House Committee approves House Bill 1430 raising permit fees for Union County

The Private Acts Committee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss and vote on several legislative proposals, including House Bill 1436 and House Bill 1430.

House Bill 1436 was passed unanimously, with ten votes in favor and none opposed. This bill's specifics were not detailed in the transcript, but its swift approval indicates broad support among committee members.

The committee then turned its attention to House Bill 1430, introduced by Chairman Powers. This bill proposes a significant change to the building permit fee structure in Union County. The current fee for residential construction is set at $225, while the new proposal would increase this fee to $450 for commercial construction. Additionally, the bill recalculates the fee based on square footage, setting it at $2.50 per square foot for both residential and commercial projects. The last adjustment to these fees occurred in February 2005, making this proposed increase notable after a two-decade gap.

During the discussion, committee members sought clarification on how the new revenue from these fees would be allocated. Chairman Powers confirmed that the funds would primarily support the property assessor's office, although he noted that excess revenue might contribute to the county's general fund in some cases.

Questions were raised about whether other counties utilize a similar fee structure based on square footage rather than a flat fee. Chairman Powers indicated uncertainty about the practices of other counties but suggested that many typically rely on flat fees, which may require periodic adjustments.

The meeting concluded with a clear direction for the proposed changes, emphasizing the need for updated fee structures to reflect current economic conditions and construction costs. The committee's actions signal a proactive approach to local governance and fiscal responsibility in Union County.