shall be made using the “Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton, WA Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers.” In January of each year, the CPI for the most recent June-to-June index comparison shall be used to adjust the fees and charges. Permit fees adjusted by the CPI will be rounded to the nearest $0.50 for fees under $10, to the nearest $1 for fees between $10 and $100, and to the nearest $10 for fees greater than $100. Total permit fees due at issuance will be rounded to the nearest dollar.
All other adjustments or new fees shall be ratified by resolution.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 2, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 1, 2004-12-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10; Ord. 28561 Ex. A, 2018-11-27; Ord. 28701 Ex. A, 2020-11-17)
A. 
Fee refunds.
1. 
Permit fees. In the event of abandonment or discontinuance of work, a refund of certain portions of permit fees may be approved subject to the following:
a. 
A written request is made by the Permit Applicant.
b. 
The period of time since the permit was issued is less than 180 days.
c. 
The work approved to date does not present negative visual, health, safety, environmental, or fiscal impacts to adjacent properties or the neighborhood.
d. 
The permit has not been revoked by the Building Official.
e. 
The following charges shall be deducted from any fee amount that may be refunded:
(1) 
Dedicated fund charges including the Technology Fund, Emergency Preparedness Fund, Natural Resources Fund, and Reserve Fund, and
(2) 
State Building Code fee and other applicable sales taxes and charges, and
(3) 
Metered parking charges, where applicable, and
(4) 
Minimum Counter Transaction fee per the PDS Fee Schedule, or
(5) 
Twenty-five percent of the permit fee as calculated from the PDS Fee Schedule, whichever is greater.
2. 
Plan review fees. In the event of abandonment or discontinuance of work, or as otherwise approved, a refund of a portion of the plan review fee may be approved subject to the following:
a. 
The period of time since the permit application has been submitted is less than 180 days.
b. 
Review of the permit has not started.
c. 
The following charges shall be deducted from any fee amount that may be refunded:
(1) 
Dedicated fund charges, including the Technology Fund, Emergency Preparedness Fund, Natural Resources Fund, and Reserve Fund, and
(a) 
State Building Code fee and other applicable sales taxes and charges, and
(b) 
Metered parking charges, where applicable, and
(c) 
Minimum Counter Transaction fee per the PDS Fee Schedule, or
(d) 
Twenty-five percent of the plan review fee as calculated from the PDS Fee Schedule, whichever is greater.
d. 
Where the Director of Planning and Development Services has approved a refund for either all or a portion of the plan review fee for a new commercial building permit upon the applicant’s submittal of a refund request in accordance with PDS’ Fast, Friendly, or Free guarantee.
3. 
Land use fees. In the event of abandonment or discontinuance of the permit, a refund by the City of a portion of the fee may be approved subject to the following:
a. 
Discretionary land use permits. The applicant may submit a written request for a refund of the fee for a discretionary land use permit. The maximum fee refund in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule shall be as follows:
(1) 
Permit intake completed, but review not started – Maximum of 75 percent of the fee may be refunded.
(2) 
Staff review completed, but public notice has not been prepared or sent – Maximum of 25 percent of the fee may be refunded.
(3) 
Public notice is completed – permit is not eligible for any refund.
(4) 
The following charges shall be deducted from any fee amount that may be refunded:
(a) 
Dedicated fund charges including the Technology Fund, Emergency Preparedness Fund, Natural Resources Fund, and Reserve Fund, and
(b) 
Minimum Counter Transaction fee per the PDS Fee Schedule, or
(c) 
Twenty-five percent of the permit fee as calculated from the PDS Fee Schedule, whichever is greater.
b. 
Non-discretionary land use permits. The applicant may submit a written request for a refund of the fee for a non-discretionary land use permit. The maximum percent of the permit fee in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule shall be as follows:
(a) 
The period of time since the permit application has been submitted is less than 180 days.
(b) 
Review of the permit has not started.
