By Kathi Reichert
Starting next year, the cost to build or remodel in Zionsville will increase slightly. On Oct. 7, the town council voted unanimously to increase the zoning permit fees for all new build and remodels within the Town of Zionsville. This permit fee increase was long overdue according to Wayne DeLong, Director of Planning & Economic Development, as zoning permit fees have remained unchanged since 2001.
“The level of activity around the office has been pretty high, so as to indicate this is sustainable,” DeLong said.
To date, the Town of Zionsville has issued 30 more permits in 2013 than it had at this same time in 2012. Total permits for 2013 are projected to reach 6,421.
Comparisons of the surrounding communities have been taken into account when determining the new fee structure. For example, permit fees for a 2,500 square feet new construction home with a basement will run $1,350 in Fishers, $1,025 in Westfield and $1,106 in Carmel. Historically Zionsville’s fees have been $925; but under the new permit fee structure, this same 2,500 square feet home will cost $1,000 in appropriate permits. Permit costs for an interior remodel or the addition of 400 square feet will run around $410. They are currently $250.
All funds acquired through zoning permits will go toward the general fund. This permit fee increase will apply to all new home and commercial construction, additions and interior remodels over $500. It goes into effect beginning January 2014.
