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The town’s Chief Building Official presented proposed 2027 fees to the Committee of the Whole recently, following the department’s annual review and an independent analysis by Watson and Associates. Most of Watson’s recommendations have been adopted, with some adjustments made to reflect how permits are actually handled in Carleton Place.
The minimum building permit fee would increase from $130 to $135.
For a typical new home, fees would rise by $200 across the size categories.
A new house under 140 square metres, for example, would go from $3,200 to $3,400.
The fee for adding an additional dwelling unit would increase from $500 to$ 600, while a finished basement would be charged at $260 if it includes plumbing, or $205 without plumbing.
Some smaller projects would also see modest increases. Solar installations would rise from $200 to $250, while detached accessory structures without foundations would increase to $165.
There’s also a new $700 fee for alternative-solution proposals involving large or complex non-residential buildings.
Officials say the changes are intended to recover the cost of providing building services — not maximize revenue.
A public meeting is required before the fees are finalized. Council is expected to ratify the related Fees and Charges By-law October 13th, with the new fees proposed to take effect January 1st, 2027.
Story by Brian Turner
