Plymouth City Council approves updated Building Permit Fee Schedule

The Plymouth City Council passed an ordinance on second and third reading Monday evening, amending the fees, permits, and applications for the city's Building Department — the first comprehensive update to the fee schedule in some time.

City Attorney Jeff Houin said Building Commissioner Dennis Manuwal conducted a thorough review of all permit and application fees under the Building Department's purview and recommended targeted changes to better reflect the actual cost of services.

"This more accurately matches the amount of time and work involved by the city," Houin said. "These fees are also more in line with what other communities are charging."

Some of the adjustments were modest, while others were more significant. Among the notable changes:

Residential Construction: For new construction, additions, or renovations to one- and two-family homes, the per-square-foot rate remains at $0.10, but the minimum permit fee was raised from $100 to $250.

Electrical, Mechanical, and Roofing Permits: Previously a flat $75, these permits will now be calculated at .05% of the project valuation, with a $75 minimum.

Plumbing Permits: The previous rate of $4.50 per fixture has been replaced with .05% of the project valuation, also with a $75 minimum.

Pool Permits: Above-ground and in-ground residential pool permits increased from $75 to $175. Commercial pool permits saw a larger jump, rising from $150 to $500.

Sign Permits and Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems: These moved from a flat fee based on size to .05% of the project valuation, with applicable minimums.

The updated fee schedule takes effect following the council's approval of the ordinance.