Lombard may decrease building permit fees

Residents applying for a building permit in Lombard may see some savings later this month if the village board approves revisions to the building permit fee schedule.

Lombard trustees will take a final vote April 17 on an ordinance that would lower some fees and remove a handful of costs related to building permits and inspection services.

William Heniff, director of community development, said the last time the building permit fee schedule was adjusted was in 2010. Since fall, the village staff has been reviewing the schedule to make sure it is competitive in the marketplace and contains reasonable fees.

"We were kind of due for a review," he said. "We don't want to be in a situation that the cost of the permit itself is being used as a deterrent from a person coming in and getting one. We're really looking at right-sizing the schedule."

One change Heniff highlighted is a significant decrease in the $168 inspection fee for water and sewer projects, which he said is among the highest in the area.

The new, proposed fee is $75. If a re-inspection is necessary, an additional fee of $68, or $55 for single or two-family homes, will be applied.

"If you have a good contractor who knows what needs to be done you can avoid multiple re-inspections," Heniff said, adding that the proposed changes will allow property owners and contractors to reap savings for doing the job right the first time.

The board of building appeals unanimously recommended approval of the amendments to the building permit fee schedule, which is viewable at villageoflombard.org. If approved, Heniff said the new schedule will go into effect on April 28.