(c) 
The following charges shall be deducted from any fee amount that may be refunded:
(d) 
Dedicated fund charges including the Technology Fund, Emergency Preparedness Fund, Natural Resources Fund, and Reserve Fund, and
(e) 
Minimum Counter Transaction fee per the PDS Fee Schedule, or
(f) 
Twenty-five percent of the permit fee as calculated from the PDS Fee Schedule, whichever is greater.
c. 
Land use appeal fees. Where an appeal is made for a land use application, the appeal fee shall be refunded if the appellant substantially prevails in the appeal, in the judgment of the Hearing Examiner, City Council, or superior court which finally rules on the appeal.
4. 
Special fees. Special fees in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule are eligible for refunds as follows:
a. 
Preapplication fees – not eligible for refund.
b. 
Expedited plan review – may be eligible per the conditions of this chapter for plan review fees.
c. 
Project services – not eligible for refund.
d. 
Special inspection fees – not eligible for refund.
e. 
E-permits – not eligible for refund.
f. 
Alternate method or modification request – may be eligible per the conditions of this chapter for plan review fees.
g. 
Noise variance – may be eligible per the conditions of this chapter for plan review fees.
h. 
Floodplain development review – may be eligible per the conditions of this chapter for plan review fees.
i. 
Appearance as a witness – not eligible for refund.
j. 
Construction permit appeal fees. Where an appeal is made for a permit regulated by TMC Chapter 2.02 Building Code, TMC Chapter 2.06 Plumbing Code, TMC Chapter 2.07 Mechanical Code, TMC Chapter 2.08 Energy Code, or TMC Chapter 3.02 Fire Prevention Code, the appeal fee shall be refunded if the appellant substantially prevails in the appeal, in the judgment of the Hearing Examiner, City Council, or Superior Court which finally rules on the appeal.
5. 
General services and fees. General services and fees per the PDS Fee Schedule are not eligible for any refund.
B. 
Fee exemptions/adjustments.
1. 
Building permit and plan review fees. Where approved by the Director of Planning and Development Services and/or Fire Chief, building, mechanical, plumbing, and fire permit fees and associated plan review fees may be waived or modified for the permits in Table I:
Table I. Permits Eligible for Fee Exemptions or Adjustments
Type of Project
Type of Permit Fees
Eligibility Requirements
Residential
 
 
Single family/duplex
Building, plumbing, mechanical, permits for:
– Alterations and repairs
Owned and occupied by:
– senior citizen(s)(1) and
– eligible for tax exemption due to financial status
Owned and occupied by:
– permanently disabled person(s)(2) and
– eligible for tax exemption due to financial status
Building, plumbing, mechanical, fire permits for:
Alterations and repairs
New construction
All of the following conditions:
– intended for low income families
– construction involves volunteer labor
– constructed by 501(c)(3) organization
Building, plumbing, mechanical, fire permits for:
– Alterations and repairs
– New construction
Projects sponsored and developed by a public authority created under RCW 35.82.030
Multifamily
Building, plumbing, mechanical, fire permits for:
– Alterations and repairs
All of the following conditions:
– intended for low income families
– construction involves volunteer labor
– constructed by 501(c)(3) organization
– primarily owned and operated by a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Building permits for:
– Alterations and repairs
– New construction
Projects sponsored and developed by a public authority created under RCW 35.82.030
Commercial
Building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, land use, or site development
Community service program(s) subsidized by the City of Tacoma
Building, plumbing, mechanical, fire, land use, or site development
Projects that meet the Strategic Goals of the City and are funded by the General Fund, as approved by the City Manager
(1)
Senior Citizen: Any person having attained the age of 62 years or older who qualifies for property tax reduction under the limited income guidelines as established by the State of Washington.
(2)
Disabled Person: Any person who has permanent physical or mental impairment which substantially limits that person’s ability to perform one or more of the following activities: walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and/or manual tasks. “Substantially” shall mean a degree of impairment which places that person at an obvious disadvantage when compared to a person without said impairment. The applicant has the burden of establishing the fact of disability to the satisfaction of the Building Official. The applicant must also qualify for property tax reduction under the limited income guidelines established by the State of Washington.
2. 
Other fee waivers. The Director of Planning and Development Services or designee may waive or modify fees for building or other permits under the following situations:
a. 
