Fee definition
Reinspection fees are charged when a client is requiring additional inspector visits, for example, by not being ready for a called inspection or failing to correct items on a correction notice. The inspector has authority to determine when this fee is charged. Outside normal hours and overtime inspection fees are charged when an inspection is performed outside of normal work hours at the client’s request or to mitigate the disruption to nearby people or properties. The additional increments is collected to pay for the additional cost for overtime work.
Fee calculation methods
- Reinspection fee: One hour minimum flat fee in addition to the regular inspection fee.
- Outside normal hours inspection fee: Billed at actual time
- Overtime hourly fee, which is higher than the regular hourly rate, is charged by Transportation, Fire and Utility inspectors on hourly billed permit types when the inspection is performed outside of normal work hours.
Availability of inspections outside of normal hours
Inspection supervisors attempt to respond to client requests for inspections outside of normal working hours. However, this type of work is voluntary and if no inspector is available, then the request is denied. If a client requests such inspection and cancels at the last minute or is not prepared for the inspection, the inspection supervisor has authority to deny any future requests.
Reinspection hourly rates
- Minimum fee is one hour.
- Building - $141
- Clearing & Grading - $141
- Electrical - $141
- Fire - $212
- Mechanical - $141
- Plumbing - $141
Outside normal hours
Hours billed at actual time.
- Building - $141 an hour
- Clearing & Grading - $141
- Electrical - $141
- Fire - $212
- Mechanical - $141
- Plumbing - $141
Overtime hourly rates
Hours billed at actual time.
- Transportation overtime hourly rate - $278
- Utilities overtime hourly rate - $232
- Fire overtime hourly rate - $247
Payment methods
Reinspection and outside normal hours fee are due within 5 days of being assessed. These fees can be paid by credit card on the Inspection, Payment, and Status Line at 425-452-6875. Overtime hourly fees are invoiced through the hourly billing system along with the normal inspection fee. You can also pay these fees by calling 425-452-6875.
Delinquent payments
Failure to pay these fees will result in the following actions:
- No additional inspections will be performed until the reinspection fee is paid.
- No final inspection will be performed on a permit that has any outstanding fees.
- No Temporary or Final Certificate of Occupancy will be issued for a project with any outstanding fees on any permit associated with the project.
- An issued permit could be revoked.
- We may refer the unpaid balance to our Legal Department or subsequently to a collection agency for collection. Collection fees in addition to the delinquent payment are due if the fee is sent to a collection agency.
Note
Hourly rates vary between departments based on a number of factors such as cost recovery objectives and fee methodology. Fees are reviewed annually and updated on January 1.