Prior to 2014, City of Yakima building permit fees automatically adjusted annually in accordance with data from the Seattle Consumer Price Index (CPI). Other fees such as plumbing, mechanical and fire permit fees have not been adjusted since 2002. In February 2022, the City entered into a contract with FCS Group under Resolution R-2022-025 to accurately determine the cost of services and conduct a fee study.
Fee study results were presented at the October 4, 2022 Council business meeting. Further discussion occurred at the October 11, 2022 Council study session where Council directed staff to prepare legislation that would adjust fees so that the City’s cost of delivering services directly related to permitting would be 100% recovered.
Building permit fees are based on valuation of projects determined by valuation fee tables that are adopted by Council. The proposed ordinance adopts the current valuation table that is published by the International Code Council, and fees will automatically adjust annually as the new tables are published. Plumbing, mechanical and fire permit fees are currently based on a “per item” basis or a flat rate. Those fees will be based on the same valuation table as building permits.
Permit related fees as codified in YMC 11.04.030 were included in the Master Fee Schedule adopted by council Resolution R-2022-169 on December 6, 2022. The attached Resolution and Exhibits “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” reflect the Council’s direction to capture 100% cost recovery consistent with the FCS Group’s fee study. |