Re-inspection fees if the Building Official determines that the original order or notice of non-compliance was invalid or when mitigating circumstances beyond the responsible party’s control exist including, but not limited to, conflicting enforcement requirements by other agencies or conditions caused by third parties.
b. 
Permit and plan review fees where the project valuation may need to be adjusted.
c. 
The Director of Planning and Development Services, or designee, shall have limited authority to adjust, delay, modify, refund, or remove any fee item, or other charge on a restricted basis to facilitate the administrative functions, advance strategic objectives, or as otherwise deemed necessary by the Director.
d. 
Other fees as determined by the City Manager to be paid for by the General Fund.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 3, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 2, 2004-12-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10; Ord. 28561 Ex. A, 2018-11-27; Ord. 28701 Ex. A, 2020-11-17; Ord. 29101, 2026-04-14)
Additional fees, in accordance with the PDS fee schedule, shall be collected to: (1) support and improve the delivery of permitting services and enhance public outreach and engagement in the permitting process through the specific programs listed below, and (2) to build and maintain adequate reserves to provide continuity of permitting services. Fees collected shall be placed in the Permit Enterprise Fund. The PDS Financial Policy shall establish policies for adjustments to these fees, as well as further clarify the uses of said fees.
A. 
Permitting services programs. The following programs shall be created to support and improve the delivery of permitting services. Revenues generated from fees associated with these programs may be used for administration, public outreach and engagement, management, strategic planning, capital purchases and/or other purposes directly related to said programs as determined by the Director of Planning and Development Services:
1. 
Technology program. Fees collected shall be used for expenditures related to technology operations, technology that improves customer experience, technology that enhances the speed and timeliness of issuing permits, and/or other technology that support permitting services.
2. 
Emergency preparedness program. Fees collected shall be used for expenditures related to emergency preparedness, evaluation of structures, other civil infrastructure, training, and/or other services related to emergency preparedness that support permitting services.
3. 
Natural resources program. Fees collected shall be used for expenditures related to evaluation and permitting related to natural resource protection, including, but not limited to, permitting within designated environmentally critical areas of City.
B. 
Reserve fund.
1. 
Reserve fund. Fees shall be used as reserve funds to maintain adequate staffing and service levels during periods of emergency, economic fluctuation, or to fund other unanticipated permit service funding needs. Reserve Fund balances shall be maintained in accordance with the PDS Financial Policy.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 4, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 3, 2004-12-14; Ord. 27629 Ex. B, 2007-06-26; Ord. 28109 Ex. G, 2012-12-04; repealed and reenacted by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10; Ord. 28701 Ex. A, 2020-11-17)
A. 
Permit fees. Building permit fees shall be charged in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule for the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures, unless exempt by Chapter 2.02. Fees for each building permit shall be based upon the valuation of the work.
1. 
Valuation. The determination of value or valuation under any of the provisions of this Code shall be made by the Building Official. The valuation to be used in computing the permit and plan review fees shall be the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued. Finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire extinguishing systems, site work, and any other permanent work or permanent equipment shall be considered part of the valuation.
The valuation of construction for new structures and additions shall be based upon floor area whenever possible, and shall be calculated from the most recent available “Building Valuation Data” (“BVD”) published by the International Code Council. The BVD shall be updated as directed by the Director of Planning and Development Services. Where fees are based on building floor area, such floor area shall include all floor area within the exterior surfaces of the exterior walls, basement areas, areas of exterior exit stairways and balconies, and those parts of other exterior balconies and walkways under roof overhangs. Where it is not possible to base the permit fee on floor area, the permit shall be based on valuation of work directly, subject to approval by the Building Official. The building permit fee for alterations, repairs, towers, retaining walls tanks (other than domestic fuel oil tanks), and similar construction shall be based on valuation.
2. 
Phased building permits. Fees for phasing building permits shall be in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule. For the purposes of determining fees, the building permit can be separated into the following phases:
a. 
Foundation/structural shell permit. Where the foundation and structural elements are being authorized by the permit and there are no building walls or spaces above the foundation approved for occupancy.
b. 
