During the recent Board of Supervisors Worksession in Nottoway County, discussions centered on proposed changes to permit fees for construction and renovation projects, aiming to simplify budgeting for contractors and potentially increase revenue for the county.

The current structure involves a base fee of $60 plus a charge per thousand dollars of work. However, officials are considering shifting to a flat fee of $100 per trade permit, which would streamline the process for contractors who often need to estimate their annual permit costs. This change would mean that for new construction involving multiple trades—such as plumbing, electrical, and mechanical—contractors would pay $100 for each trade, totaling $300 for three trades.

This proposal is in line with practices in neighboring Amelia County, which also utilizes a flat fee for trade permits. The goal is to make it easier for contractors to budget their expenses without the complexity of calculating costs based on project value or square footage.

While the flat fee approach may simplify the permitting process, there are concerns about potential revenue loss, particularly from renovations. The current model charges based on the value of the work, which could yield higher fees for larger projects. Transitioning to a flat fee or a price per square foot could reduce income from smaller renovation projects, which typically do not reach the scale of new construction.

The Board is weighing these options carefully, considering both the financial implications for the county and the ease of compliance for local contractors. As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding a balance that supports community development while ensuring fair revenue generation for the county's needs.