City Council

CITY OF DANBURY 155 DEER HILL AVENUE DANBURY, CONNECTICUT 06810 www.danbury-ct.gov ELISA ETCHETO PHONE: 203-797-4514 LEGISLATIVE ASSISTANT FAX: 203-796-1529 e.etcheto@danbury-ct.gov MEETING NOTICE Who: City Council – Ad Hoc Committee When: 7 P.M. – Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Where: 1A, 1st Floor City Hall, 155 Deer Hill Avenue Purpose: Review Amendment/s to Ord. Sec. 6-21: Building Permit Fees (Meeting #2) *Agenda Item on file in the Legislative Assistant’s Office and on the City website (Nov. 2024). Committee Members, Department Representatives & Petitioners: Peter Buzaid, Chair Cheryl Wallace-Smith, Councilwoman Irving Fox, Councilman Corporation Counsel Representative Dan Garrick, Finance Director James Schullery, Building Official Mayor’s Office Noticed: Sean Hearty, Director of Permit Coordination Posted: Town Clerk Information Board City Website Calendar  ~AD HOC REPORT~ Review Amendments to Ord. Sec. 6-21: Building Permit Fees Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Chairman Peter Buzaid called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Present were Committee Members Cheryl Wallace-Smith and Irving Fox. From the City were: James Schullery, Building Inspector; Joseph Mortelliti, Outside Counsel; Dan Garrick, Director of Finance; Roberto Alves, Mayor; Taylor O’Brien, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office; and Laura Marchi, Building Department Secretary. Ex Officio Member present was Joseph Britton. Present from the public was Tom Brown. Mr. Schullery discussed the proposed amendments to the Building Permit Ordinance. He provided a brief overview of the building permit fees schedule changes. The proposed changes will simplify the process and support operation costs. He clarified the service-based fees and budget with Chair Buzaid. Member Fox requested more information from the department regarding incurred costs and permit data to justify the proposed fee increases. Furthermore, he expressed concern regarding the high fee increases for residential permits compared to commercial. Mr. Schullery explained how inflation played a major role in the proposed fee increases. He clarified the Building Code definitions with Member Fox. Member Wallace-Smith spoke in favor of the proposed fee increases. She recommended modifying the fees to even the burden between residential and commercial. Mr. Schullery discussed how the fee increases will support the department’s business operations, such as recruitment and permit monitoring for residential. He provided a brief overview of the inflation data. Mayor Alves noted inflation has increased over 2.5%. Member Fox expressed concern regarding the lack of data regarding underlying costs to support the proposed fee increases. Mr. Schullery explained how building permit fees play a major role in infrastructure investment. Mayor Alves spoke in support of the proposed amendments to fund the department’s business operations. The department has not increased fees in over twenty years. Mr. Schullery and Mayor Alves explained how fee increases are necessary to prevent increasing property taxes. Member Wallace-Smith reiterated the importance of fee increases from a business perspective, to prevent increasing taxes for the public. Mayor Alves stated the department is proposing a fair solution and thanked City staff for their hard work. Mr. Schullery clarified the permit fees with Chair Buzaid. Mr. Mortelitti spoke on the need for the updates to the ordinance. Member Fox stated he agrees that the fees need to be updated however, he needs data about the department activity and how the profits from the fees will be used. Mr. Schullery spoke about the department’s need to create an accurate fee schedule to support business operations and for public clarity. Chair Buzaid requested that the department submit the requested information to the Committee. A motion made by Committee Member Fox, seconded by Committee Member Wallace-Smith, to continue this meeting subject to the call of the Chair, in order to obtain information asked by the Committee, and to add language in regard to regular updating of the ordinance. Motion carried unanimously. A motion made by Committee Member Fox, and seconded by Committee Member Wallace-Smith, to adjourn. The motion carries unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Peter Buzaid, Chair Cheryl Wallace-Smith Irving Fox FEE Facts The Building Department fee structure has not been updated in definitively 20 to 30 years Residential example • Fees should be evaluated at minimum every 5-7 years • Take the number 30 years & choose an update of every 6 years & divide o The resulting number is 5 or $5 • Take the existing $11 residential construction cost & add the $5 ✓ This equals the new figure of $16 per thousand • Now take the $5 & divide that by the non-increase in fees of 30 years ✓ The result is approximately 16.5 cents per year If fees were updated on an annual basis using 16.5 cents a year, the result would be the proposed $16 per one thousand dollars of estimated construction value Commercial Example Perform the same for Commercial fees • Fees should be evaluated at minimum every 5-7 years • Take the number 30 years and choose an update year of every 6 years and divide o The resulting number is 5 or 5 dollars • Take the existing $18 commercial construction cost & add the $5 ✓ This equals the new figure of $23 per thousand • Now take the $5 & divide that by the non-increase in fees of 30 years ✓ The result is approximately 22 cents per year If commercial fees were updated on an annual basis by 22 cents a year, the result would be the proposed $23 per one thousand dollars of estimated construction value. Looking ahead If the city adopts the currently proposed fees, it is suggested that future fees increase by $1 every five years. This does three things: ➢ Automatically and minimally increase the fees ➢ Avoids any significant increase decades into the future ➢ Achieves fiscal responsibility  Report Created 12/18/2024 Budget Level 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Balance Type B A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A