e) Building Recap/Overview

Building Department: Operating Overview

2020 Review and 2021 Outlook

2020 Review:

Building activity has remained consistent over the past 5 years in regards to the number of permits issued yearly. We have maintained an average of approximately 400 to 450 issued permits per year over this period. Residential permits remain the predominant factor for these permits. Commercial permit activity was slightly higher in 2020 compared to previous years, industrial activity remained consistent with previous years. We experienced a slight decrease in agricultural permit activity last year compared to the previous five-year average. Budget targets would have been achieved with a small contribution to reserves for 2020, but with the Council approved Cloud Permit building permit software purchase in late 2020. The Department used reserves to make up the shortfall of approximately $10,000.

2021 Outlook:

We are anticipating another busy construction season in all sectors of permit types and expect residential activity to remain strong based on the availability of approved and pending residential land supplies. We have recently filled the two vacant permit clerk/plans reviewer/building inspector positions in anticipation of another busy season. Our new building permit software will be launched and in use in 2021. This software is expected to create efficiencies for both building department staff and clients as applications are filed electronically and permits are issued electronically. As this is a cloud based system, there should be no need for paper hard copies. There is no increase factored into the 2021 and no capital projects are proposed.

In closing, I would note that the North Perth Building Department budget has historically been self sustained by permit and service fees collected and does not impact the overall tax levy.

Respectfully Submitted

Ed Podniewicz CBCO Chief Building Official/Zoning Administrator