OJAI : Cost of Some Permits for Builders Will Rise

Developers in Ojai will be paying 30% more for some building permits as the city brings its fee schedule up to date.

The city, which adopted the 1994 Uniform Building Code last week after 1 1/2 years of study, had been using the 1991 code, which had lower fees for most standard building permits and special inspections.

“Our permit process tends to cost less than other cities in Ventura County,” City Manager Andy Belknap said. “There’s also not as much development happening here.”

Adoption of the latest version of the building code could mean lower fees for some permits because it is more specific, planners said.

For example, an architectural review for buildings less than 1,000 square feet will cost $453. Under the old code, the minimum charge for such a review was $814. Also, an over-the-counter sign permit now will cost $75. Under the old code, permits for all signs cost $123.