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First Reading and Possible Adoption of Ordinance to Amend the 2026 Building and Construction Permit Fees of the Village of Oak Park
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Introduction
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Staff is recommending amending the 2026 Building and Construction Permit Fee Schedule as referenced in Article 8 of the Village Code.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On September 30, 2025 the Village Board approved annual increases for construction permit fees and zoning application fees.
• The Village Board has reviewed such fees annually since 2016.
Background
There are two initiatives regarding this fee schedule update:
1. Elevator registration and inspection/testing fees.
When staff presented, what is now the current fee schedule, contract increases for elevator services were unknown. On December 9, 2025 the Village Board approved an agreement with Thompson Elevator for elevator plan review and inspection services. Thompson, who was the lowest responsible bidder and the previous contractor, presented an increase in their inspection and testing fee, which had not been increased for several years. Thompson invoices the Village for each inspection and testing. The Village then pays Thompson for their services. In order to be solvent on elevator invoicing fees, the Village of Oak Park needs to increase fees for each elevator owner in line with Thompson’s fee schedule. The inspection fee is the same cost to the elevator owner as the invoice amount to the Village of Oak Park. The proposed registration fee is a Village administration fee to offset processing applications and administering renewal notices.
2. Non-compliance fees.
The amended fee schedule also reflects non-compliance fees staff consider necessary to help alleviate persistent issues revolving around work being conducted without permits, unsafe conditions, and contractors or homeowners continuing to work when a Stop Work Order has been posted. These fees are intended to be a deterrent to performing work that is not authorized.
Timing Considerations
Annual elevator registrations and inspections begin in March. Adoption of the amendment would allow for fees to be implemented for the renewal cycle of certifications. It may take up to 6 weeks to modify and test the proposed fees in VillageView.
Budget Impact
The elevator registration fee would bring in approximately $19,000 in revenue annually. The other additional fees would bring in revenue but would be dependent on the number of violations, which will vary.
Operating Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the amended fee schedule.
Advantages:
• This action allows a registration fee to be charged to offset the time and resources required to oversee the elevator program.
• Non-compliance fees should help encourage voluntary compliance.
Disadvantages:
• An additional fee of $50 will impact those who have to or will install elevators.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can elect to leave the fees as adopted in September 2025.
Advantages:
• This action would not impact changes to VillageView.
Disadvantages:
• Elevators would remain free from registration cost. If there are no compliance fees, then it would not support or promote voluntary compliance.
Anticipated Future Actions
No foreseeable Board action is required until September 2026 for the Annual Review of Construction Permit Fees.
Prepared By: Sean Lintow Sr, Chief Building Official/ Permits & Development Manager
Reviewed By: Craig Failor, Development Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Ordinance
2. 2026 Construction Fee Schedule - Redline
3. Amended Fee Schedule (Full)
4. Amended Chapter 7 Article 8 Fees
5. Fee Schedule - Redline
6. Amended Fee Schedule and Credits (Full)