Shell building. Where tenant spaces are not included in the permit and the spaces do not receive certificate of occupancy. A certificate of completion is issued for the completed shell space.
c. 
Initial tenant improvement. Non-structural initial tenant alterations, which were not included in the building permit for the new building Work authorized at this rate will be limited to improvements to previously unoccupied space.
Fees for all tenant alterations beyond the first permit will be computed on the basis of valuation.
3. 
Permits fees for residential combination permits. Residential combination permits will be issued for residential buildings up to 3 stories in height with 6 or fewer dwelling units and their accessory structures. The residential combined permit includes the following scopes of work for the types of projects listed below:
a.
New structures. Building, plumbing, mechanical, and site development inclusive of the water service connection (from meter to house), stormwater connections, sanitary connections, grading, and erosion control. Right-of-way scope inclusive of utility service connections, driveways, and street trees.
b.
Additions. Building, plumbing, and mechanical, and site development inclusive of grading and erosion control.
c.
Remodels. Building, plumbing, and mechanical.
Separate permits are required, as follows:
a.
Other right-of-way construction scope not included in the combination permit as described above.
b.
Electrical permits in accordance with the TPU Fixed Fee Schedule.
c.
Water meter and system development charges in accordance with the TPU Fixed Fee Schedule.
d.
Fire permits in accordance with TMC Chapter 3.09.
Additional provisions for adjusting the valuations of residential buildings and their accessory structures are provided in the PDS Fee Schedule.
B. 
Plan review fees. A plan review fee shall be charged for all building permits in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule, and shall be based on a percentage of the permit fee. The fee for combination permits for new or additions to single-family/duplex buildings includes building, mechanical and plumbing plan reviews and site development plan reviews for the site development work included in those permit types. The fee for combination permits for remodels to single-family/duplex buildings includes the building, mechanical and plumbing plan reviews.
Deferred submittals may be allowed upon approval of the Building Official. All deferred submittals shall be assessed an additional plan review fee based on an hourly rate established in the PDS Fee Schedule. The plan review fee shall be paid at the time of submittal. An application is not considered complete until the plan review fee has been paid as required. . Any discrepancies between the plan review fee calculated at the time of submittal and the actual plan review fee shall be corrected at the time the permit is issued.
When, in the course of plan review, it is determined that the plans must be substantially revised and resubmitted, or if the plans are substantially revised by the proponent during or after the plan review, an additional plan review fee shall be assessed and charged. A new plan review fee shall be charged for each resubmittal.
Exception: Where the aspects of the plans required to be resubmitted are minor in nature, or revisions instituted by the proponent are limited in scope, the Building Official may waive the additional plan review fee and instead assess the additional plan review fee based on an hourly rate established in the PDS Fee Schedule. Such additional plan review fee shall not exceed the original plan review fee for each resubmittal or additional review.
C. 
Demolition permits. Demolition permit fees for buildings shall be charged in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule. All demolition that is not the full building demolition or is for a non-building structure, including signs and billboards, shall be charged based on valuation of the work. In addition, demolition work that affects the exterior building footprint or other surrounding site features may require additional permits related to the earthwork, paving, and stormwater management and erosion control.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 5, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 4, 2004-12-14; Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10; Ord. 28701 Ex. A, 2020-11-17; Subst. Ord. 28986 Ex. F, 2024-11-19)
(Boiler and pressure vessel permits and fees. Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; repealed by Ord. 27009 § 6, 2002-11-19)
A. 
Mechanical permit fees.
1. 
Mechanical permit fees shall be charged in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule for all work to add to, alter, relocate, or replace any mechanical system, system components, equipment, and appliances. In addition, permit fees shall be charged for fuel gas distribution, piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliances, and fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code. Exception:
a. 
A separate mechanical permit fee is not required for mechanical work associated with a building permit for a new, addition, or remodeled single-family/duplex building.
2. 
A plan review fee in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule shall be charged for all mechanical permits that are either not associated with a building permit or are a deferred submittal from the building permit.
B. 
Plumbing permit fees.
1. 
