Cobb County is implementing a new fee schedule aimed at revising how permitting fees are assessed for construction projects. Starting July 1, 2024, the cost calculations will transition from being based on job costs to a formula that considers square footage and fixed rates. This change aligns with the mandates of House Bill 461, implementing a restructured financial approach for development and inspection within the jurisdiction.
Time to grab a calculator, because building a new home in Cobb County will now involve some math. As laid out in a recent press release, the permit fees for one-and two-family buildings will hinge on the International Code Council Building Valuation Data. By multiplying the estimated construction cost, pegged at $6.00 per $1,000, by 0.006, homeowners and developers can glean the new amount they will owe. This is according to a Cobb County announcement.
The county's revamp encompasses commercial entities and multifamily residences as well, which will see a slight uptick in the rate set at $7.00 per $1,000 of estimated cost. These fees will undergo yearly reviews against the ICC's published charts to ensure consistent alignment with present-day values. Included in these fees will be plan reviews and necessary building inspections, integral to the proper advancement and adherence to codes of any construction project.
The change has widespread ramifications, particularly for commercial ventures and developers working in the multifamily space. With fee calculations being directly tied to square footage, there may well be a significant variation from past costs. "Building permit fees include Plan Review and Building Inspections," ensures that the due process doesn't get lost in the shuffle of numbers for every type of project, according to the county's recent documentation. Ultimately, the new fee schedule represents a move towards simplification and standardization aimed at bringing clarity and fairness to the development process.
Digging a bit deeper into the details, Cobb County also notes that a single NPDES fee is to be charged per project, but only if the disturbance exceeds one acre. This clarifying note serves as a fiscal reminder to developers planning big projects that could potentially disrupt the earth and its cover more substantially.