Year ( 2,025.00) 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 Format YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD Period 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 Designer GL NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld Fund Account Type Dept Div Program Account Sub Account Description 002 4 2020 * * 4200 2120 Licenses and Permits - Building Department (2,403,500.00) (1,318,894.19) (3,091,794.96) (1,625,637.76) (2,185,749.68) (1,630,861.52) (1,589,881.90) (1,105,949.90) (1,559,088.21) (1,841,116.76) (1,991,312.76) (2,217,891.49) (3,173,741.75) (2,055,983.89) (1,610,324.02) (1,056,899.66) (1,845,485.18) 002 4 2020 * * 4400 4460 Charges for Services - Building Inspections (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (446.52) (446.52) (0.00) * 4 2020 * * * * Total Revenue - Building Department (2,403,500.00) (1,318,894.19) (3,091,794.96) (1,625,637.76) (2,185,749.68) (1,630,861.52) (1,589,881.90) (1,105,949.90) (1,559,088.21) (1,841,116.76) (1,991,312.76) (2,217,891.49) (3,173,741.75) (2,055,983.89) (1,610,770.54) (1,057,346.18) (1,845,485.18) 002 5 2020 * * 5020 1000 Salaries - Regular (634,742.00) (488,563.09) (489,598.10) (472,985.45) (454,296.53) (535,975.37) (536,674.70) (526,666.99) (492,155.28) (494,520.56) (488,839.64) (474,792.68) (570,117.01) (596,066.04) (597,443.86) (579,239.56) (567,579.09) 002 5 2020 * * 5030 1000 Overtime - Salaries (20,000.00) (17,813.90) (17,142.20) (4,333.10) (6,991.38) (12,640.96) (13,135.64) (14,520.49) (15,880.59) (18,485.30) (18,847.66) (18,728.85) (13,662.12) (18,435.25) (23,928.93) (13,313.18) (15,683.38) 002 5 2020 * * 5030 4659 Overtime - Reimbursement of Expenditures (0.00) (828.56) (967.60) (2,608.64) (3,586.88) (9,296.79) (11,502.42) (7,437.33) (11,520.56) (15,108.79) (14,107.64) (16,979.39) (4,815.03) (13,557.91) (20,881.93) (6,153.21) (9,774.26) 002 5 2020 * * 5040 1000 Part Time - Salaries (0.00) (92.32) (0.00) (61.88) (11,055.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (2,275.50) (420.00) (1,207.50) (7,078.75) (21,203.76) (13,055.00) (11,663.75) (11,847.50) (12,643.75) 002 5 2020 * * 5230 1590 Employee Group Insurance - Workers Comp Premium (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (9,336.00) (9,336.00) (7,567.46) (9,336.00) (9,073.00) (9,261.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5250 1620 Other Benefits - Longevity (1,010.00) (1,010.00) (1,365.00) (1,920.00) (1,920.00) (2,075.00) (2,075.00) (1,975.00) (1,975.00) (1,265.00) (910.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5250 1630 Other Benefits - Sick Leave (4,626.00) (5,442.79) (6,082.08) (6,500.62) (8,966.11) (6,228.55) (5,304.97) (3,088.06) (5,034.44) (3,650.88) (4,471.16) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2010 Purch Svcs - Professional Svcs (1,000.00) (0.00) (736.05) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (5,500.00) (512.80) (2,755.00) (190.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2040 Purch Svcs - Outside Svcs (1,250.00) (584.50) (1,918.36) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (18.00) (27.00) (1,809.81) (0.00) (15.00) (0.00) (40.00) (0.00) (0.00) (69.97) (80.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2045 Purch Svcs - Communication Svcs (3,400.00) (3,266.58) (3,263.29) (3,268.08) (3,284.55) (3,203.48) (2,269.15) (2,272.01) (0.00) (396.94) (352.04) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (132.99) (188.97) (69.99) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2055 Purch Svcs - Postage (300.00) (384.74) (201.70) (109.00) (128.66) (207.64) (174.28) (155.78) (189.44) (304.58) (223.40) (285.34) (276.41) (307.24) (292.89) (309.73) (981.06) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2060 Purch Svcs - Travel/Mileage (1,000.00) (288.44) (360.45) (271.88) (0.00) (388.30) (809.44) (988.22) (834.01) (492.05) (1,047.20) (750.12) (102.10) (289.23) (96.02) (339.07) (1,213.20) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2075 Purch Svcs - Training Courses (3,000.00) (3,470.45) (449.65) (0.00) (383.00) (462.00) (1,103.86) (1,251.24) (0.00) (190.00) (782.21) (584.00) (624.25) (1,067.25) (515.00) (1,043.90) (1,395.64) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2080 Purch Svcs - Conferences (2,000.00) (0.00) (0.00) (777.36) (0.00) (0.00) (767.50) (1,134.82) (1,750.12) (976.43) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2085 Purch Svcs - Subscriptions/Memberships (4,340.00) (1,137.00) (948.00) (665.00) (647.00) (655.00) (975.00) (730.00) (955.00) (1,368.00) (825.00) (840.00) (930.00) (1,492.00) (1,447.00) (1,393.00) (1,132.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2090 Purch Svcs - Printing & Binding (300.00) (240.00) (27.00) (90.00) (0.00) (0.00) (105.35) (258.70) (1,303.53) (860.68) (115.00) (773.14) (1,106.20) (1,690.57) (1,827.61) (1,321.08) (1,355.50) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2095 Purch Svcs - Legal & Public Notices (250.00) (50.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (1,622.70) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (80.00) (155.20) (252.20) (79.60) (455.60) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2100 Purch Svcs - Leased Equipment (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (954.87) (2,856.23) (2,352.00) (2,352.00) (2,352.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 4659 Purch Svcs - Reimbursement of Expenditures (0.00) (83.71) (152.60) (0.00) (33.58) (373.64) (248.03) (164.53) (83.76) (338.74) (661.77) (414.65) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5350 2215 Interfund Svc Exp - Wrkrs Comp Svcs (9,458.00) (9,183.00) (8,916.00) (8,916.00) (11,388.00) (11,056.00) (11,056.00) (10,127.00) (10,231.00) (10,196.00) (9,616.14) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5500 2420 Maintenance & Repair - Office Equipment (1,800.00) (990.57) (404.55) (1,455.78) (982.60) (1,612.61) (1,621.41) (1,439.44) (1,315.23) (1,087.54) (78.80) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5600 2500 Materials & Supplies - Office (1,297.00) (1,606.27) (931.00) (977.17) (860.01) (936.21) (1,386.82) (970.17) (3,120.12) (1,432.43) (1,260.46) (2,306.98) (1,294.94) (1,773.32) (1,513.53) (1,963.62) (1,875.09) 002 5 2020 * * 5600 2535 Materials & Supplies - Clothing/Dry Goods/Linens (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5600 2565 Materials & Supplies - Minor Supplies/Hand Tools (200.00) (205.99) (125.75) (0.00) (0.00) (148.98) (0.00) (145.00) (40.45) (42.87) (552.06) (269.50) (10.72) (8.90) (281.05) (165.93) (284.59) 002 5 2020 * * 5700 2700 Equipment - Office (4,325.00) (2,579.84) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5700 2750 Equipment - Safety (1,600.00) (1,005.93) (475.75) (196.93) (351.97) (613.42) (366.83) (356.75) (382.48) (578.28) (772.13) (365.97) (649.97) (564.70) (0.00) (595.00) (679.