Mar. 21—The Cumberland County Commission approved an updated fee schedule for the residential and commercial building codes department with a life safety/occupancy inspection fee of $250.

This is the only fee that was changed or added.

Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster explained the previously approved fee schedule for the county's building codes department did not include a fee for the inspection for life safety and fire codes issues. There is an inspection required at times by a third party when property changes hands and a certificate of occupancy is needed. The fee for this is charged to the county.

The schedule of Cumberland County building permit inspection fees is as follows:

Building and project valuation of $1,000 or less — $25.

—$1,000 to $50,000 — $15 for the first $1,000 + $5 for each additional thousand or fraction to and including $50,000.

—$50,000 to $100,000 — $260 for the first $50,000 + $4 for each additional thousand or fraction to including $100,000.

—$100,000 to $500,000 — $460 for the first $100,000 + $3 for each additional thousand or fraction to and including $500,000.

$500,000 and up — $1,660 for the first $500,000 + $2 for each additional thousand or fraction thereof.

Plumbing and mechanical inspection fee — $30 for the first thousand square feet + $15 for each additional square feet or fraction.

Re-inspection fee — $100 per re-inspection after two re-inspections at no charge.

Special plumbing/mechanical license — $50 annually. Cumberland County requires a special plumbing/mechanical license for all plumbers and HVAC contractors. The fee is $50 and must be renewed annually. Projects over $25,000 require a state certified license.

Life safety/occupancy inspection fee — $250.

The county's building codes department began operating in January of this year.

Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster reported the county codes department has issued 78 building permits for residential construction since January of 2024. Foster said that does not include mechanical/HVAC/gas, or plumbing permits. A total of $86,128 in fees has been collected that previously would have gone to the city codes department.

Gary Nelson may be reached at gnelson@crossville-chronicle.com