Plumbing permit fees shall be charged in accordance with the PDS Fee schedule for all work to add to, alter, relocate, or replace any plumbing, drainage, or part thereof. Plumbing permits also include any boilers or water heaters not inspected and approved by Washington State Labor & Industries, and any piping, venting, and accessory equipment for all boilers, including those inspected and approved by Washington State Labor & Industries. Exception:
a. 
A separate plumbing permit fee is not required for plumbing associated with a building permit for a new, addition, or remodeled single-family/duplex building.
2. 
A plan review fee in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule a plan review fee shall be charged for all plumbing permits that are either not associated with a building permit or are a deferred submittal from the building permit.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 7, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 5, 2004-12-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10)
(Plumbing permit fees. Ord. 26411 § 1, 1999-04-27; Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 8, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 6, 2004-12-14; repealed by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10)
A. 
Permit fees and plan review fees for signs shall be based on the value of the sign and the cost of its installation and shall be assessed in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule.
B. 
Permit fees for the issuance of relocation, inactive relocation, and transfer of inactive relocation of billboards shall be in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 9, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 7, 2004-12-14; Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10)
(Permit fees for billboards. Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 11, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 8, 2004-12-14; repealed by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10)
(Fee schedule - special and miscellaneous services. Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 12, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 9, 2004-12-14; Ord. 27445 § 1, 2005-12-06; repealed by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10)
Fees shall be charged in accordance with the Permit Services Fee Schedule for the following uses of the right-of-way:
A. 
Special events and barricade permits. Barricade permits shall also be charged for metered parking fees for the equivalent number of spaces being used and any applicable taxes that must be paid to other agencies.
B. 
Temporary street occupancy permits – Fees are in accordance with Chapter 9.08.
C. 
Building and over legal moving permits.
D. 
Overtime parking permits, including metered parking fees for the equivalent number of spaces being used and any other applicable taxes that must be paid to other agencies.
E. 
Street banners and streamers, and holiday decorations.
Permit counter transaction fees may be charged for these permits as required in the PDS Fee Schedule.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 13, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 10, 2004-12-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10)
Permit fees in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule shall be charged for development which includes, but is not limited to, grading, clearing, erosion control, storm and sanitary installations, trenches and drains, City survey work, ROW tree planting, sidewalks, pathways, parking lots, roadways and all other site surface development. Additional criteria for Site Development and Right-of-Way Construction permits are as follows:
1. 
Site development permits shall be categorized as either minor or major and fees shall be charged in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule.
2. 
Individual permit fees shall also be charged for:
a. 
Storm and sanitary sewer connections and repairs;
b. 
Sidewalk, curb and gutter;
c. 
New or repaired water service connections (meter to house);
d. 
Asphalt or concrete paving for parking lots or driveways;
e. 
Miscellaneous trenching; and
f. 
Any retaining walls or other structures.
Exceptions:
1.
The combination permit fee for new single-family/duplex buildings includes the storm and sanitary sewer connection, new water service connection (meter to house), driveway access from the City right-of-way, and grading and erosion control on the site.
2.
The combination permit for residential additions includes grading and erosion control on the site.
Additional charges for review and inspection of all other work in the City right-of-way as required by Chapter 10.22 shall be paid in addition to the fees in the PDS Fee Schedule. Permit counter transaction fees may be charged for these permits as required in the PDS Fee Schedule.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 14, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 11, 2004-12-14; repealed and reenacted by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10)
(Appearance as witnesses or to provide testimony for depositions and court appearances. Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 15, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 12, 2004-12-14; Ord. 28109 Ex. G, 2012-12-04; repealed by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10)
(Concurrency fees. Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 16, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 13, 2004-12-14; repealed by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10)
Fees for land use permits and land use services are in the PDS Fee Schedule. Land use permits include both discretionary and non-discretionary permits, including the following permit types:
1.
Subdivision – BLA, Short Plat (2-4 lots), Subdivision (5 or more lots), Final Plat, Plat by binding site approval.
2.
Reclassification – 1-2 family dwelling districts, and all other districts.
3.
Site Approval.
4.
Conditional Use Permit.
5.