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5700 2755 Equipment - Public Safety (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (669.99) (0.00) (0.00) * 5 2020 * * * * Total Expenditures - Building Department (695,898.00) (537,003.14) (531,824.73) (499,919.61) (497,634.35) (566,533.09) (566,093.50) (558,504.81) (529,270.38) (520,820.01) (515,145.99) (498,717.29) (615,573.32) (637,270.48) (631,383.69) (619,896.90) (607,456.63) 002 5 1190 * * 5020 1000 Salaries - Regular (556,683.00) (407,055.05) (401,408.15) (318,076.24) (282,486.57) (278,021.86) (281,894.16) (324,121.81) (313,696.77) (309,247.13) (300,595.08) (291,492.04) (284,203.12) (279,431.23) (278,135.16) (272,769.85) (271,293.82) 002 5 1190 * * 5020 4659 Salaries - Reimbursement of Expenditures (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (17,875.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5030 1000 Overtime - Salaries (500.00) (171.05) (0.00) (116.04) (0.00) (413.67) (2,446.18) (747.36) (255.62) (130.68) (402.71) (196.01) (100.39) (34.74) (0.00) (0.00) (194.27) 002 5 1190 * * 5040 1000 Part Time - Salaries (24,700.00) (18,076.25) (12,750.00) (10,117.25) (12,982.46) (14,111.11) (13,801.32) (11,183.48) (10,567.48) (14,393.32) (14,120.46) (13,186.18) (16,544.00) (14,397.77) (13,154.88) (13,301.56) (8,634.82) 002 5 1190 * * 5230 1590 Employee Group Insurance - Workers Comp Premium (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (3,035.00) (3,035.00) (2,460.07) (3,035.00) (3,053.00) (3,116.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5250 1620 Other Benefits - Longevity (1,565.00) (2,120.00) (2,120.00) (1,665.00) (1,465.00) (1,465.00) (2,020.00) (2,575.00) (2,575.00) (2,375.00) (2,375.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5250 1630 Other Benefits - Sick Leave (5,744.00) (3,982.21) (4,755.14) (4,187.91) (2,818.77) (1,990.05) (1,697.00) (1,240.54) (3,207.47) (2,777.68) (2,701.12) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2010 Purch Svcs - Professional Svcs (490.00) (266.08) (75.00) (555.00) (325.00) (0.00) (26,755.83) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (4,510.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2045 Purch Svcs - Communication Svcs (1,026.00) (968.86) (690.54) (484.68) (487.20) (449.91) (653.73) (734.58) (757.49) (978.94) (971.95) (970.04) (981.10) (1,070.49) (748.41) (742.50) (808.71) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2055 Purch Svcs - Postage (900.00) (34.89) (319.71) (30.90) (59.92) (695.08) (1,096.61) (1,276.74) (2,341.03) (2,038.43) (910.07) (1,455.73) (963.10) (895.39) (778.06) (641.96) (421.05) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2075 Purch Svcs - Training Courses (240.00) (992.13) (3,150.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (147.50) (215.75) (0.00) (780.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2080 Purch Svcs - Conferences (1,500.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (50.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (2,290.63) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (90.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2085 Purch Svcs - Subscriptions/Memberships (300.00) (0.00) (0.00) (80.00) (0.00) (0.00) (100.00) (198.00) (294.50) (267.50) (100.00) (50.00) (50.00) (100.00) (205.00) (0.00) (50.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2090 Purch Svcs - Printing & Binding (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5350 2215 Interfund Svc Exp - Wrkrs Comp Svcs (3,071.00) (2,982.00) (2,895.00) (2,895.00) (3,698.00) (3,590.00) (3,590.00) (3,288.00) (3,325.00) (3,314.00) (3,125.78) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5500 2420 Maintenance & Repair - Office Equipment (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (1,351.23) (1,336.88) (2,894.60) (2,500.00) (2,317.00) (2,488.00) (3,960.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5600 2500 Materials & Supplies - Office (1,500.00) (1,571.61) (2,245.67) (551.42) (599.77) (738.16) (1,457.32) (1,426.24) (974.41) (1,173.20) (1,252.23) (1,574.51) (1,604.05) (1,719.78) (1,170.41) (1,372.81) (1,850.10) 002 5 1190 * * 5600 2535 Materials & Supplies - Clothing/Dry Goods/Linens (400.00) (395.50) (380.00) (0.00) (85.00) (0.00) (330.00) (0.00) (150.00) (0.00) (222.00) (210.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5700 2700 Equipment - Office (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (603.08) (0.00) (1,143.04) (265.00) (0.00) (375.00) (995.93) (4,348.44) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5700 2750 Equipment - Safety (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (181.50) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) * 5 1190 * * * * Total Expenditures - Permit Coordination (598,619.00) (438,615.63) (430,789.21) (338,759.44) (305,007.69) (301,524.84) (335,842.15) (346,791.75) (338,747.85) (338,986.51) (329,452.17) (313,771.39) (310,375.36) (289,766.97) (300,755.60) (298,718.12) (291,198.77)  Report Created 12/18/2024 Budget Level 0 0 0 0 0 Balance Type A A A A A Year 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Format YTD YTD YTD YTD YTD Period 12 12 12 12 12 Designer GL NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld NewWorld Fund Account Type Dept Div Program Account Sub Account Description 002 4 2020 * * 4200 2120 Licenses and Permits - Building Department (1,821,896.58) (2,301,085.55) (3,174,707.98) (1,763,927.87) (1,372,594.58) 002 4 2020 * * 4400 4460 Charges for Services - Building Inspections (6,766.34) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) * 4 2020 * * * * Total Revenue - Building Department (1,828,662.92) (2,301,085.55) (3,174,707.98) (1,763,927.87) (1,372,594.58) 002 5 2020 * * 5020 1000 Salaries - Regular (546,905.99) (494,722.15) (518,534.16) (410,828.00) (394,341.33) 002 5 2020 * * 5030 1000 Overtime - Salaries (23,091.07) (15,232.19) (6,632.81) (7,147.59) (17,679.17) 002 5 2020 * * 5030 4659 Overtime - Reimbursement of Expenditures (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5040 1000 Part Time - Salaries (18,110.19) (17,656.56) (6,947.50) (18,408.24) (11,984.60) 002 5 2020 * * 5230 1590 Employee Group Insurance - Workers Comp Premium (8,666.00) (5,480.