Baxter To Update Building Permit Fees, In Line With Surrounding Areas

The City of Baxter adopted the first reading of a new ordinance updating its building permit fee codes.

With considerable upcoming construction in Baxter, City Attorney Shawn Fry told the board of aldermen Thursday night that the current code is extremely outdated. That code was passed in 2012.

“If you have a 2,000 square foot home with an attached garage, which is a 400 square foot garage, a 20-by-20 garage, your total fees would be $720 for a permit fee,” Fry said. “And you are lower than everybody else surrounding you.”

Fry said the updated code would keep costs in line with Cookeville, Algood and the county. In keeping the cost per square foot similar to surrounding areas, Fry side this would prevent contractors from potentially building in the county instead of Baxter for a different price.

The new ordinance would put Baxter in line with the International Code Council, and permits would have a six-month expiration.

Mayor John Martin said he wanted to make it clear that they weren’t trying to simply up the price to make more money.

“We’re not out to increase these fees and hurt our developers,” Martin said. “We’re not out to do that. What Shawn has shown us and has really spent all week on trying to come to a resolution to go up on these and to keep all the contractors feeling okay about it.”

Baxter also approved to authorize Mayor John Martin to enter into a contract for its CDBG project to improve the sewer system. With four bids, they went with the lowest from John T. Hall Construction for some $440,851.

Martin also notified the alderman that Taco Bell had edited their draft drawing, and will now only have one lane for drive-thru.

Baxter’s Planning Commission will look into new landscaping requirements for multi-family, commercial and industrial use. Currently, Baxter does not have an enforceable ordinance of this nature.

Building inspector Bob Lane said that ordinance would require any new building to have a strip next to the building for landscape.

“Aesthetically, this is something we absolutely need to do,” Lane said. “It makes the value of the property worth more so the person that owns the property they’re doing better. It certainly makes our town look a lot better, just don’t look as commercial-looking and so cold.”

UCDD representative Tommy Lee said that in addition to helping with property value, it will also help with draining. Lane said that as of right now, they don’t have hard numbers for what percent of the build needs to have landscaping.

The requirements will grandfather in any current building that falls under its jurisdiction.