Shoreline Permit – Substantial development permit, Conditional use, Variance; Revision, Sign waiver, and Exemption approval.
6.
Wetland Permit – Development permit, Minor Development permit, Verification, Mitigation Monitoring Review, Activities Allowed with Staff Review.
7.
Variance – 1-2 family, Other than 1-2 family, and height of main building or accessory building.
8.
Special Development Permit.
9.
Environmental Permits: SEAPA, EIS, Supplemental/addendum EIS.
10.
Open Space Use Classification.
11.
Temporary Homeless Encampment.
Other land use permit services include the following:
1.
Permit Waiver.
2.
Permit Modification.
3.
Appeal of a land uses permit.
4.
Additional Notice.
5.
Information Requests: Determination/interpretation by Director of Planning and Development Services, Determination of Off-site improvement requirements and/or wetland inspection review, or Zoning Verification letter
6.
GIS Drafting and scanning/indexing of plats, short plats, and BLAs.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14; Ord. 27009 § 17, 2002-11-19; Ord. 27305 § 14, 2004-12-14; Ord. 27445 § 2, 2005-12-06; Ord. 28216 Ex. A, 2014-04-22; repealed and reenacted by Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10; Ord. 28576 Ex. A, 2019-03-19; Ord. 28701 Ex. A, 2020-11-17)
A. 
Preapplication services. For inspection of existing buildings made at the request of the owner, tenant, mortgage company, or realty firm, to determine compliance with applicable City ordinances, or when inspections are requested of a structure for which a permit is only contemplated or for any special application review conducted by the Fire Department, an hourly fee shall be charged for review and/or inspection in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule. This shall also include review and inspection of Adult Family Homes that are exempt from building permits.
B. 
Expedited plan review fees. Where requested by the applicant and approved by the Director of Planning and Development Services or designee, expedited permit fees may be paid to shorten the review time for a permit application. Expedited plan review fees shall be paid in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule and shall be in addition to all other permit and plan review fees for the permit application.
C. 
Project services. Planning and Development Services may require a contract for outside services to meet specific project or permit needs. Additional fees shall be charged for the actual cost of said services and shall be added to all other permit and/or plan review fees, including all administrative and overhead costs.
D. 
Special inspection fees. When, in the opinion of the Building Official, special inspections are necessary to review or evaluate the correction of noted violations for buildings or structures, the Building Official shall charge inspection fees in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule.
E. 
E-permits. E-permits are a type of permit of limited scope that does not require a plan review and can be applied for and issued online. Additional charges for Dedicated Funds in accordance with this chapter or other applicable taxes, charges, and fees for other agencies shall be applied to E-permits.
F. 
Alternate method or modification request. Whenever a building owner or other responsible party proposes to use an alternate material or method to meet the intent or requirement of the Building Code or Fire Code, the responsible party shall pay an hourly fee in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule for field inspection, research and analysis performed by City staff to evaluate the proposal.
G. 
Noise variance. Fees for review and inspection of projects submitting a noise variance shall be charged an hourly fee in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule.
H. 
Floodplain development review. FEMA defines “development” as any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials. For any development, as defined by FEMA, in a floodplain regulated by Chapter 2.02 of this code, and where the work is exempt from a building or site development permit, fees for plan review and inspection shall be charged an hourly fee in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule for this development.
I. 
Appearance as a witness or to provide testimony. A fee may be required in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule for civil interviews with City staff. A civil interview shall include any conversation with City employees regarding the employee’s knowledge regarding a referenced incident or generalized knowledge relating to expert testimony and written exchange, including, but not limited to, informal interviews, depositions, court testimony, arbitrations and similar hearings, and requests to review and/or sign documents. Determination of whether a fee will be required will be made by the Director of Planning and Development Services, or designee.
J. 
Other services and permits. Where a service or permit is provided and fees have not been specifically addressed in Chapter 2.19 of this code, hourly fees may be charged in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule for the services provided.
K. 