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5250 1620 Other Benefits - Longevity (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5250 1630 Other Benefits - Sick Leave (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2010 Purch Svcs - Professional Svcs (1,710.00) (0.00) (1,154.80) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2040 Purch Svcs - Outside Svcs (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (779.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2045 Purch Svcs - Communication Svcs (377.91) (136.99) (588.29) (14.99) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2055 Purch Svcs - Postage (761.27) (564.09) (735.52) (578.79) (729.36) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2060 Purch Svcs - Travel/Mileage (600.62) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2075 Purch Svcs - Training Courses (1,175.69) (1,802.35) (2,482.59) (2,199.04) (1,465.61) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2080 Purch Svcs - Conferences (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2085 Purch Svcs - Subscriptions/Memberships (1,916.00) (1,187.62) (4,003.23) (1,945.88) (996.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2090 Purch Svcs - Printing & Binding (1,961.50) (1,869.30) (329.30) (2,485.50) (743.68) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2095 Purch Svcs - Legal & Public Notices (85.00) (120.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 2100 Purch Svcs - Leased Equipment (2,554.37) (3,200.00) (2,475.60) (2,331.60) (2,331.60) 002 5 2020 * * 5300 4659 Purch Svcs - Reimbursement of Expenditures (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5350 2215 Interfund Svc Exp - Wrkrs Comp Svcs (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5500 2420 Maintenance & Repair - Office Equipment (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (198.33) 002 5 2020 * * 5600 2500 Materials & Supplies - Office (1,928.08) (3,401.49) (3,360.75) (1,794.48) (2,126.69) 002 5 2020 * * 5600 2535 Materials & Supplies - Clothing/Dry Goods/Linens (0.00) (0.00) (1,447.50) (595.00) (674.15) 002 5 2020 * * 5600 2565 Materials & Supplies - Minor Supplies/Hand Tools (287.52) (697.43) (799.36) (521.45) (309.10) 002 5 2020 * * 5700 2700 Equipment - Office (0.00) (22.31) (2,084.92) (481.96) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5700 2750 Equipment - Safety (665.99) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 2020 * * 5700 2755 Equipment - Public Safety (0.00) (1,135.81) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) * 5 2020 * * * * Total Expenditures - Building Department (610,797.20) (547,228.29) (551,576.33) (450,111.52) (433,579.62) 002 5 1190 * * 5020 1000 Salaries - Regular (303,304.03) (282,389.61) (276,667.42) (271,147.01) (218,712.16) 002 5 1190 * * 5020 4659 Salaries - Reimbursement of Expenditures (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5030 1000 Overtime - Salaries (939.40) (3,244.44) (5,034.55) (1,528.25) (1,443.16) 002 5 1190 * * 5040 1000 Part Time - Salaries (6,905.54) (20,692.43) (15,750.60) (17,076.44) (18,439.21) 002 5 1190 * * 5230 1590 Employee Group Insurance - Workers Comp Premium (2,916.00) (2,920.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5250 1620 Other Benefits - Longevity (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5250 1630 Other Benefits - Sick Leave (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2010 Purch Svcs - Professional Svcs (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2045 Purch Svcs - Communication Svcs (603.76) (1,305.03) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2055 Purch Svcs - Postage (443.78) (414.69) (400.15) (660.71) (164.31) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2075 Purch Svcs - Training Courses (295.00) (150.00) (0.00) (100.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2080 Purch Svcs - Conferences (2,542.93) (0.00) (2,599.60) (568.86) (3,610.19) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2085 Purch Svcs - Subscriptions/Memberships (85.00) (25.00) (205.00) (25.00) (25.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5300 2090 Purch Svcs - Printing & Binding (98.55) (110.00) (82.50) (400.00) (640.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5350 2215 Interfund Svc Exp - Wrkrs Comp Svcs (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5500 2420 Maintenance & Repair - Office Equipment (1,295.00) (1,190.00) (576.00) (1,131.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5600 2500 Materials & Supplies - Office (2,823.53) (2,328.28) (2,071.92) (1,988.62) (2,000.