Missoula County building permit fee increase discussed

SWAN VALLEY - Missoula County Building and Development Programs Manager Nicole Whyte along with Missoula County Commissioner Juanita Vero attended the Swan Valley Community Council meeting March 2. Whyte informed the more than 20 attendees about the proposed increase to the County building permit program fees. The attendees brought up suggestions, criticisms and frustrations with County taxes.

Whyte said that the 2018 building codes that the state adopted Dec. 7, 2019 went into effect in the County March 7.

Whyte explained the reasons for raising the permit fees by approximately 15 percent include losing some revenue to the City of Missoula because of recent annexations and increased operating cost due to new hiring. She added that permit fees are the only way to fund the building permit program and the fees have not increased since 2011. Montana law states the Program may only keep one-year reserve as a rainy-day fund.

Those in attendance agreed that even though the Swan generates a lot of money for the County, they are the last to be consulted when fees and/or taxes are raised.

Swan Valley resident Marcia Tapp said, “We are an afterthought, we are disrespected. The government should learn to live within its budget.”

Resident Grace Siloti suggested that it be put on a ballot instead of a meeting in Missoula at 2 p.m. during the week which working people can’t attend. “People have no voice. “

Siloti suggested the department find someone in the valley to do the inspecting to save money.

Council member Lacey McNutt said, “The problem is that you are making it too expensive to build. [People will build in other counties where the fees don’t exist or are lower and] we will no longer be paying for building permits. Your rainy-day fund will go quick. “

Local contractor Rollie Matthew said it is a large jump in fees and it seems to create more office people and less inspectors requiring more time to get anything done. “When private business slows down somebody goes home. But they increase the fees to have more workers.”

Whyte responded to questions from those in attendance.

Why do I need a permit from you to build on my property? It is state law. We enforce the code adopted by the state. It helps protect public safety.

Will permits applied for before the 2018 codes and increased fees were adopted comply with the original? Yes, permit holders retain the original codes and fees.

Public comments will be accepted regarding the building permit fee increase at the hearing March 12 at 2 p.m. The commissioners will then decide whether or not to increase the building permit fee.

Visit https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/public-works/public-works/building-division for more information and the fee schedule. Look under the “News” section.

Comments can be mailed to the Missoula County Commissioners, 199 W. Pine St .; Missoula, MT 59802 or to bcc@missoulacounty.us ; or call 406-258-4877. Comments will be accepted until the hearing March 12.

In other business, SVCC chair Ken Donovan shared information about a home repair and rehab no-interest loan that is available to those who qualify. It is offered through the Human Resource Council. For more information contact Eric Childress at 406-532-8247.

Vero addressed the issue about the poor condition of Highway 83 which could not be answered by her or Whyte as it is the concern of the Montana Department of Transportation. She said she wanted to discuss the issue at a later date.

“This commission cares and is committed to better communication through more informational meetings.” Vero said.

The next SVCC monthly meeting will be April 21 at 6 p.m. at the Swan Valley Community Hall.