(a) General. A permit to begin work for new construction, alteration, removal, demolition or other building operation shall not be issued until the fees prescribed in this section have been paid to the Building Department or other authorized City agency, nor shall an amendment to a permit necessitating an additional fee be approved until the additional fee has been paid.
(b) Special Fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or demolition of all work done in connection with or concurrently with the work contemplated by a building permit, shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of other fees that may be prescribed by law or ordinance for water taps, sewer connections, electrical permits, erection of signs and display structures, marquees or other appurtenant structures, or fees for inspection, certificate of use and occupancy or other privileges or requirements, both within and without the jurisdiction of the Building Department.
(c) Fees for Nonclassified Items. Where fees are not specifically provided, they shall be assigned to that classification by the Building Commissioner as determined most reasonable and appropriate.
(d) Fees Based on Valuation. The cost as applicable to permit fees for new buildings, additions, equipment and alterations and repairs to existing buildings and equipment shall be based on the valuation of the buildings, additions, equipment and alterations and repairs. The Building Commissioner shall have the right to verify and correct the estimated cost using generally accepted methods of estimating such as those prescribed by the model code organization, construction data services and similar agencies. Calculation of the fees shall be in accordance with the fee schedules prescribed in Table 1305.05.
(e) Plan Examination Fees. When plans are required, no application for a permit shall be accepted for filing unless the applicant at the time of filing pays the plan examination fee prescribed in Table 1305.05(c). Plan examination fees shall be based on the estimated cost of the work, as shown on the application; shall be in addition to the payment of the regular permit fee and any other fee which may accrue thereafter; and no portion of such plan examination fee shall be refunded.
(f) Plumbing Licensing. Each application for examination, registration or a license for a plumber shall be accompanied by the required fees. No part of any examination fee shall be refunded because of failure of the applicant to undergo the examination or to qualify for a certificate. All registrations and licenses shall expire on December 31 next succeeding the date of issue, and no reduction shall be made for any part of the year elapsed.
(g) Blocking Streets and Sidewalks. The Safety-Service Director shall determine whether permission can be granted for the temporary blocking or use of streets, sidewalks, alleys or other public rights of way or for the purpose of construction, depositing material or placing equipment thereon or for other purposes.
(h) Work Performed on City Right of Way. The permit fee for inspection of work performed on City right of way shall be for inspection only and apply for either new installation or replacement. All material or labor shall be furnished by the contractor.
Where any combination of sidewalk, driveway across City property, curb cut and apron are inspected at the same time, a charge will be made for only that item having the maximum fee. Before a permit is issued, the contractor shall give bond to the City in the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) conditioned to repair paving if improperly laid. A property owner may provide an approved certificate allowing for a lien against the property in lieu of a bond.
(i) Commencing Work Prior to Permit Issuance. Where the work for which a permit is required by NBC is started or proceeded with prior to obtaining such permit, the permit fine hereinafter specified may, at the discretion of the Building Commissioner or the Director of Safety, be imposed at three times the amount of the permit fee, plus the cost of the permit fee. The total cost of the permit shall be the permit fee and the permit penalty. A maximum one thousand dollars ($1,000) penalty may apply. A second offense by the same applicant within any twelve month period may constitute doubling all minimum and maximum penalty fees. The payment of such penalty fees shall not relieve any person from fully complying with the requirements of the NBC in the execution of the work, nor from any other penalty prescribed herein.
(j) Revised and Addendum Plans. In the event substitute or revised plans or an addendum to the original plan is submitted for a building or site on which a permit has been requested, an additional permit shall be obtained for each such change and/or addition. Minor addendum plans that do not alter space or change structural requirements may be charged for the hourly time of review, with a one-half hour minimum.
(k) Expiration and Renewal of Permits. Upon expiration of a permit, no work shall be permitted until the permit is renewed, for which renewal a fee shall be charged based on the cost of the unfinished work.
(l) Cancellation and Refunds. Upon written request, prior to commencement of any work, permits may be canceled by the holder, and part of the permit fee will be refunded in accordance with the fee schedule.
(m) Work Performed by Schools.
(1) "School" for the purpose of this section is defined as any institution regulated by the State Board of Education or the State Department of Education for grade levels K-12 pursuant to the authority granted by Ohio Revised Code Sections 3301.07, 3301.53, and 3301.71.
(2) Schools shall be exempt from paying building or zoning permits fees.
(Ord. 15-2010. Passed 4-13-10.)
(n) Installation of Handicapped Accessible Ramp. The installation of any "handicapped accessible ramp" in the yard of a one-, two-, or three-family house, pursuant to Section 1151.16.1, shall be exempt from building or zoning permit fees, but will be subject to any "Plan Examination Fees" applicable under Section 1305.05(e).
(Ord. 31-2019. Passed 8-13-19.)