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5600 2535 Materials & Supplies - Clothing/Dry Goods/Linens (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5700 2700 Equipment - Office (1,361.30) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (1,220.00) 002 5 1190 * * 5700 2750 Equipment - Safety (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) (0.00) * 5 1190 * * * * Total Expenditures - Permit Coordination (323,613.82) (314,769.48) (303,387.74) (294,625.89) (246,254.03) Permit Fee Analytics Inspections Fiscal Year Record Type Records Created Permits Issued Completed Revenue Collected 2024-2025 (YTD 4/30/25) All Records 3296 3219 6846 $3,753,506 Commercial Projects 289 289 1758 $2,026,805 Residential Projects 492 511 2146 $698,870 Standalone Permits 2400 2331 2930 $1,024,528 Event Permits 43 27 7 $1,777 2023-2024 All Records 3640 3724 7063 $2,458,593 Commercial Projects 256 233 1667 $920,458 Residential Projects 463 445 2004 $369,939 Standalone Permits 2835 2963 3349 $1,162,379 Event Permits 49 40 19 $3,314 2022-2023 All Records 3073 3278 7610 $4,925,683 Commerical Projects 320 279 2120 $3,548,186 Residential Projects 401 529 2862 $479,305 Standalone Permits 2284 2431 2608 $891,339 Event Permits 43 26 8 $1,852 2021-2022 All Records 3320 3876 8181 $2,422,945 Commercial Projects 301 322 2398 $985,512 Residential Projects 562 838 3321 $743,484 Standalone Permits 2378 2648 2444 $690,897 Event Permits 52 42 1 $2,159 2020-2021 All Records 3229 5757 6180 $3,405,361 Commercial Projects 292 472 1746 $1,961,727 Residential Projects 690 1659 2362 $784,437 Standalone Permits 2168 3562 3045 $656,070 Event Permits 58 50 14 $3,126 November 2019- June 2020 All Records 1684 2768 3842 $1,505,272 Commercial Projects 172 235 1125 $433,220 Residential Projects 398 941 1822 $608,733 Standalone Permits 997 1557 844 $461,488 Event Permits 37 35 3 $1,830 BUILDING DEPARTMENT PROPOSED BUILDING PERMIT FEE CHANGES UPDATED PRESENTATION – 04/16/2025 BUILDING DEPARTMENT CURRENT PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE ALL FEES BASED ON COST OF CONSTRUCTION EXCEPT WHERE OTHERWISE STATED Permit Current Fee Schedule Single Family and Multifamily Residential Permits $22 for the first $1000 in value plus $11for each additional $1000 or part thereof Commercial and Industrial Structures Permits $18 per $1000 in value or part thereof Separate Permits $5 or each $100 in value up to $1000 plus $11 for each additional $1000 Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Sprinklers, Chimneys and Fireplaces Demolition Permits 4% of the actual cost of demolition State Education fee not applicable Permits for Wood Stoves $55 each Permits for Fuel Tanks $55 each with a capacity of more than 660 gallons or less $83 each with a capacity of more than 660 gallons but less than 2000 gallons $110 each with the capacity of 2000 gallons or more Permits for Signs $11 ten square feet or less $11 for the first ten square feet plus $0.55 for each additional square foot or part thereof Pool Permits $55 for the first $1000 in value plus $11 for each additional $1000 or part thereof. Certificates of Occupancy & Approval $28 • State Education Fee of $0.26 per $1000.00 of estimated construction value added to all applications except where indicated. • State Education Fee subject to change as directed by the State of Connecticut  REVISED BUILDING DEPARTMENT PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL FEE REDUCED FROM $20 TO $16 PER $1000 VALUE PROPOSED PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE PROPOSED COMMERCIAL FEE INCREASED TO $23 FROM $20 PER $1000 VALUE Permit Proposed Fee Schedule Single Family and Multifamily Residential Permits $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $16 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Commercial and Industrial Structure Permits $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $23 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Separate Permits $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $16 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Sprinklers, Chimneys and Fireplaces Demolition Permits $100 Application fee plus 5% of the actual cost of demolition State Education fee not applicable Permits for Wood Stoves $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $16 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Permits for Fuel Tanks $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $16 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Permits for Signs $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $23 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Pool Permits $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $16 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Tent Permits $100 Event Permit Inspection Fee $250 Carnivals, Circuses, or similar types of event Certificates of Occupancy, Certificates of Approval Included in Permit Fee • First $100 due at time of application processing. • State Education Fee of $0.26 per $1000.00 of estimated construction value added to all applications except where indicated. • State Education Fee subject to change as directed by the State of Connecticut • For any specific fees not accounted for, the general permit fee will apply; based on estimated project cost BUILDING DEPARTMENT AUXILIARY FEES AND REFUNDS Current Fee Proposed Fee Renewal Fees 20% of original permit fee $250 Residential Project Permits Plus $28 certificate fee if not part of original fee $500 Commercial Project Permits $50 All Separate Permits Permit Fee Refunds 80% of the fee paid $100 Application fee non-refundable Applications withdrawn prior to start of any work. Written request required within one year of application. 80% of the fee paid Applications withdrawn prior to start of any work. Written request required within one year of application. Investigative Fees $0.00 $200 After-Fact permit research, closeouts, Plus any additional permit fees as required unpermitted construction reviews. State Licensing Approval Fee $0.00 $50 Required inspections and approvals required by the State for day care facilities, repair garages, or similar businesses. REVISED BUILDING DEPARTMENT PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL FEE REDUCED FROM $20 TO $16 PER $1000 VALUE FEE CHANGE EXAMPLES PROPOSED COMMERCIAL FEE INCREASED TO $23 FROM $20 PER $1000 VALUE Permit Current Fee Proposed Fee Single Family Residential Project Permit $5000 Value $94 $164 $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $16 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Single Family Residential Project Permit $10,000 Value $149 $244 $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $16 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Single Family Residential Project Permit $100,000 Value $1,139 $1684 $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $16 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Commercial Project $50,000 Value $928 $1,227 $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $23 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Commercial