What Are Building Control Fees?
Building a new property or carrying out significant renovations can be an exciting and daunting task in equal measure. However, one aspect that is often overlooked until the last minute is building control fees. These charges are essential to ensure your project complies with relevant regulations and standards, but they can also seem confusing and complex for first-time builders. In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly what building control fees are, why you need to pay them, and how much you can expect to spend so that you’re fully prepared for your next construction project!
What are Building Control Fees?
Building control fees are a specific type of real estate tax levied on the purchase, development, or renovation of real estate. The fee is assessed by local jurisdictions and varies based on location. Fees vary in amount, but are typically based on the size and scope of the project.
Typically, building control fees are assessed at a rate of 1% to 2% of the total construction cost. There is no limit to how much a municipality may charge for these fees, and they can be assessed even if the construction project does not result in an increase in municipal taxes.
What are the benefits of building control fees?
Building control fees are a fee that homeowners can pay to have their building inspected and maintained by government officials. The benefits of paying these fees include ensuring that the structure is in good condition, protecting residents from potential disasters, and promoting safety. Additionally, building control fees can help promote uniformity in construction practices across an area and discourage unsafe or illegal construction.
How to calculate building control fees?
When planning any construction project, it’s important to factor in the cost of building control fees. These fees are levied by local municipalities and can add up quickly when dealing with multiple permits. Here’s a guide on how to calculate these fees:
1) Determine the total square footage of the project: This is simply the total amount of floor space being constructed multiplied by the number of feet in a square inch.
2) Multiply this figure by $75 per thousand square feet: This is the standard fee charged by most municipalities for building control services.
3) Add this amount to the total cost of materials and supplies used in the project: This will include items such as lumber, nails, and electrical wiring.
4) Deduct any rebates or tax breaks that may be available: If you’re eligible for a tax break, for example, you’ll need to subtract that amount from the TOTAL Cost of Materials & Supplies.
5) Finally, multiply this figure by .25%: This is the standard charge for building permit processing by municipal governments.
What is the difference between building control and zoning fees?
Building control fees are a type of tax levied in many municipalities across the United States. These fees are assessed on properties that fall within specific zoning districts and regulations. Typically, these fees are used to cover the costs associated with administering the zoning ordinance, such as personnel salaries and expenses.
Zoning is a law that regulates the use of land in an area by classifying it into different categories based on its intended use. There are six main zoning types in the United States: agricultural, commercial, residential, manufacturing, institutional, and transportation/parking. Each type has specific regulations governing how it can be used and how much development is allowed.
Building control fees help to offset the costs associated with enforcing zoning ordinances. Whenever a property changes hands or undergoes any sort of significant alteration, the municipality will require documentation of all applicable building codes and permits. This process can be expensive for both the property owner and municipality alike.
By charging building control fees on properties within designated zoning districts, municipalities can generate revenue that helps to cover these costs. This means that homeowners who live in zones where building control fees are imposed generally pay more for their municipal services than those who live in zones without such fees.
Conclusion
Building control fees are a common fee charged by building inspectors. They are used as a way to cover the costs associated with performing inspections and ensuring that buildings comply with relevant codes and regulations. Fees vary depending on the municipality, but in general they range from around $50-$500 per inspection.
