Buffalo Grove may raise fees for rental inspections

Buffalo Grove could see fewer inspections but higher fees in the village's residential rental program.

The community development staff suggested to village board members at a meeting last week that inspection fees rise from $75 to $85 for rental units in condominium buildings, duplexes, row homes, townhouses and single-family homes. The fee for apartment buildings would move from $30 per unit to $40 per unit.

The village also would add a $50 charge for the first re-inspection - currently free - under the proposal. The second re-inspection would be $75 and the third $125. And there would be a $60 charge for absences or late cancellations.

Nicole Woods, principal planner for the village, said the fees have remained the same since 2012, when the program was created to help maintain a high standard of living and protect home values.

It requires the owners of rental units to obtain or renew an annual residential rental license, which requires fees and annual inspections.

Woods said an increase in the number of rental licenses is adding to the workload of the village staff, which also is facing pressure from departmental restructuring and the personnel reductions.

She also suggested the number of inspections could be reduced by making them biennial for condominiums, duplexes, row homes, townhouses and single-family units that already have passed an earlier inspection.