Project $100,000 Value $1,828 $2,377 $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $23 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Commercial Project $1,000,000 Value $18,028 $23,077 $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $23 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Separate Permits $1000 Value $78 $100 $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $16 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Separate Permits $5000 Value $122 $164 $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $16 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Sign Permits 60 Sq. Feet $950 Construction Value $38.50 $100 Sign Permits 357 Sq. Feet $75,000 Construction Value $201.85 $1,802 $100 Application fee (includes the first $1000 in value) plus $23 for each additional $1000 or part thereof Example Totals 22,606.35 $30,890 Additional Fee Income: $8,283.65 Fees shown do not include the State Education Fee of $0.26 per $1000.00 of estimated construction value. CURRENT PERMIT FEE COMPARISONS ADDITIONAL COMPARISONS – SIMILAR POPULATIONS City/Town Residential Fees Residential Example Commercial Fees Commercial Example $10,000 Value $100,000 Value (Includes CO fee if separate) (Includes CO fee if separate) Danbury $22 first $1000 in value $149 $18 per $1000 in value $1828 Population 86,254 $11 for each additional $1000 $28 Certificate Fee $28 Certificate of Occupancy Fee New Britain $35 first $1000 in value $238 $35 first $1000 in value $1678 Population 74,080 $25 second $1000 in value $25 second $1000 in value $15 for each additional $1000 $15 for each additional $1000 Same fee schedule $25 per $1000 for first $2000 in value $25 per $1000 for first $2000 in value residential/commercial plus $1 for each additional $1000 in value plus $1 for each additional $1000 in value Certificate of Occupancy Fee Certificate of Occupancy Fee $25 Flat Fee Certificate of Approval $25 Flat Fee Certificate of Approval West Hartford $32 first $1000 in value $190 $32 first $1000 in value $1720 Population 63,969 $17 for each additional $1000 $17 for each additional $1000 $5 Certificate of Occupancy $5 Certificate of Occupancy Same fee schedule residential/commercial CURRENT PERMIT FEE COMPARISONS City/Town Residential Fees Residential Example Commercial Fees Commercial Example $10,000 Value $100,000 Value (Includes CO fee if separate) (Includes CO fee if separate) Danbury $22 first $1000 in value $149 $18 per $1000 in value $1828 Population 86,254 $11 for each additional $1000 $28 Certificate Fee $28 Certificate Fee Norwalk $18 per $1000 in value $205 $20 per $1000 in value $2050 Population 92,458 $25 Certificate Fee $50 Certificate Fee $50 first $1000 in value $325 $50 first $1000 in value $2575 Waterbury $25 for each additional $25 for each additional Population 114,990 $50 Certificate Fee $50 Certificate Fee Hartford $50 first $1000 in value $445 $50 first $1000 in value $3145 Population 119,262 $30 for each additional $1000 $30 for each additional $1000 $125 Certificate of Occupancy $125 Certificate of Occupancy $50 Certificate of Approval $50 Certificate of Approval New Haven $27 first $1000 in value $320 $35 first $1000 in value $3550 Population 135,319 $27 for each additional $1000 $35 for each additional $1000 $50 Certificate of Occupancy $55 Certificate of Occupancy $30 Certificate of Approval $35 Certificate of Approval $13 per $1000 in value $155 $16.50 per $1000 up to $1million value $1725 Stamford $25 Certificate Fee $25.00 per $1000 over $1million value Population 136,4806 $75 Certificate Fee Bridgeport $40 less than $500 in value $455 $40 less than $500 in value $3155 Population 148,028 $60 $500 - $1000 in value $60 $500 - $1000 in value $30 for each additional $1000 $30 for each additional $1000 $125 Certificate Fee $125 Certificate Fee  PROPOSED PERMIT FEE COMPARISONS RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROJECT PERMITS Danbury Danbury Current Proposed New West Waterbur New Bridgepor Permit Type Fees Fees Britain Hartford Norwalk y Hartford Haven Stamford t Residential Project Permit $5000 Value $94 $164 $130 $105 $115 $200 $295 $185 $90 $305 Residential Project Permit $10,000 Value $149 $244 $238 $190 $10 $325 $445 $320 $155 $455 Single Family Residential Project Permit $100,000 Value $1,139 $1,684 $1,972 $1,703 $1,807 $2,575 $3,145 $2,750 $1,325 $3,155 Commercial Project $50,000 Value $928 $1,227 $878 $853 $1,050 $1,325 $1,645 $1,805 $900 $1,655 Commercial Project $100,000 Value $1,828 $2,377 $1,678 $1,720 $2,050 $2,575 $3,145 $3,555 $1,725 $3,155 Commercial Project $1,000,000 Value $18,028 $23,077 $16,078 $17,020 $20,050 $25,075 $30,145 $35,055 $16,575 $30,155 Fees include Certificate of Occupancy Fee Fees do no include State Education Fee of $ .26 Per $1000  ORDINANCE CITY OF DANBURY, STATE OF CONNECTICUT CITY COUNCIL 2025 Be it ordained by the City Council of the City of Danbury: That Section 6-21 of Code of Ordinances of Danbury, Connecticut is hereby amended, which said section reads as follows: Sec. 6-21. - Amendment of State Building Code. (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Value of work, actual cost of the work and actual cost of demolition mean and include the entire cost to the owner of construction, alteration, repair or demolition and shall include the value of all materials and labor used. (b) Fees generally. (1) In accordance with the provisions of section 108.2 of the State Building Code, before receiving a building permit the owner or his agent shall pay a fee in accordance with the following schedule and based on the value of the work to be performed: Valuation of Work Fee For single-family and multifamily One hundred dollars ($100.00)* Application residential structures below one thousand Fee. dollars ($1,000.00) in value One hundred dollars ($100.00) Application Fee (includes the first one thousand dollars One thousand dollars ($1,000) and above ($1,000.00) in value) plus twenty sixteen dollars ($1620.00) for each additional one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or part thereof* One hundred dollars ($100.00) Application Fee (includes the first one thousand