Duluth City Council looks at lower building permit costs for flood recovery

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The Duluth City Council convened a special meeting Thursday to take up a measure that would lighten the financial burden on flood victims who need to make repairs to their homes and businesses.

The council received its first formal reading of a resolution that would cut the cost of building permits for flood recovery projects in half. Getting the first reading out of the way Thursday means the measure will be ripe for a vote when the council meets for its regular meeting Monday.

The city is looking into reported flood damage at about 875 buildings in Duluth, said Keith Hamre, director of planning and construction services.

“Many of these folks already are going to face financial challenges, and we would like to help by reducing their building permit costs by 50 percent,” Hamre said.

Assuming the City Council approves the resolution, the reduced permit costs will remain in effect until the end of the year.

Hamre expressed optimism that city staff would be able to keep pace with building permit applications, ensuring that repairs are not delayed.

Tags: city council, news, duluth, money, construction, flood