The Knox City Council members discussed a revised fee ordinance Tuesday night.
Under Section 1, Article VI, Sec. 4-251. Location improvement permit fees, a commercial/industrial permit for new construction, additions and remodeling will be left at $5,000. In a previous discussion, the members considered an increase to $7,500, but later determined the $5,000 fee was sufficient.
There was quite a bit of discussion concerning the roofing item in the ordinance. In an earlier meeting, the council approved wording that “no permits would be needed for concrete or asphalt flatwork; siding; gutter replacement; painting; door, garage door and window replacements with no change in opening size”.
In the final action, the plan commission recommended adding “roof sheeting and roof replacement with no structural changes” to that paragraph. Also in the final action, the $50 roofing system fee was removed.
Councilman Greg Matt disagreed with the addition to the paragraph stating that the idea of having a roofing permit is to take care of “fly-by-night” contractors who come into the community. The contractors are checked for registration, but certain aspects of roofing should be inspected before they leave the job. He believes that a roofing permit is necessary.
Steve Dodge from the plan commission stated that it was the thought of Building Commissioner Bruce Williams that it’s not enforceable from experience on the county level. Williams believes it is also impractical.
The council approved the amended version with the addition of wording concerning roofing on the third and final reading by a vote of 3 to 1. Don Kring, Linda Berndt and Jeff Berg voted for the change and Greg Matt voted against. Councilman Ron Parker was not present at the meeting.