dollars For commercial and industrial structures ($1,000.00) in value) plus twenty two dollars ($220.00) for each additional one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or part thereof * For separate permits, available at the option One hundred dollars ($100.00) Application Fee of the owner, covering mechanical, (includes the first one thousand dollars electrical, plumbing, heating and air ($1,000.00) in value) plus twenty sixteen  conditioning, sprinklers, chimneys and dollars ($1620.00) for each additional one fireplaces, and similar isolated work thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or part thereof * * Except that the fee for all residential and commercial structures located in the Downtown Revitalization Zone as specified in section 7.F. of the City of Danbury Zoning Regulations shall be reduced by fifty (50) percent. Any State fees shall not be reduced. No application for a building permit shall be processed without payment of the foregoing fees. If after the filing of an application for a building permit a change is made to the scope of the work to be performed which affects the value of the work, a new fee shall be calculated. Any increase in the fee shall be paid prior to the issuance of a building permit unless a building permit has already been issued, in which case said increased fee shall be paid prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Any decrease in the fee resulting from a change in the work shall be refunded in accordance with the provisions of subsection (e) of this section. (2) The fee established in subsection (b)(1) of this section shall cover the eight (8) inspections specified herein or so many thereof as are required or applied for on any particular project. Required inspections, to the extent applicable, include: a. Footing inspections. b. Footing drains and waterproofing. c. Rough electrical. d. Rough plumbing. e. Framing. f. Insulation. g. Gas or oil burner. h. Final; including, but not limited to, electrical, plumbing, fire divisions and exits. Additional inspections shall be performed for an additional fee of thirty-three fifty dollars ($50.00) ($33.00) per inspection. Each separate trip to the site shall be deemed to be a separate inspection. Such additional fees shall be due and payable prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. The holder of a valid building permit may request that some or all of the foregoing inspections be performed outside of normal business hours. The Building Official may authorize performance of such inspections outside of normal business hours if appropriate personnel are available to provide such service. No certificate of occupancy shall be issued to any permit holder for whom inspections have been performed outside of normal business hours until the permit holder has paid a fee to cover the additional expense incurred by the city in connection with such inspections. All such fees shall be in an amount equal to the wages paid to personnel performing said inspections. (c) Additional fees. Before receiving a permit or certificate for the following uses or for the conduct of any of the following activities, the owner or his agent shall pay the fee prescribed below: Type of Permit or Certificate Fee One hundred dollars ($100.00) Application Fee (1) Demolition permits (includes the first one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) in value) plus 5% of the actual cost of demolition (2) Permits for the moving of Two hundred seventy-five dollars ($275.00) per buildings building One hundred dollars ($100.00) Application Fee (includes the first one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) in (3) Permits for wood stoves value) plus twenty sixteen dollars ($1620.00) for each additional one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or part thereof. (4) Permits for tanks One hundred dollars ($100.00) Application Fee (includes the first one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) in All size capacities value) plus twenty sixteen dollars ($1620.00) for each additional one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or part thereof (5) Permits for signs One hundred dollars ($100.00) Application Fee (includes the first one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) in Any size value) plus twenty two dollars ($220.00) for each additional one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or part thereof One hundred dollars ($100.00) Application Fee (includes the first one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) in (6) Pools value) plus twenty sixteen dollars ($1620.00) for each additional one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or part thereof One hundred dollars ($100.00) Application fee plus (7) Residential Tent Fee any other applicable fees as required (8) Event Permit Inspection Fee. Carnival, Circus, or similar type of Two hundred Fifty dollars ($250.00) event (9) Certificate of Occupancy Included in Permit Fees (10) Certificate of approval. For all completed work that requires a building permit but does not require a certificate of occupancy. Such work shall include, but not be limited to: fences over six (6) feet in Included in Permit Fees height; retaining walls over three (3) feet in height; and electrical, plumbing and mechanical repairs or alterations performed in the absence of additional work that requires a certificate of occupancy. (d) Exemptions. (1) Demolition performed by, or on behalf of, any State, Federal or Municipal government shall be exempt from the permit fee requirements of this section.  (2) Artistic or cultural organizations shall be exempt from the permit fee requirements of this section, provided that the work for which a building permit is sought is intended to be used exclusively for carrying out the artistic or cultural activities of the organization. For purposes of this section, the term "artistic or cultural organization" means a nonprofit organization in the State which is exempt from taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as from time to time amended, the primary purpose of which is the participation in, promotion, development, acceptance or appreciation of, artistic and cultural activities which shall include, but are not limited to, music, theater, dance, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, films and allied arts and crafts. In order to be eligible for exemption under this subsection, no officer, member or employee of such organization may receive or, during the calendar year preceding the building permit application, have received any pecuniary profit from the operations of the organization except reasonable compensation for services in effecting its artistic or cultural purposes or as proper beneficiary of the strictly charitable purposes thereof. (e) Refunds. (1) In the event that an application is withdrawn prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant may obtain a refund of eighty (80) percent of the fee paid pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section. Twenty (20) percent of said fee shall be retained to cover the costs associated with application and plan reviews. No such refund may be made unless the applicant shall apply for the refund within one (1) year of the date of application.The first one hundred dollars ($100.00) is non-refundable. In the event that an application is withdrawn prior to the start of any type of work, the applicant may obtain a refund of eighty (80) percent of the remaining permit fee paid pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section. One hundred dollars ($100.00) plus twenty (20) percent of said fee shall be retained to cover the costs associated with application and plan reviews. No such refund may be made unless the applicant shall apply for the refund within one (1) year of the date of application. (2) In the event of a change in the work which results in a reduction of the fee required pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section, the applicant may obtain a refund of eighty (80) percent of said fee. Twenty (20) percent of said fee shall be retained to cover the costs associated with application and plan reviews. No such refund may be made unless the applicant shall apply for the refund within one (1) year of the date of application.In the event of a change in the work which results in a reduction of the fee required pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section, the applicant may obtain a refund of eighty (80) percent of said fee less the one hundred dollars ($100.00) application fee. One hundred ($100.00) plus twenty (20) percent of said fee shall be retained to cover the costs associated with application and plan reviews. No such refund may be made unless the applicant shall apply for the refund within one (1) year of the date of application.  (3) In accordance with the provisions of the State Building Code, any building permit issued by the Building Official shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within six (6) months after issuance of the permit. In the event of the expiration of a permit in accordance with the foregoing, the permittee may obtain a refund of eighty (80) percent of the fee paid pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section. Twenty (20) percent of said fee shall be retained to cover the costs associated with application and plan reviews. No such refund may be made unless the permittee shall apply for the refund within one (1) year of the date of issuance of the permit.In accordance with the provisions of the State Building Code, any building permit issued by the Building Official shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within six (6) months after issuance of the permit. In the event of the expiration of a permit in accordance with the foregoing, the first one hundred dollars ($100.00) is non-refundable. The permittee may obtain a refund of eighty (80) percent of the remaining permit fee paid pursuant to the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this section. One hundred dollars ($100.00) plus twenty (20) percent of said fee shall be retained to cover the costs associated with application and plan reviews. No such refund may be made unless the permittee shall apply for the refund within one (1) year of the date of issuance of the permit. (f) Renewal. (1) In accordance with the provisions of the State Building Code, any building permit issued by the Building Official shall become invalid if the authorized work is not commenced within six (6) months after the issuance of the permit, or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of six (6) months after the time of commencing the work. In the event of the expiration of a building permit in accordance with the foregoing, the permittee may make application for the renewal of the permit upon payment of the fee required hereunder. (2) The fee for the renewal of a building permit pursuant to the provisions of this subsection shall be equal to twenty (20) percent of the original permit fee or the difference between the original permit fee and the permit fee which would otherwise be paid for a new permit issued at the time of the renewal, whichever is greater. No building permit may be renewed more than twice pursuant to the provisions of this section. Renewal Fee Single family and multifamily Two hundred fifty Dollars ($250.00) residential structures Commercial and industrial structures Five hundred dollars ($500.00) Separate permits Fifty dollars ($50.00) (g) Investigative Research  Investigative Research Fee After-fact permit research including Two hundred dollars ($200.00) but not limited to permit status, inspections, closeouts, unpermitted construction review. (Code 1961, § 6-02; Ord. of 8-28-1961; Ord. of 11-9-1961; Ord. of 10-4-1962; Ord. No. 26, 1-7- 1965; Ord. No. 122, 12-5-1967; Ord. No. 176, 5-2-1972; Ord. No. 266, 2-3-1981; Ord. No. 297, 5-3-1983; Ord. No. 317, 6-4-1985; Ord. No. 368, 9-7-1988; Ord. No. 384, 2-6-1990; Ord. No. 419, 6-4-1991; Ord. No. 429, 11-7-1991; Ord. No. 525, 3-4-1997; Ord. No. 528, 3-4-1997; Ord. No. 544, 5-2-2000; Ord. No. 559, 5-15-2001; Ord. No. 5770, 5-7-2002; Ord. No. 608, 4-6-2004; Ord. No. 719, § 6-02, 11-19-2012; Ord. No. 10, 5-6-2014) State Law reference— State building code, C.G.S. § 29-251 et seq.