Rural residents of Carroll County may see higher costs for building permits beginning in 2026 as officials consider adjusting the associated fees. At Monday’s supervisors meeting, County Assessor Sarah Haberl told the board that building permit fees haven’t changed for nearly a decade, and they no longer cover the cost for county staff to issue a permit.
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Haberl emphasizes that county staff do not complete building inspections; rather, they simply oversee the permitting process. Board Chair Scott Johnson says it may be time to re-examine the county’s fee structures.
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The other supervisors did not oppose at least considering an increase, but it was not immediately clear if any change would require an ordinance amendment, which is a much lengthier process. County Auditor Kourtney Payer does not believe that will be necessary.
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The board did not take action at Monday’s meeting, but indicated they will likely bring the question of Carroll County’s permitting fees back to the agenda before the end of the year, likely in November or December.