Appeals to construction permits. A fee may be required in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule where an appeal is made for a permit regulated by TMC Chapter 2.02 Building Code, TMC Chapter 2.06 Plumbing Code, TMC Chapter 2.07 Mechanical Code, TMC Chapter 2.08 Energy Code, or TMC Chapter 3.02 Fire Prevention Code.
(Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10; Ord. 28701 Ex. A, 2020-11-17; Ord. 28980 Ex. A, 2024-09-24; Ord. 29101, 2026-04-14)
Fees shall be charged in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule for the following services:
A. 
Inspections.
1. 
Building, plumbing, mechanical, site development and right-of-way permit reinspections. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections previously identified are not made. Reinspection fees may be assessed when the inspection record card is not posted or otherwise available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested, or for deviating from the approved plans.
In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid. Reinspection fees are at the discretion of the inspector; however, for all E-permits, a reinspection fee shall be charged if a second inspection is required due to the conditions stated above.
2. 
Other inspections. A fee shall be paid on an hourly basis in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule for inspections outside of normal business hours.
B. 
Minimum counter transaction fee. A counter transaction fee may be charged for any permit in this chapter. This fee shall not apply to E-permits as defined in this chapter and in the PDS Fee Schedule.
C. 
Work without permits. Where work for which a permit is required by the regulations for which this chapter sets fees is started or proceeded with prior to obtaining said permit, the fees specified in the PDS Fee Schedule, including plan review fees, shall be doubled, but the payment of such double fee shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with all applicable codes in the execution of the work, nor from any other penalties prescribed by law. In no case shall such double fee be less than double the minimum permit fee.
In addition, additional Special Inspection Fees in accordance with this chapter may be charged where it is determined to be necessary to evaluate the correction of noted violations.
D. 
Permit extensions. For unexpired permits, the permittee may pay a fee to request an extension of time within which work under that permit may be continued when permittee is unable to commence or continue work within the time required. Fees will be charged for each permit extension in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule.
For expired building, mechanical, or plumbing permits, a new plan review and permit fee shall be paid in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule. The Building Official, or designee, may adjust the plan review or permit fee for building permits where the Building Official determines the full fees are not required. For other permit types, new permit fees shall be paid in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule. The Director of Planning and Development Services, or designee, may adjust the permit fees when they determine the full fees are not required.
Approval of permit extensions shall be at the discretion of either the Director of Planning and Development Services, Building Official, Director of Environmental Services, City Engineer, or other designee who has authority over the code for which a permit has been issued.
E. 
Permit transfers. A fee shall be charged for transferring a permit in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule. Permits may be transferred from one permit holder to a new permit holder on approval of the Director of Planning and Development Services, Building Official, Director of Environmental Services, City Engineer, or other designee who has authority over the code for which a permit has been issued, provided the applicant submits documentation of permission to use the permit documents.
F. 
Certificate of occupancy fees. A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued at the discretion of the Building Official for a time certain set by the Building Official, not to exceed 180 days when, in the Building Official’s opinion, work has progressed sufficiently to allow occupancy of a structure, but where a Final Certificate of Occupancy cannot be issued. When a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy is issued, a fee in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule shall be charged.
Temporary Certificates of Occupancy may be extended by the Building Official for a time certain, not to exceed 180 days. Application for such extension must be made in writing to the Building Official prior to expiration of the previous temporary certificate of occupancy. A fee in accordance with the PDS Fee Schedule shall be charged for each extension of Temporary Certificates of Occupancy.
In the event that a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy is allowed to expire prior to issuance of a Final Certificate of Occupancy, a new Temporary Certificate of Occupancy fee shall be charged.
A separate fee in accordance with the Chapter 3.09 shall be charged for Fire Department inspection and approval of the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.
A separate fee shall be charged for review and inspection of buildings where the owner has requested a new certificate of occupancy be provided when there is no associated building permit.
(Ord. 28502 Ex. A, 2018-04-10; Ord. 28701 Ex. A, 2020-11-17)
The provisions of this chapter are declared to be separate and severable. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, subsection or portion of this chapter, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held to be invalid, it shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this chapter, or the validity of its application to other persons or circumstances.
(Ord. 26557 § 3, 1999-12-14)